Yes, New York City can be expensive, fast-paced, and unpredictable. But, as a mom parenting both a teen and a toddler in the city, I can attest that nothing beats having so much at one’s fingertips while on your parenting journey. The opportunities for creating unique learning experiences (whether you homeschool or not), the easy access to the performing arts, and the overflow of cultural destinations, historical sites, and learning institutions, make New York City a great place for cultivating kids who are compassionate, cultured, and well-adjusted to being immersed in diverse, multicultural spaces.

One of my favorite things about raising kids in the city is that the days aren’t monotonous, and there’s always something new to see or experience. For instance, I can take my toddler to see dinosaur exhibits at The American Museum of Natural History by day, and catch a Broadway musical like Hell’s Kitchen by night with my teenager. Sure, New York City is far from perfect. But there are pros and cons to any city that one chooses to live in. While some choose to harp on the negative, below are six convincing reasons as to why New York City may be a great fit for your family.

1. There are lots of opportunities for exposure to the arts and entertainmentThere's beautiful, colorful street art of Jazz musicians of color on two buildings uptown, in the community of Harlem. the musicians are holding, and playing trumpets.

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Do you or your kids love musical theater, art, and live entertainment? Nothing can compare to New York City’s great offerings of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, Ballet performances, opera shows, and sports entertainment. Places like Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Opera, and The Apollo Theater continually have programming available for adults and families with kids. And for the little ones, there’s The New Victory Theater (one of my favorite places to take my daughter when she was younger! And I look forward to taking my toddler when he’s a pinch older). Children’s museums like The Children’s Museum of Manhattan, Play Street Museum (younger kids), and the Brooklyn Children’s Museum offer fun classes, exhibits, and cultural experiences for kids all year long.

2. Unique cultural benefits of living in New York City A fashionable exhibit at New York City's Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Stylish wardrobe and mannequins line a wall at a show exhibit, as an onlooker observes.

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Picky eater in your family? No problem, because in New York City, there are so many unique places to eat as a family. There are even different neighborhoods, known for their amazing cultural food. From Little Italy and Chinatown, situated downtown, to Harlem and Washington Heights, there are so many unique subcultures that add lots of flavor and flair to the city’s cultural landscape. Places like Sylvia’s Restaurant and Melba’s are known for Southern comfort food, while neighborhoods like Little Italy are known for having amazing, authentic Italian cuisine. And, for those little foodies in the making, places like Sur La Table offer wonderful cooking classes that make for perfect 1-on-1 time with kids.

3. Education and family-friendly amenitiesThere's a vibrant panoramic, wide shot of New York City's "Times Square", and a multitude of people are walking on the streets as yellow cabs and cars move along the busy city streets.

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For older kids and teens, institutions like FIT and The School of Art & Design have unique fashion offerings. And for science lovers (Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute provides free STEM programming for kids and families), these are just a few small examples of the many options available throughout the city. Have a kid who’s all about sports? There are places like Chelsea Piers that have class selections available that range from ice-skating and gymnastics to hockey and basketball, and even trapeze classes. There’s no limit to the endless opportunities available to families who love to learn by actively being involved in many different types of experiences. And, the options for either public or private school are just as diverse as the people who live in New York City. From top independent schools like Horace Mann and Spence, to public schools like Stuyvesant High School and Hunter Elementary, there are many positive possibilities if you’re willing to do the research.

4. The NYC transit system is easy for busy parents to navigateNew York City bus driving through the intersection of 23rd Street and 5th Avenue in Manhattan with the light of sunset shining between the skyline buildings.

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While some families may choose not to take the subway for personal reasons, others can take advantage of being able to navigate the city without having to bother with a car (or car insurance). In busy cities like New York City, catching a yellow cab, Uber, or Black car service is a very easy way to get around the city (though, if our kid is still in the stroller phase, you may want to skip the subway). New York City has a walking culture, and biking is also popular and a great way to stay fit for busy parents. And, there are also dedicated bike lanes throughout the city. Citibike pass, anyone?

5. NYC has a strong career & networking culture for parents

As a global hub for finance, tech, media, fashion, and healthcare, it offers strong career opportunities that help families build professional growth and financial stability. While many discuss the cost of living in New York City, there are also many ways to make connections in the city and build one’s network. Most NYC parents are community-driven and socially savvy, which naturally leads to combining family support with professional opportunities. Organizations such as NYC-Parents In Action, Parents League of New York, and FamilyKind, among many others, offer parents the opportunity to connect on a deeper level about issues that are important to parents and families.

6. The city has fun and unique outdoor spacesA scenic photo of New York City's floating island, "Little Island". The island is well lit and there is a beautiful city skyline in the distance.

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Yes, the skyscrapers in the city are plentiful, but NYC also has amazing parks and outdoor spaces that are fun. There are lots of green spaces like Central Park, Little Island, The High Line, Governor’s Island, and hundreds of playgrounds and waterfront paths. Kids can bike, play sports, explore nature, and attend free outdoor events. Yes, one may argue that some of these things are in the suburbs, but the city is for movers and shakers, and those who don’t mind going against the grain. And, there’s truly something gained for families who want to raise resilient go-getters who are not afraid to take risks, experience people of differing cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds, and who want their kids to be prepared for the real world with their eyes wide open.

In places like New York City, the entire city is truly a classroom. And, while city living isn’t for everyone, places like New York are definitely worth a visit (at least once). Feeling inspired to plan your next New York adventure? Let OIYS build the perfect itinerary for you.