New York Times reporter Eliza Shapiro has launched a revealing series exploring how residents manage the city's affordability crisis. After receiving over 900 responses to her call for stories, Shapiro's weekly series 'Affording New York' profiles residents across income levels, from a New York State parks worker earning $37,500 annually in Staten Island to a Manhattan family of five living on $140,000 in Morningside Heights.

The series aims to provide granular insight into the city's cost-of-living challenges. Shapiro, who grew up in Morningside Heights, emphasizes that New Yorkers are 'really enterprising and really resourceful' in making ends meet. The reporting process involves extensive interviews, with Shapiro spending around two hours with each subject, delving into their income, savings, child care costs, and even discretionary spending on vacations and hobbies.

Shapiro's approach reveals the diverse strategies New Yorkers employ to stay in the city they love despite financial pressures. From house cleaners earning $24,000 in Queens to families juggling multiple expenses, the series captures the complex reality of urban life. The overwhelming response to Shapiro's call for stories demonstrates how deeply the affordability crisis resonates with New Yorkers, many of whom remain committed to the city despite the challenges. The series has sparked engagement from readers who offer practical suggestions and connect personally with the featured stories.