Growing up stateside
Rebekah Calverley lives with her family in New Jersey and commutes to work in New York City.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
My dad was transferred to the United States when I was 8. I ended up going to university in south Jersey and now have a job in the city. My middle sister, Jessica, is at the University of Otago studying physiology, and my youngest sister, Sophie, is at Montclair State University in northern New Jersey studying business.
What do you do there?
I work at Ernst & Young in Times Square as a tax accountant doing financial taxes for big banks.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
I live in a very rural area of New Jersey (we have a buffalo farm just up the street) but there is tonnes of shopping, great schools, and gorgeous old towns very close by. I’m also halfway between New York and Philadelphia, only an hour from each, so there is never a shortage of things to do and see. The city is so full of life and visitors and I never feel unsafe getting around.
Disadvantages?
You need a car to get to essentially everything in Jersey. The large stores and malls are all 10 to 15 minutes from me and there aren’t the same public transport options that you see in New Zealand. Getting to the city is also expensive, so if you are visiting you definitely want to make the most of each day being there.
How expensive is it compared to New Zealand? How much is a beer?
I live with my parents because rent in New York is too much, about $4000 a month for a furnished one-bedroom. A Corona costs around $4.50 (NZ$6.50). Transportation once you’re in the city isn’t bad but getting there is about $30 a day from central New Jersey by bus.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am part of my local women’s and church choirs and recently started working with a talent agency in the city. I love singing and took the opportunity to do some modelling and acting in my free time. During the summer I head to the beach with friends and outdoor museums with the family. I also love going to sporting events and concerts. Madison Square Garden is so easy to get to, so we try to make the most of performers like Billy Joel and Shania Twain, and the many sports games played there.
What’s the local delicacy and would you recommend eating it?
When in New Jersey, you have to get a pork roll, egg, and cheese on a bagel. Pork roll is a processed breakfast meat and stacked with egg and cheese is delicious, perfect for a big breakfast or as a hangover cure. A slice of famous NY thincrust pizza is a must when visiting the city.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
1. We always tell friends to go to The View revolving restaurant at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square. This restaurant slowly rotates while you enjoy dinner and dessert, and it takes an hour to see the full 360 NYC view. 2. Definitely check out a Broadway show or the museums. There is so much to do in the city you could live there and still never see everything. But there is so much talent and all ages can enjoy it. 3. The Highline walk and World Trade Center museum are terrific in downtown Manhattan, but it takes almost a day just for these two things – so plan ahead!
Easiest way to get around?
A car is needed to get to almost everything. But there are plenty of bus and train stations nearby to get into the city or down the shore.
What’s the shopping like?
There is no shortage of malls and outlets in the area. The older towns around the area also have some great boutiques, and of course, plenty of coffee shops to keep you going.
Best after-dark activity?
After work I can walk straight out to Times Square and catch a Broadway show, go to dinner or out for drinks. There’s always something exciting going on, whether it’s a show at Madison Square Garden or a local band playing at a coffee house. During winter there is hockey and the end of football season, and spring and summer are the perfect time to catch a baseball game (go Yankees)!
Best time of year to visit?
The city has something special in every season. Spring is gorgeous around Central Park, and in autumn there is the Thanksgiving parade and Macy’s Christmas windows. If you don’t mind the cold, there is a magic about being around in early winter with ice skating, hot chocolate, and Christmas decorations. Late spring is my favourite, and if you come before school is let out in June there are fewer crowds.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
My family definitely misses the food the most, there are a few New Zealand restaurants in the city but I wish we could grab a great flat white or mince pie just around the corner. Also, Watties tomato sauce! Ketchup just isn’t the same.
How easy is it for you to get back to New Zealand?
Getting back to New Zealand takes some planning. We either have to travel via Houston or Los Angeles/ San Francisco to get back. Door to door is about 24 hours but once you’re through security at the airport you don’t go back through again until New Zealand immigration.
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
The job market has recovered significantly since the economic downturn but hiring has been so high that job openings are starting to slip. IT analysts, accountants and nurses still have relatively high demands.