Posted: 5/12/16 | May 12th, 2016
I’ve been a New Yorker for the last three and a half years. At least, as one who travels as much as I do can be called a local anywhere.
I love NYC — the hustle and bustle, the crowds, the variety of food, the cocktail bars, the culture, the theater, and the people! I loved everything about it and, as the center of the travel media world, it was a good place to be professionally.
Yet, as my lease expired and my roommates moved to Boston, I knew I didn’t want to stay longer. I needed to get out of New York. I needed a change. Running around the world makes it hard to create positive routines and habits in your life. They do not go together.
Over the last year or so, I’ve focused on being a better version of me: better sleep, healthier eating, more exercising, and a bunch of other things I won’t mention here. I realized living in NYC makes it hard for me to do that. Environment plays a big role in how we develop and change and my environment in NYC just isn’t good — it was too easy to always go out, attend events, drink, be a glutton, and spend money.
And, as someone who likes to take the easy way out, I need an environment that gives me that structure and forces me to change.
So when it came to deciding to stay or leave, I knew I had to leave — and that Austin was the best choice. I own a hostel in Austin, I have friends and business relations in the city, and I wanted a place that had more outdoor activities and a less workaholic culture.
I don’t believe you can run away from your problems — they follow you anywhere. But, when you are looking to change the habits in your life, the environment you put yourself in is important. You need a place where you can create a lasting foundation. You need to be away from negative triggers.
And people to help you do that.
I love all my friends dearly, but my Austin friends are more the “eat healthy, go to bed early, and workout” type, and I need that right now. It’s like when you are thinking about traveling — if you surround yourself with naysayers, you’re going to internalize what they say.
A supportive and encouraging community is what you need.
And I need someone who is going to shut Netflix off and take me to the gym.
It’s easy to keep on the course you’re going because it’s the path of least resistance. I could have easily stayed in NYC and tried to do everything I want to do there. I might have succeeded.
But I most likely wouldn’t. I know myself and my friends too well — our idea of a good time is not the gym; it’s the steakhouse and a bar.
I’m not done with New York City. I already miss it. My current plan is to be in Austin for a year and then move back to NYC.
Or maybe I won’t. Maybe I’ll stay here — or end up in Paris.
Who knows!
The future is uncertain.
But I do know that I’m looking forward to this new city and adventure. I have an entirely new part of the country to explore and learn about.
And, to me, that’s what being a nomad is all about!
How to Travel the World on $50 a Day
My New York Times best-selling paperback guide to world travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off the beaten path, save money, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC guide the “bible for budget travelers.”
Click here to learn more and start reading it today!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)
Need to book your trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. The are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
Rachael
Matt! Your hostel is walking distance from my house! I’ve wondered for years what that gorgeous building is–can’t believe it’s your hostel! I’m traveling now, and for the next few months, but when my husband and I get back to ATX, we’ll come say hi!
Rachael
Carla
Welcome to Austin!
Natalie
I’ve heard wonderful things about Austin!
Also, I’m much like you. I have to put myself in the right environment to succeed with my goals… though for me, traveling would probably provide me with more exercise, as going to the gym daily is as mind numbing as working a 40 hour week in corporate America. I do love running and walking outside, though, and certainly there are better environments for that than where I am.
May your goals be reached easily and without obstacles! 😀
Ray
Good call, Matt! Like you said, you can always go back to NYC later on if you want to. At least you can now explore more of the United States that you may not be familiar with.
Victorina
Welcome to Texas! Darn. I am from Houston and I already have something scheduled on Saturday but would have loved to meet you and absorb everything that you know. HA!
H
Where else did you consider besides Austin? Wonder what cities are like that…cheap cost of living etc…San Diego, Portland
Kevin James
I thought because of the Spurs.. 🙂 Sadly they lost today.. 🙁
Sarah
Environment is such an important factor for me as well! Even when traveling, my environment plays a huge part in what kind of experience I’ll have & how much I’ll thrive in each place.
Francis
I just read about how Austin made Uber turn tail. Sounds like a good place!
Alana
My husband and I share some of the same thoughts as you. After being abroad for two years, we are also in a place where we need less drinking, more healthy eating and an overall focus on our health. We’re also afraid of falling back into the workaholic lifestyle. We are making conscious career decisions and choosing work that support our interests but we know ultimately that the quality of our lives are up to us.
