Midwest Crisis: Kylie Squiers in Brooklyn
“I knew I always wanted to move out of Nebraska, or the Midwest in general. My main reason is because I’ve always been an adventurer at heart wanting to see and learn more.”
Kylie Squiers moved to Brooklyn from Omaha in July 2021.
She knew she wanted to move out of the Midwest once she graduated college, however, she wasn’t sure where. At the top of her list was California, because of the weather and lack of cold winters.
Her senior year of college, she found out she got into the Multicultural Advertising Internship Program (MAIP), a six month mentorship/workshop program with an internship at an agency. Agencies across the country participate, and she was surprised to see the agency that offered her the internship was in New York. Despite the internship being fully remote that year, she decided to move to where the agency was. A classmate also got into the program with an agency in New York, and they both virtually searched for a sublet for July-September of that year.
They both extended the sublet for another three months after the program, because they fell in love with the city immediately.
Hannah: What do you do for work/education where you live now?
Kylie: I still live in Brooklyn and I’ve mainly been remote ever since graduating. I recently left my full-time position at R/GA Portland (but worked out of NYC) which is a creative advertising agency. I was an Associate Producer on their Nike account producing several photo/video digital campaigns and commercials.
I now am a Freelance Producer & Photographer in NYC. Truthfully, I’m in a funny period of my life right now trying to plant seeds in different areas other than corporate advertising that aligns with more of my passions and values. Corporate does not align with most of my values, but has allowed me to build my skills and foster them elsewhere. I’m not quite sure the direct route I want to do, but I feel so grateful to have the time right now to try a bunch of different areas out and seeing what sticks and what doesn’t.
Another freelance gig I absolutely love doing is hosting Skip the Small Talk events across NYC and now getting a chapter started in Omaha. I love building and creating safe spaces in the community that allow people to meet like-minded folks of all walks of life and connect on meaningful conversations that aren’t just surface level. I also help them with marketing and production of new events across the country (and some in Europe!).
Hannah: Would you have that opportunity in Nebraska?
Kylie: Work, no. There are so many creatives in NYC in random, specific niches, I absolutely love it. It feels like home. I love how supportive the community in NYC is too. I feel the Omaha creative community is definitely supportive, but I did not feel I could grow like I am in NYC. I’m being exposed to so many different perspectives and opportunities I did not even know existed.
Hannah: Is that the main way you meet people?
Kylie: No, I meet people through random events, friends of friends, etc! NYC, especially Brooklyn, is 20-30 year olds all figuring it out. It’s super easy to meet people, but difficult to maintain sometimes because everybody is busy doing their own thing. Proactive friendships are difficult, but I’d say I’m pretty good at it since I’m typically the proactive planner friend haha.
Hannah: What made you want to move out of Nebraska to where you live now?
Kylie: I knew I always wanted to move out of Nebraska, or the midwest in general. My main reason is because I’ve always been an adventurer at heart wanting to see and learn more. In my opinion, it’s hard to expand your perspective if you stay in the same place your whole life. In college, I already felt like I was outgrowing my pot and wanting more.
Another main reason is that I never quite felt like I fit into Nebraska. I grew up in a suburb (Papillion) right outside of Omaha and I never saw many people who looked like me. I am an Asian-American adoptee who was raised by a Caucasian family. I had an identity crisis in highschool when I tried to be friends with some of the Asian students, but they told me to my face I was “too white-washed” and they didn’t want to be my friend. That was tough.
When I moved to Omaha for UNO, I made my first Asian friend. I felt a bit more accepted as I had many classes and friends who were BIPOC students. However, that still didn’t feel like enough.
I also did not feel there were many career opportunities in alignment for me that offered inclusivity, growth, and other perspectives.
Hannah: A couple of years ago, you were one of the people I interviewed about brain drain (in an article for the Gateway). Something you shared then was that your move challenged you in ways staying in your hometown never would have - now that a few years have passed, how have these challenges helped you with your personal growth?
Kylie: There is SO much more to see than your hometown. I have learned and grown so much through the PEOPLE and I’ve met. NYC is such a melting pot with people from all over. It’s truly been so amazing! The collective consciousness feels like it’s growing at a much more rapid speed than Omaha.
Hannah: I believe you’ve also traveled outside of NYC more recently - how have your experiences in NYC opened you up to other opportunities?
Kylie: Yes, living here inspired me to do a solo backpacking trip across several cities in Europe last year along with making connections wherever I go. You never know who you’re going to meet!
Opening myself up to different cultures and perspectives aside from America has been eye-opening! Still so much to see. You realize that even in a huge city like NYC, there’s more to discover.
Hannah: Did you find what you were looking for in your move?
Kylie: I love NYC, but everytime I come back to Omaha, I do really appreciate the slower pace of life. I appreciate and respect it, but I cannot do that 24/7 in my life currently. NYC has been great and I see myself here a little longer, but it’s inspired me to look into other cities and try them out! Ready for the next adventure. Who knows, maybe I’ll be back.
Hannah: How affordable actually was it for you to move out of Nebraska?
Kylie: Rent – It’s surprisingly a lot more affordable than people make it seem to be. That being said, you do have to compromise a bit more than you maybe have to in NE.
For example, I know people in Omaha with one roomie paying $900-1300 each for a 2 bedroom apartment, or around the same for their own apartment. (This is not including utilities.) When I first moved, I lived in a brownstone Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and paid $1300 with utilities with one roomie and a backyard. The apartment was spacious, but not much natural lighting unfortunately. The neighborhood was cute, but a bit far from main things like groceries and good mingle/food/drink spots.
