Joy Cho

What was the first apartment you had as an "adult"?

I lived in a 400-square-foot studio apartment in Brooklyn Heights which I lived in soon after graduating college. Half of my check check went to my rent, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. This is back in 2001 when Brooklyn was up-and-coming but nowhere near what it is now. I just thought of it as where the Huxtables used to live! Since I came to New York after being college for four years, I was totally content living on my own. And after having four roommates in one big house, I was happy to have a place (even if tiny) to myself.

What was it like to move from New York to Philly to Los Angeles? Which place resonates most with you?

I love big cities, so each one is great in its own way. You can’t try and compare cities or try and find that "Brooklyn" neighborhood in Philly or a "Center City Philly" vibe in LA. New York is the perfect place to be when you’re young and want to be stimulated 24/7. Philly’s my hometown, so it will always have a special place in my heart. Plus, it’s the best food town, in my opinion. And LA, where I now live with my husband and two daughters, is where I’ve grown into my adulthood and parenthood. There is so much to do here year-round that it satiates both my love of food and culture as well as my need for sunshine!

Do you have a meaningful getaway location?

My bed…to sleep!

For Home Sweet Home, Curbed talked to 30 engaging personalities across a range of industries to learn about where they grew up and what home means to them. Follow Oh Joy! on Instagram and Twitter.

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