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Stories about the city's interesting corners, honest notes on navigating a life here, and guides worth paying for. Written for people who stay — useful to everyone else.

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How to do a summer weekend without leaving the city

Everyone with a share house is gone and the city is better for it. The July weekend playbook — free, outdoors, and no reservations required.

S Places · Jul 5, 2026
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How to ride the subway like you've done it for years

The MTA will never explain itself to you. Here's the operating manual nobody hands out — transfers, etiquette, and the three mistakes that mark you as new.

Jun 30, 2026
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How to actually find an apartment in New York

Forget everything renting meant anywhere else. A field guide to broker fees, guarantors, and moving fast enough — from someone who's signed four leases here.

Jun 23, 2026
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How to eat in Jackson Heights

The best food neighborhood in New York is a 7 train ride away and almost nothing costs more than $15. A first itinerary for the overwhelmed.

Jun 16, 2026
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City Island: the fishing village at the end of the 6 train

There's a New England seafood town inside the Bronx, and almost nobody you know has been. Take the last stop and a bus, and the city disappears.

Jun 9, 2026

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This week The weekly dispatch
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This week in the city: July 6–12

World Cup fever hits the boroughs, the outdoor movie calendar peaks, and one free boat you should be taking advantage of.

Jul 7, 2026

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