30 Reasons To Look Forward To Your 30s In NYC

As Carrie Bradshaw once said, “Enjoy yourself. That’s what your 20s are for. Your 30s are to learn the lessons." Sure, your 20s might be the time for partying a little too hard, working a little too late, and flirting with one too many people at the bar — but, does that mean they're actually the best years of your life, especially in a city like New York?

The thing about aging in the city that never sleeps is that, once you hit your 30s, you start to realize what really matters: You don't need to have that second (or third, or fourth) drink, you don't need to waste time socializing with people who aren't worth it, and you don't need to dress like someone is always watching (because, you'll realize no one actually is). What you will have? Drive, self-confidence, and an open outlook toward change. Age is wisdom, after all.

To show that your 20s aren't all that, we asked 30 incredible women to share just exactly why New York City is actually better as you get older — from mistakes they've made, lessons they've learned, and the advice they wish they'd had. See, getting older doesn't need to be so scary. In fact, it might actually feel good.