Second place was in Bushwick and it was an absolutely huge and gorgeous two-story apartment with two roomies. Amazing natural lightning and a backyard. Rent was split $1000, $1200, and $1300 based on room size plus everyone and split utilities. (Around $100/each?). Neighborhood was okay, but super close to two main train stations.
My current place is with two roomies and it’s a full on two-story house with basement and backyard. It’s old, but has character. In my favorite area of Williamsburg. So much to do but still quiet. Amazing area and neighborhood. Close to two main train stations. Rent is split $1600, $1600, and $1800 based on room sizes and split utilities ($100/each ish?) This is on the pricier side for sure, but the place is massive. Not a typical NYC place for sure.
These prices above vary so much by everyone I talk to though. I know people with 1 roomie paying $1000-1200 each, 2 roomies paying $900-1000, or 3 roomies $700-900. So, in that case, the compromise is more people. I am not willing to live in a smaller space with more people, but some people are. I like a happy medium or maybe a bit on the bigger space side. I need to feel comfortable in my own home. I hate feeling claustrophobic.
All the neighborhoods I listed above (Bed-Stuy, Bushwick, Williamsburg) are relatively affordable. Williamsburg has the biggest range though of being very expensive to cheaper on the outskirts. Bed-Stuy and Bushwick have unfortunately the highest areas of gentrification and continue to get more expensive, but are historically more affordable.
Brooklyn is cheaper than Manhattan!!! You get waaay more bang for your buck unless you’re super north above Central Park like in Harlem and Washington heights. Prices look closer to Brooklyn.
Healthcare & Groceries – Luckily, there are urgent cares and clinics all across NYC, practically every few blocks and Primary care doctors/specialists pretty spread too. Groceries, there are several small and local bodegas & markets you can get groceries! I personally use my local market for fresh fruits/veggies and sometimes I order groceries on DoorDash/Instacart from Aldi’s!
So I’d say here, accessibility is pretty good to both.
Advice – Honestly, if you are smart with your money, you’ll be fine. My finances don’t look that crazy different than Omaha. The beauty of NYC is that there are limitless options for food. You can pay A LOT or VERY little, you just need to do your research and know where to go. In terms of going out to eat, I eat at places that are affordable (and sometimes beat Omaha prices) all the time and do not sacrifice quality or quantity of your food. Again, do your research!
The main thing to ask yourself if you’re debating on moving to a more expensive city overall like NYC is “What do I want vs. need?” and “What am I willing to compromise if I cannot have it all?”
Hannah: How about opportunities to explore outside of work - are these actually affordable?
Kylie: I love using Tik Tok to find hidden and recommended affordable spots. Again, NYC has RANGE!!
Hannah: What has it been like to adjust to the size of the city you moved to?
Kylie: Personally, it was not difficult at all because I knew I needed a change in pace. I was ready!
If there’s one thing I’d like to debunk that I originally thought about NYC before moving is that it’s “always busy and crowded”. Don’t let the population of the city scare you! It truly is not like the movies. The only place I can think actually looks like the movies in terms of business and annoyed New Yorkers is Times Square… but New Yorkers will AVOID IT AT ALL COST because it’s all tourists.
Brooklyn is the biggest “hidden secret”. It’s so peaceful. Neighborhood vibes versus big skyscrapers in the city. Manhattan gets busy during rush hour, yes, but Brooklyn is so nice. I love it.
People walk fast and are always trying to get somewhere so they may come off as “stand off ish” or “rude” but really just trying to tunnel vision their way to their next stop. People I’ve met in NYC are SOOOO kind! And they are real. My view of “midwest nice” is people are nice to your face but fake behind your back. Most New York people are real and you’ll know if someone doesn’t want to talk to you versus pretending they do and talking behind your back. I appreciate the “realness” of the city. It’s quite humbling. People don’t want to waste time being fake because again, they are busy! People here are extremely intentional where they put their time and energy. Again, something I respect.
Hannah: What else have you adjusted to in your new place?
Kylie: I love how connected the city is by train (subway). You also can take the bus, ferry, rent a citi bike or uber/drive! I appreciate all the methods of transportation here truly.
Hannah: What do you wish you’d known before you moved that may help someone else who is looking to move out of Nebraska now?
Kylie: Even though you’re constantly surrounded by new people and things to do, you can still feel extremely lonely in a big city.
Hannah: Some people feel twinges of guilt around their choices to move, either with balancing leaving people “behind” in Nebraska or for other reasons. Have you ever felt this tug, and if so, what would you like to share about that?
Kylie: I wouldn't say I feel guilty leaving Nebraska behind per se, however, I do struggle with the guilt of being so far away from family. I balance family time with phone calls, texts, and occasional group Facetimes for more immediate interactions and visit at least twice a year to share those special moments with them. Although it makes me sad to be so far away from my family, it doesn't let that stop me from still pursuing my dreams and building a life elsewhere. Adventure truly is out there. As difficult as it is sometimes for them to not have me around as much, I know my family always sends me love and support and I'm so grateful for that.
Hannah: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your move out of Nebraska?
Kylie: Just do it! Nebraska is never going anywhere. You can always come back, but get out and try other places first!
Kylie is on Instagram @kylie_squiers and her photography page is @ks.photog!
Midwest Crisis is a new project from Hannah Michelle Bussa. People are leaving the state of Nebraska, but research on the topic is limited. Join Hannah as she interviews individuals with various perspectives on their choices - to move and to stay - each week this spring.
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Do you want to share your story about moving from or deciding to stay in the Midwest? Please email hanmichelleb@gmail.com!