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Justin Timberlake Moves to NYC, We Leave

Posted by Emily Farris

 

Justin Timberlake is moving to New York City. We're moving out. Not because we don't want to be neighbors with JTimb, but because, well, after eight-and-a-half years, we've had enough. At least for a while. 

Case in point: Timberlake just paid $5.25 million for a downtown condo. We just got a 3-bedroom apartment in downtown Kansas City for $750 month. It has a porch and a claw-foot tub and a butler's pantry and a fire place and China cabinets built into the dining room. But the fact that our bed will no longer be our office is not the only reason we're going.

If you'll allow us to switch to the ever-so-personal, "I" and over share for a bit...

The time has come for me to say goodbye to the city I've called home for eight years. I spent the entire Bush administration in New York, and guess what? Now that Barack Obama has been elected President, I'm no longer afraid of the Midwest. Plus, I went home to do promotion for the book and fell in love. I've grown a lot in eight years, and so has Kansas City. I saw buses with bike racks!

When I left at 18, I was fleeing my Meth-ridden hometown of Independence (a suburb of KC) and a foreseeable future as a knocked up bank teller with dark roots and sweat pants. I can safely say I've evaded that path in life and I'm now free to live out my fantasy of residing in an amazing apartment in the urban center of a not so urban place (a place that's constantly changing, for the better).

I'll be using all of my new space to continue my freelance writing career (and my job at Scanner!), and I feel like having more mental and physical space will really open me up to write the things I've wanted to write for a long time.

This is not to say I'm not scared to death. I'm scared of falling off the face of the Earth, and I'm just plain scared to leave. New York sucked me in and promised to never let me go. And that freaked me out; I'm not ready for the lifetime commitment. I certainly don't want to be that lady on the subway (those of you who live in the city know who I'm talking about).

Lucky for me, as Gawker so famously pointed out last year, Kansas City is the new Greenpoint—which is where I currently reside. I will find out if this is true and report back. Who knows? Maybe I'll hate it there and return to the original Greenpoint. But I'm going to give it a year. And I secretly hope I'm starting the movement to New York. Go West, young New Yorkers! 

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Comments

Twolane said:

Good for you! It's always hard to start fresh in a new place, but once the decision is made, the boxes are packed, and the move is in place, half the battle is over. Even though KC might not be a 'new' place for you, it's still a giant step from NYC. Enjoy the ambiance and be happy.

November 14, 2008 4:24 PM

Emily Fans said:

I know I speak for a lot of fans of Scanner Emily, we wish you god speed and the best of everything in your new digs and local.  We look forward to your growing and hope that your writing for Scanner continues for many moons to come.

I for one am glad to see a distinguished writer like you moving West.  I also moved West from your former rival, the guarding State of New Jersey. I am now about 500 miles west of you and enjoying it.  Welcome to the Wild West where everyone lives with space to move about.  Love you Emily

November 14, 2008 4:30 PM

Kelly said:

Welcome back to the midwest, Emily.  It's pretty awesome.  I promise.

November 14, 2008 4:30 PM

Amber said:

Yay! Speaking as a current downtown KC resident, KC is happy to have you back!!

November 14, 2008 4:33 PM

profrobert said:

I hope the change is wonderful for you in all respects.

November 14, 2008 5:27 PM

David said:

There is a lot of life to be lived, even outside of NYC (obviously you know that already!).  Good luck!  Enjoy the slowdown--people like me will eagerly await whatever you write next.

November 14, 2008 6:01 PM

NoNameGirl said:

You're not the only one, Emily. I grew up in NYC and moved West in the spring. I left for some of the same reasons you list, and I was scared to death, too. I'm much happier out here. Congratulations, and don't worry - you'll be fine!

November 14, 2008 6:05 PM

rosie said:

Good luck Emily! Brave move but I like your Obama-reasoning! Just glad to hear you're not quitting on Scanner xx

November 14, 2008 7:20 PM

Emily Fans said:

I know you are going to love KC again.  There is no place like familiar surroundigs and home territory.  The only down side I can think of is that KC also has bugs, but please be assured they are friendly bugs.  Just remember some of them bite.  Welcome back West.  Luv you Emily.

November 15, 2008 1:47 AM

rx2v2x said:

Well, the very best of luck. It's good to hear you'll be staying on here as The Scanner, but I'm not clear. Which Kansas City are you going to? The one in Missouri or the one in Kansas? Not that there's much of a difference.  :-)

November 15, 2008 1:59 AM

Caelarry said:

Emily, they will miss you in NYC. And if Kansas City turns out to be a bummer, you can upgrade and come join us in Cleveland.

November 15, 2008 3:38 PM

JCF said:

The cost of living is definitely cheaper in KC than NYC.  Something you might be interested in is Right Between The Ears, which is a radio show that's kind of like Saturday Night Live, only without the high-profile guests.  It originates out of KC, on KCMO AM 710 at 6PM CT on Saturdays.  (It's also on satellite radio and Kansas Public Radio.  No, I'm not affiliated, except as a listener.)

November 16, 2008 7:44 PM

drkb77 said:

Congrats on the move!! Hope you can find healthy balance in KC.

November 17, 2008 2:55 PM

About Emily Farris

Emily Farris writes about culture and food for numerous publications and websites you've probably never heard of, including her own blog eefers. Her first cookbook, "Casserole Crazy: Hot Stuff for Your Oven" was published in 2008. Emily recently escaped New York and now lives in a ridiculously large apartment in Kansas City, MO with her cat, but just one... so far.

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