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Third-Generation Angeleno Joseph Gordon-Levitt Explains Why He Moved From NYC Back To LA
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Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a third-generation Angeleno whose grandparents grew up in South Central and Boyle Heights. Perhaps it is Gordon-Levitt's roots that explain the deep affection he has for the city (beyond his obvious ties to Hollywood).He gave an interview to Los Angeles Magazine discussing what he loves about the city where he grew up and why he decided to move back to after living in New York for 9 years. One of his favorite parts of the city, besides the movies and the food? A sense of personal space:
I lived in New York for nine years, and I decided to move back to L.A. because I like having a space where I can just freak out if I want to. I have a house where I can yell at the top of my lungs. In New York, if you start singing at the top of your lungs, no matter where you are on the island of Manhattan, someone’s going to hear you. Another virtue of Los Angeles is getting to sing in the car. I miss that when I’m out of town. Even though the traffic’s a bitch, it’s nice to have such a private environment to listen to music.
He adds: "When you’re in New York City, you’re in New York City, and it defines a lot of your experience. But when you’re in L.A., you can make your own experience. There’s so much more space, you have the room to make your own world." (His take is a less existential version of this 2007 blog post about L.A.)Related:
NY Post Declares L.A. Is The Future: "New York, watch your back"
One Man's Love Letter to L.A.: If You Don't Like It Here, 'Get The Fuck Out'
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