I wish you well on your transition to Austin.
Jaana
I love that BYOB! Texas is the only place I have bumped in to it!
I will be in San Antonio – Austin -Dallas neighborhood about 14th – 16th of October on our 6 weeks road trip through 16 states (+ Ontario), perhaps I see you on Austin?
NomadicMatt
Thanks everyone for the greetings!
Heywood Jablome
Hey Matt. Have you ever tried eating dehydrated nuts while bushwhacking? I have found that the nuts can be very salty, but an overall good addition to my diet.
Cathy
I think there are phases of life most of us go through- just at different times. I got married, had kids, had a settled life. Now as my kids are getting older I travel more and look forward to slow travel around the world one day. Cheers to new phases, adventure in any form and the unexpected surprises of life!
Ang
Good luck in Austin! Gotta come back for 2bros!
Todd Armstrong
How are you going to stay away from the nightlife in Austin?? Some of the best in the country. Good Luck on your new adventure. Todd
Joy A Lawson
We are taking up where you are leaving off. TRAVELING THE WORLD! We just gave away everything we have collected during a 56 year marriage and have just left Tennessee for 6 weeks with family in Oregon. Then the real traveling begins in Mexico for a month,then London for 3 weeks, then Paris for a 5-day art class, then Ireland for an 8-day art workshop, then a river cruise in Provence before heading to Melbourne Australia for Christmas. In January we go to India for a month. Then who knows where. Your blog has been very helpful. Finding insurance is our quest right now.
Victoria
Congratulations on your hostel and your move Matt!
Austin, Texas sounds like a great place to be, surrounded by positive influences and a healthier lifestyle.
Here’s to you. Cheers & Heigh Ho Silver!!
Will Henderson
Your comment on running away from your problems vs changing your habits is spot on. Austin is on my bucket. Sounds like great people and great atmosphere!
Thanks for the article!
Jesshanie
Every time you post your reflections on how you live your life makes me pause for a while and think about my own. It is really amazing how you write about your experiences and how impactful your words are to your readers. You have been a great influence to many people including myself and I wish that you continue to do so. I wish you all the best on your new journey in Austin, and I look forward to staying at your hostel when I visit that side of the world again.
Continue inspiring people and continue living a healthier life 🙂
Jhes
Kiki
Sorry Hun, 3.5 years doesn’t make you a New Yorker. It means you spent a couple years in your life. For those of us born and raised in this city, the balance you find challenging is a given. NYC is a small town, not a play ground.
Enjoy Austin, I’ve heard lovely things.
Chris
wow I didn’t know you own a hostel, awesome!
Cynthia
I am jealous of your move to Austin. My husband and I have traveled the world and now live between Katy, Texas and near Pau, France. We need the advice from young folks to help us not throw away money to internet, etc. Hope that you are enjoying Austin! It is no longer affordable for us…Sais la vie!
Amanda
Happy to see you’re loving your new home! I made it to Austin in January this year and I think I caught the city on a bad day. It definitely didn’t win me over. I did, however, eat some delicious BBQ! Food always comforts everyone, right?! 🙂
Samantha
Living in a different city than your hometown is something everyone should experience. Plus, it never has to be permanent. I’ve been to Austin before, and I miss the atmosphere you’ve described in your post. Enjoy!
Sam
Man, I loved NYC when I was there from 1999-2001. I was just broke as hell then!
My biggest regret was not buying a place in 2000. It would be worth triple now. Did you ever think about buying 3.5 years ago?
Austin seems like the place to be. Love that there are no state taxes!
Sam
Nicole
Matt,
What did you do about moving? Any best company that is affordable? We are thinking of moving from NYC
gi
Well put, I can totally relate after 14 years of New York livin’..
Diane
I really enjoyed reading this, I moved to Austin to a new development by Express Homes, and so far so good, it’s so different from Idaho which is where I am from. I have always wanted to travel more, where did you like the best? If I can only go one place where do you suggest? Thanks.
Brett
“When a flower doesn’t bloom you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” Good on you for recognizing this and making the decision to move to ATX for a more healthy balance Matt! You say you’re here for a year but be careful, Austiin is addicting! I moved here for “a year or two” and 6+ years later I’m still here, it’s a trap! Haha
NomadicMatt
Austin is the best. I don’t plan to leave!
Great quote btw