NYC to Asbury Park
In early 2005, I met the love of my life in Hoboken, NJ. After no longer being able to afford an apartment in Hoboken, a year later we moved in to our comparably priced UES apartment. Life was good; between the restaurants and theaters, our weeks and weekends were filled. The downfall? Needless to say, our wallets were empty. After a year of working 10+ hours a day to fund this lifestyle, we considered that maybe there was another way to live well without being penniless.
When my significant other suggested we move to Jersey (gasp!), I was without words. I’m an artist; artists and NYC just go together. It was the first time I had considered sacrificing something so important to me. I reluctantly visited Belmar, Point Pleasant, Long Branch and other shore towns. When I drove through Asbury Park, my feelings about Jersey changed. I felt like I belonged – like I was meant to be here. So the ultimatum was made; it was Asbury or Bust!
I do have to admit, Asbury Park and I had a history. in the late 90’s, we came for the shows (from the suburbs of Philly). In 2001, my obsession with abandoned places drew me back. In 2006, the music and arts scene just made sense to me; it was a (granted, small) city with a vibrant art culture. It’s NOT the ‘burbs; its not just a summer part town; it’s a place where I felt my artsy-weirdness (inside my mainstream shell) could be celebrated and thrive.
Asbury Park is a place where people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, or other persuasions can find community and celebrate differences without sacrificing good food and culture. That’s why I’m proud to call it home.
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