Truths and Myths About the Big Apple
Planning a trip to New York City? While you might be thrilled, certain things you've read online about this populous city could give you pause. But just how much of it can you really believe? Here are 10 stereotypes about NYC that are actually true—and 10 that aren't.
1. NYC Think They're Better Than the Rest of the State
When you live in one of the most well-known cities in the world (and the most popular in the state), you'd have an inflated ego about being a local, too. After all, it's a privilege to call this city home, and New Yorkers won't try to hide their pride.
2. New Yorkers Don't Have Time For You
New Yorkers walk and talk fast; they don't have time to dilly-dally with you. In a city so crowded, it might be overwhelming when you're visiting for the first time. While you shouldn't be afraid to ask a local for directions or questions, just do them all a favor: don't block the sideway or stand in their way.
3. New Yorkers are Rude and Unfriendly
New Yorkers don't have time for you because they have things to do, places to rush to. It's way their straightforward and brash attitude may sometimes come off as rude and unfriendly, even when they're not outright trying to be mean. (Well, minus the people who are just rude.)
4. The Subways Smell Bad
The subways in NYC aren't just packed (and with various eccentric characters, at times)—they also smell... pretty rancid. Be prepared to hold your breath and pinch your nose when you hop on the train. Or better yet, just walk to your destination if you can.
5. The City Is Infested with Rats
As glamorous as NYC might look in photos with gleaming lights and vibrant signs, don't be surprised by the trash you see piling up on the streets when you step foot here. Worse than that, there's also a notorious rat issue. And yes—some really are the size of your forearm.
6. NYC Never Sleeps
Technically, this is debatable: locals will say that the city does slow down in the wee hours of the morning, at around 3 am, since bars, clubs, and establishments are required to close by 4 am. But that doesn't mean you still won't see people wandering around in the streets. Plus, many lights are always on and blaring, and there are shops open 24/7.
7. The City Is a Melting Pot of Cultures
NYC was built by immigrants, meaning you'll see a diverse racial demographic here. New Yorkers speak more than 200 different languages, from English to Chinese. There are also various cultural neighborhoods and communities dotted throughout the city, like Koreatown and Little Italy.
8. Everything Here Is Expensive
You might have seen TV shows where the cast live in super spacious apartments, high rises, and penthouses. Don't get carried away daydreaming that fantasy, though—it costs basically an arm and a leg to live here, and you'd best be prepared to have the funds for it or a good career to sustain yourself here.
9. Traffic Is Terrible
You think driving in LA is bad? Well, NYC challenges that. While the big issue with LA is that there are too many cars on the road, New York doesn't have the space or roads to allow for high traffic. If you don't need to drive (and most don't, since public transportation is fairly good), then take the subway or walk.
10. There Is a Homelessness Problem
Unfortunately, just as you have the upper high class, you have those who don't have permanent homes. Homelessness is a problem no matter where you go, but it's prominent in NYC, especially in Times Square and other touristy areas.
Now that we've covered the 10 true stereotypes about NYC, let's jump into the 10 myths.
1. NYC is One of the Most Glamorous Cities in the World
We mentioned it already, but NYC is unfortunately not as glamorous as it's made out to be in the media. That doesn't mean you should skip the chance to visit because this city is unlike any other in the world, but again, don't be surprised if it's slightly different than you imagined.
2. NYC Isn't Family-Friendly
Most believe that most people who come to NYC are those who are younger, with the independent freedom to move to where they want. In turn, they think that means this city isn't suitable for families. But that's not at all true—there are a plethora of landmarks, museums, and sightseeing spots to explore here, whether you're on a week-long trip or here for the long haul.
3. Times Square Is the Best Place in NYC
Times Square might be the most famous tourist spot in NYC, but it's not the best and only place to be. Sure, it's fun to walk around and see the bright lights, but at the end of the day, it's still essentially a tourist trap. Even if this is often regarded as the heart of the city, you'll find better areas to explore elsewhere in the city.
4. Only Manhattan Matters
NYC isn't just Manhattan, even though most people believe so. In fact, NYC consists of five distinct boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. It might even shock you that Manhatten—while the most densely populated—is actually the smallest county of the group.
5. It's a Dangerous City
Despite what you might think, NYC isn't any more dangerous than other big cities you know of. Crime rate in the Big Apple is surprisingly low, so you can rest assured if you're getting ready to solo travel here for the first time. In fact, it's ranked even safer than LA, Chicago, and San Jose.
6. There Are No Parks or Green Spaces
NYC might be known for their modern buildings and skyscrapers, but this city isn't just a concrete jungle. There are plenty of lush green spaces and parks to stroll around in. Beyond Central Park, the city's most popular urban playground, NYC has over 1,700 natural recreational areas. The biggest on the list is Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, which is nearly three times the size of Central Park.
7. Everyone Is Rich
While it can certainly cost a lot to live in NYC, not everyone is rich. Most are just average people. Plus, many come to the city for different opportunities, from students to immigrants, so it's unrealistic to assume that the entire population is rich, even if feels true.
8. The Weather Is Always Cold and Drab
Sure, winters are cold in NYC, but it's not all doom and gloom here. Plus, with global warming on the rise, temperatures here aren't as frosty as they once were, though the city still sees days where the weather dips below freezing. In the summer, you can expect balmy daily averages that go up to 30°C.
9. You Can Explore All of the City in a Week
This is outright false. As mentioned, NYC consists of five different boroughs, not just Manhattan and hotspots like Times Square. Heck, you can spend a good year or lifetime here and still discover new nooks and crannies you've never seen before. After all, this city is always reinventing itself!
10. New Yorkers Won't Help Tourists
While it's true that New Yorkers can be curt and potentially rude, that doesn't mean they won't help tourists at all. If you have a question, don't be afraid to ask it. The only thing New Yorkers don't like is if you waste their time, so just don't take ages asking whatever it is you need to ask.
