Nick Watts, a prominent content creator, has stirred discussions with his innovative method for finding ideal neighborhoods during travels. Dubbed the "Lululemon Strategy," Watts advises travelers to locate Lululemon stores to identify desirable areas. According to Watts, these stores are reliable indicators of neighborhoods with excellent amenities and dining options.
“Every time I go to a new city, I look up Lululemons in the area on Google Maps, and use a process of elimination to find a neighborhood with great walkability and $10 matcha” – Nick Watts
The Upper West Side in New York City exemplifies the success of this strategy. With multiple Lululemon locations, it has been named one of America's friendliest neighborhoods for newcomers. Known for its low crime rates and family-centric atmosphere, the Upper West Side offers a plethora of bars, restaurants, and bakeries. It also boasts fitness centers like Equinox, Lifetime, and Orange Theory, making it an attractive location for those seeking a vibrant lifestyle.
Watts highlights that Lululemon stores are situated in neighborhoods with the best amenities and dining experiences. He even uses the colorful phrase "f–king brookies" to describe a bakery in the Upper West Side, emphasizing the area's culinary appeal.
“This might be the smartest thing I’ve heard a man say in a while” – a commenter
However, not everyone agrees with Watts' approach. Some critics argue that this strategy resembles "gentrification tourism," pointing out that it could overlook the diverse cultural aspects of neighborhoods beyond their commercial offerings.
“This is just gentrification tourism lmfao” – a skeptical spectator
In addition to Lululemon stores, Watts suggests using Whole Foods Markets as secondary indicators of upscale zip codes. Another contender for America's nicest places is Brooklyn's Fort Greene section, which ranks highly due to its appealing environment.
The debate around the "Lululemon Strategy" continues as travelers weigh its merits against traditional exploration methods. While some praise its efficiency in discovering vibrant locales, others caution against oversimplifying neighborhood selection based solely on commercial presence.
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