13 biggest misconceptions about New York through the eyes of a local resident

The fact that you were born and raised in New York means: anywhere in the world, questions about your hometown await you. Everywhere - from Munich to Tel Aviv - I will inevitably be bombarded with millions of such questions. Although New York is one of the most populous cities in the world, no one can believe that it sees in front of itself a person who really grew up there.

As a person who was born in New York in the middle of the 1980 years and grew up in the 1990's, I noticed that the fascination with my city in those days was often accompanied by security issues, writes Sharon Fejeraisen for Business Insider. Throughout the world, New York has a reputation as a large and dangerous city - there are many songs and films on this subject.

Although some of them may have been true historically, the reality is that New York is very different from how others imagine it. It turns out that people in the US and abroad often have a misconception about the “Big Apple” for many reasons, including local culture, people, food, and the cost of living.

Here's a look at the most egregious misconceptions about New York.

1. New York is Manhattan

Often, when people talk about New York, they really just talk about Manhattan. But New York consists of five boros (districts), each of which has its own subculture. In fact, Manhattanians make up a minority of the city’s population - only 1,6 million out of about 8,6. More people live in Brooklyn and Queens than in Manhattan - 2,6 and 2,3 million, respectively.

2. New Yorkers are all rude

The local population has a reputation for being rude and indifferent. But in reality they very quickly reach out to a stranger. For example, despite the fact that I have lived here for more than three decades, sometimes, getting out of the subway, I am not able to distinguish north from south or east from west. I can’t recall a single case over the years when I would ask someone for help and they refused me.

Nevertheless, although they are not rude and not cold, New Yorkers are not inclined to help everyone and always. If you ask them, they will help, but without a special request they may not take the initiative.

3. This city is extremely dangerous

I will not argue that in New York you will not be robbed or attacked - this can happen anywhere. But things have changed dramatically over the past couple of decades. Perhaps I was not yet born during the peak of the New York Mafia era, but even compared to the 1990 years, there was a significant decrease in crime.

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4. People drive terribly here

It is a myth that New Yorkers do not drive well. Just when you are surrounded by so many cars, pedestrians, cyclists and road dangers, you must be decisive, aggressive and quick. If you can ride in New York, believe me - you can ride anywhere. Yes, you don’t need a car to drive around this city, but many people, especially family ones, have it. And their parking fee costs the amount that many pay for the rental.

5. There is no nature in this city

Of course, not every quarter is planted with trees, and people do not have yards with spreading greenery. But it is a myth that there is no nature in New York. Central Park is the city’s most famous green space, occupying an 843 acre of luxury Manhattan real estate. And this is only the fifth largest park in the city - the largest, Pelham Bay Park, has an area of ​​about 3000 acres. There are more than 1700 parks of all sizes in New York.

6. Everything is open until late

You may know New York as a city that never sleeps, but I live on the Upper East Side, and let me tell you that we are still sleeping. You may be lucky enough to find a restaurant that is open to visitors after 23: 00. This is not the case in all areas, but it is a myth that the city operates 24 / 7.

7. Here you can get anything at any time.

This is not true. Example: you cannot buy alcohol in New York where you want, and when you want. Stores can only sell alcohol from Monday to Saturday until midnight. On Sundays, alcohol can only be sold from noon until 21: 00. Grocery stores and pharmacies that are forbidden to store strong drinks or wine cannot sell beer on Sundays from 3: 00 until noon.

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8. Everything is expensive in New York

It’s true that you can easily spend 100 dollars for brunch or 20 dollars for a cocktail here, and most museums in New York will cost at least 20 dollars for entry. Even movie tickets are usually more expensive than anywhere else. New Yorkers often pay thousands of dollars for living in a tiny apartment with three roommates. Restaurants, gyms and supermarkets in New York are more expensive than other cities.

But at the same time, in New York, you can do without complete ruin. Free events are always held here - from concerts to museum evenings and films in the park. New York is also one of the best cities with surprisingly cheap food. Throughout the city there are countless pizzerias, Halal Guys, Yu Kitchen carts, and if you really want a hot dog, go to Papaya King and get juice at the same time.

9. It is easy to get there by public transport.

New York is one of the most extensive and comprehensive public transportation systems in the world. But this does not mean that it works flawlessly. If you take the subway regularly, you know that there is always something wrong there. Either you wait 20 for more than a minute on the platform, then you get stuck in the tunnel, and for the next stop the train for some reason does not stop or does not get on the line that day.

There are problems with the MetroCard vending machines: they steal money, accept only cash or only credit cards, and so on. At least there is always a bus. Unfortunately, although buses have become better on schedule, they are far from perfect, and it may take an hour or more to get to your destination.

10. New York City Delicious Food

The variety of food in New York is staggering, but that does not mean that everything is fine. As in any other city, in New York there are many outstanding, mediocre and simply disgusting places for catering. The fact that you saw hot dogs or bagels in the cinema does not mean that you should grab the first one on the street. Examine the information before choosing a place of food, and then you can enjoy your meal.

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11. New York is not a place for a family

I have proven from my own experience that you can raise children in New York. I never appreciated the fact of my birth in New York more than when I was at Cornell University. My roommate did not know what sushi was. She never watched an R-rated movie or drank. College for her was the first sip of independence.

Meanwhile, from the sixth grade after classes, I went home by public transport, and went to clubs all school, ate desserts in trendy restaurants, which I saw in Sex and the City. I never felt the need to rebel or get drunk in college. I believe that the city where I grew up influenced this.

Over time, I realized: children from the suburbs often dream of living in New York, and not vice versa. So do not worry that you will raise a child without a protective fence at home.

12. Everyone lives here, as in "Sex and the City" or "Friends"

Forget about how much the heroes of Sex and the City spent on food, drinks, and shopping — it was completely unrealistic, especially for Carrie Bradshaw. The apartments in the series in no way reflected how these characters would live in real life. The same goes for “Friends” - each of these two apartments will cost literally millions.

Also, if you ever went on dates in New York, you know that in real life, Mr. Big would never marry Carrie.

13. New York - the city is really dirty

When it comes to cleanliness, New York is not Tokyo, but it is not the dump that people often imagine. Although some areas, such as the luxurious residential Park Avenue, are tidier, it is actually pretty clean almost everywhere. Especially when you consider how much waste is generated by residents, tourists and food industry enterprises.