The Big Apple
New York is the most diverse city in the world. Sit on the subway long enough and you are likely to see every nationality pass you by. As a Muslim you can find any and every community to get plugged into...Indonesian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, North African, Latin American...or mixed! If you want to find a masjid or even a nice Halal restaurant there are a plethora to choose from. You can even get halal meat from the local grocery store, which is so convenient. I live in Astoria, Queens and there are about 10 masjids within a 5 minute driving distance from me...Not to mention about a zillion cafes where you can get delicious Kebabs, tangine, tea, shisha...anything really. During the Eid they closed down streets, so if the masjid overflowed with people we could pray on the sidewalk and the street, which totally happened.
After 9/11 many wanted to learn about Islam, and in the process discovered it was the truth! There are many reverts in NY everyday. I have seen so many people take Shahada. It is so great!
New Yorkers are so desensitized when it comes to seeing "weird" and "crazy" things, so walking around with hijab barely turns a head, except from those obvious out-of-towners. Speaking of out-of-towners, leaving NYC is a different story. I have lived in several other places, where living as a Muslim is very difficult. Outside of New York you stick out more, not just as a Muslim, but as a minority. Don't get me wrong there are other diverse cities, but nothing close to New York.
Alhamdullilah! I feel very blessed to live in such a tolerant and open city.