Real Estate The author (not pictured) moved to Hawaii to live with strangers and loved it. Maridav/iStock/Getty Images I moved from New York City to Hawaii to reside in a co-living space with 19 strangers. I formed incredible friendships and had the adventure of a lifetime. Still, I acknowledge that I didn't experience Hawaii like a true local. Advertisement Last fall, I took a leap of faith and traded the concrete jungle of New York City for the tranquil shores of Honolulu.