13 Things No One Tells You About Living in NYC
New York City is a place that produces thousands of stories, awe inspiring and terrifying. Once you’re here, you can see the reality, and this reality has its quirks and challenges and joys that can only be understood by living it. Its rhythm is intoxicating, and it doesn’t slow down for newcomers.
NYC is a city that many people come to expecting a glamorous, 24/7 city full of endless possibilities, and while that’s not entirely off the mark, there’s a lot that gets left out. Think of it as peeling back the layers of an onion: Some parts are rich and flavorful, others might make you cry. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge or you’re already here and wondering if you missed the memo, here’s the unfiltered truth about life in NYC.
You’ll Learn to Share Walls and Sounds
Living in NYC means privacy takes on a whole new meaning. With thin walls and close quarters, you’ll hear your neighbor’s late night karaoke or the family upstairs practicing their dance routine. According to a 2019 survey, more than 65% of NYC renters suffer from noise problems and it becomes a weirdly comforting part of city life over time.
It May Take Longer Than You Think to Get to Work
The subway is a marvel and a mystery. While it has one of the largest networks, your destination can end up delayed or rerouted enough so that getting anywhere feels like an adventure even there. The silver lining? Long rides often become prime people watching opportunities.
Grocery Shopping Is Its Own Workout
No sprawling aisles and bulk shopping found in suburbia. NYC grocery stores are small, crowded and expensive. It’s a rite of passage to haul bags up multiple flights of stairs. Delivery services are a godsend, but they’ll eat into your wallet.
Priceless Green Spaces
Central Park or Prospect Park are parks, but don’t expect solitude. Everyone is competing for a patch of grass for weekend picnics, which feel more like festivals. However, to have any slice of nature in a city this dense is like winning the lottery.
Your Apartment Will Be Smaller Than You Think
NYC apartments have a way of redefining your expectations even if you prepare for a ‘cozy’ space. My friend once quipped that their first studio apartment had the length to fit a bed and toothbrush. NYC apartments average just over 740 square feet, which is far below the national average, according to RentCafe.
Weather Will Surprise You
NYC winters are rough, but summer is its own war. No one warns you about the sensory overload of the mix of heat, humidity, and trash laden streets. Not to mention those unexpected rainstorms that require an umbrella with you 365 days a year.
Social Circles Take Time
NYC may feel lonely even with crowds. People are moving fast and it takes more effort to build connections. Once you do, you will discover friendships as varied as the city it will be. “NYC friendships aren’t about convenience—they’re about commitment,” says one local.
You’ll Develop a Love-Hate Relationship With Tourists
Tourists bring energy to the city, alongside congestion and delays. It might begin as a novelty, but you’ll soon be avoiding Times Square. Sometimes, seeing the city through their eyes reminds you why you moved here in the first place.
Everything You Will Find Is at a Cost
NYC has everything from boutique coffee shops to late night dumpling spots. That convenience, however, is rarely cheap. According to a 2024 report by RentCafe, NYC’s cost of living is 77% higher than the national average.
You Will Walk Most of the Time
With subways and buses, you’ll still be walking everywhere. Hitting 10,000 steps before noon is not uncommon. You’ll become best friends with sneakers and learn how to dodge tourists, puddles, and food carts.
You’ll Learn to Love the Hustle
NYC is about ambition and being here usually means joining the grind. The city’s pace pushes you to grow, whether you’re trying to survive, or pursue a career, or a dream. But as a Gallup poll noted, New Yorkers are often the ones who report the highest levels of stress – and the highest levels of fulfillment.
There’s Beauty in the Chaos
The little things you don’t expect: a street performer who makes you stop in your tracks, a beautiful sunset over the Hudson, or the shared experience of strangers in a snowstorm; these moments make you remember why NYC is worth it.
You Will Never Master the City
There’s always something new to explore no matter how long you live here. A jazz club tucked away, a mom and pop bakery, or an art exhibit in a corner that no one visits. NYC’s charm is that it always surprises even its oldest residents.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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