What s more important...Having a lot of money, regardless of how you get the money, or being famous, and maybe having money come along with that and maybe not.If you picked having money no matter how you get it, New York City. If you picked fame, even though you might not have money, Los Angeles.The weather is nicer in Los Angeles. The people are arguably nicer, although perhaps backstabby. That s anywhere though.The culture in New York City are better IMO. Walking down the street is much funner. Theater scene is bigger there, which is probably good for you.
You should probably determine which location will provide you with more opportunities for what you want to do, both professionally (considering the economy!) and personally, and then you could probably factor that into your decision. Also, since AMDA is in both locations, you should see if there is the option to transfer out to LA in the event you don t like NYC, vice versa, the year afterwards - then you can experience both places! Good luck!!
You wrote, I want to stay close to home. Well, there s your answer right there... LA is just around the corner from Phoenix, and New York City is thousands of miles away, so, I think the choice is obvious, live in LA and go to NYC for vacations as often as possible.Good luck!
I have been to both NYC and LA i would say LA has better weather but NYC has a better lifestyle oppurtunity. NYC has more cultural diversity and it is the capital of the world it is the universal city.