What is living in New York like?

The job search will depend entirely on what you're looking for. In terms of career track positions, that could be very difficult right out of college (but you could probably find work in retail fairly easily if you're presentable and quick). The thing to keep in mind is competition - you will be one of a million talented smart people, and will have a harder time standing out as superior.

Manhattan is GREAT, and gets affordable as you head north. Check out Morningside Heights, Hamilton Heights, Inwood, and everywhere in between. By affordable I mean $1500-2k a month. Brooklyn is not cheaper than Manhattan unless you go pretty far into the borough, rendering your commute more difficult. Queens is definitely cheaper, you can do $1k there, and a lot of Queens is up-and-coming (try Astoria).

Some of what you're paying for is convenience - in most of Manhattan, you can buy a quart of milk or a pack of cigarettes at 4am without going more than a block or two (if that). As you get further north (think above 100th St at least) the amenities become sparser and the rents get cheaper. Groceries are super expensive, but salaries are higher. You won't own a car either - or at least you won't want to, I should say. There aren't a lot of points for comparison to CA or TX, mostly just contrast. Think about not seeing much sky when you look up - has no effect on me but my hubby's from NM and he struggles with that. Not having a car is a pretty stark contrast too. Buy your groceries every day as needed rather than one big trip per week, drop off laundry at a service (or better yet have it picked up and delivered) instead of doing it yourself, get over any weird prejudices you may have (or get yelled at a lot), remember that strangers will yell at you if you misbehave (like taking up too much room or walking too slowly). I guess the one comparison I would make is that NYers are friendly - way friendlier than the stereotype allows. I talk to strangers all the time, I love it.

There are many nice places to live in Manhattan. But most are unaffordable, these days.

Most young people, when they come to NYC, move to neighborhoods in Brooklyn or Queens. There are quite a few nice neighborhoods there, too, and they are not as expensive. But don't kid yourself - even living in Brooklyn or Queens will cost you a pretty penny! And there are parts of Brooklyn that cost almost as much as Manhattan.

I have no opinion about the job market. It really depends on what you're qualified to do.

As far as the difference between living in NYC and living in Texas or California - the main difference is that, in NYC, many people don't own cars. If you live in Manhattan, or in the parts of Brooklyn or Queens that are nearer to Manhattan, you won't want to have a car. It's just a bother. In NYC, we walk more than people in other parts of the country, and we take mass transit MUCH more!

EDIT: BTW, I'm the person who answered your other question, saying it was too vague. I'm in my 50s now, and have lived here since the age of 17. This question is only a little less vague.

Perhaps the problem is that you don't yet know enough about NYC to even ask specific questions? My big suggestion is that you come here to visit. And don't spend your time in the touristy areas! Get out into the neighborhoods, where people live. Then you'll have a better idea about life here.

It's very expensive. Rents are insane.

It's very difficult to find jobs in New York. It can be very stressful.

Otherwise it can be fun with many things do do. It's like a melting pot with many different nationalities. Manhattan is very expensive. Queens and Brooklyn are a bit cheaper.

I live in New York and I love this city, but if given an opportunity to move to another state with less stressful atmosphere and more job opportunities, I would do it quickly.

Aside from the sewer monsters and people getting mugged every 2 seconds It's a great city.