Long Island, New York: One of the most desired real estate regions of the country- and also one of the priciest. But what is it really like for these elite residents? Is the property worth the enormous price tag? To find out, we interviewed a few people- all from different financial backgrounds, and all living on the coveted strip of land along the North Coast, better known by its popular name, East and West Egg.
In the East Egg, known for its connection to “old money,” lives the affluent Buchannan family. With architecture reminiscent of an old southern plantation, the house, though large, does not have an overly opulent feel. With plenty of windows and a rose-filled Italian garden, offset by the antique furniture and burgundy color scheme, the combination of wealth and coziness gives the place a very homey feel. When we asked Mrs. Daisy Buchannan what she thought of the place, her soft smile said it all. “Oh, it’s quite wonderful. A simply wonderful place for my daughter to grow up.”
At the other end of the bay, and the spectrum, sits a small, unimposing house with an un-mowed lawn and chipping paint. It’s the temporary home of Nick Carraway, a young war veteran who traveled to New York with the intention of learning the bond business. We sat down with Nick and asked the obvious first question- How quickly did he fall in love with the city? With a cynical laugh and a sip of his drink, he gave us a most unexpected response. “I’m from the Midwest, you see. And I’m aching to get back there, after the summer I’ve been having. I think it’s the money; I really do. It changes people. Your readers want my advice? Stay out of New York; it’s not worth it.”
A little disheartened from our conversation with Nick, we took one final, but necessary trip to the home of Mr. Jay Gatsby, a man as mysterious as he is infamous. Spanning a sprawling 40 acres, his estate is the picture of modern day royalty. With a tower to the side, a marble swimming pool, and walls covered in expertly trimmed ivy, this twelve-room mansion encompasses every aspect of the “American Dream.” We tracked down Mr. Gatsby at one of his frequent parties to ask him a few questions. “I’m telling you, it’s like nothing else in the world. Living in this city, you’ve got everything you could ever want in the palm of your hand. It’s not about the money, old sport; it’s about the experience, the people. Money is money. You can’t buy experiences.”