15 Misconceptions About New York That Fool Most People
New York is like an onion, you peel back a layer, and there’s always more. However, despite it being so charming and dramatic and chaotic, there is a lot of misconceptions about this iconic city. Some ideas are just wrong, while others are right but exaggerated.
Myths about New York can even trip up seasoned travelers: from movies that make it seem like a city where you can hail cabs in seconds to assumptions about what the locals are like, here are the most common misunderstandings about New York, cleared up.
It’s Always Unsafe
Some still associate the gritty reputation of the 1970s and ’80s with New York. The truth is that crime rates have plummeted over the decades. Of course, like everywhere, it’s wise to be aware, but to assume the city is some hotbed of danger is outdated.
Everyone Lives in Tiny Apartments
Yes, affordable space is tight here, but not everyone is packed like sardines. There are also homes with backyards, driveways, even basements to be found in boroughs like Queens and Staten Island! Manhattan’s shoebox apartments make headlines, but the truth is there’s a wide range of living situations across the five boroughs.
New Yorkers Eat Bagels and Pizza Every Day
Maybe bagels and pizza are New York staples, but they don’t make breakfast, lunch, and dinner for everyone. In fact, more and more locals are turning to health conscious diets. From Ethiopian injera to vegan sushi, the city has welcomed food diversity. Yes, bagels are life changing here, but no one eats them every morning.
The Best Way to Get Around is Yellow Cabs
Forget what the movies show. Hailing a yellow cab is often more expensive and less convenient than ride sharing apps, the subway, or even biking these days. Though cabs are still part of New York’s character, locals know the subway is often the fastest (and cheapest) way to get around the city.
Times Square Is New York’s Heartbeat
Although Times Square may be iconic, most locals avoid it like the plague. It’s overcrowded and touristy and you won’t find many New Yorkers hanging out there. Instead, we’re talking about Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows in Queens or even the South Bronx in the midst of true city vibrancy free of overwhelming LED screens.
New Yorkers Are Rude
This one’s been around forever but it doesn’t stand up. New Yorkers can seem brusque — time is money here — but many are helpful and surprisingly warm under their fast paced exteriors. If you’re lost on the subway, you can bet someone will help you (even if they sound as though they’re in a hurry).
Central Park Is Completely Natural
Central Park may be lush greenery, but it’s anything but untouched nature. Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vex actually designed the entire piece which is a carefully crafted masterpiece. Every tree, every rock and every path was built to deliver the illusion of the wilderness in the middle of the city. It’s not an ancient forest; think of it more as a man made oasis.
It’s All Skyscrapers and Concrete
NYC is not just a concrete jungle, as many people believe. For good reason, Staten Island is known as the “Borough of Parks,” and the Bronx has some amazing green spaces, such as the New York Botanical Garden. There are quiet gems even in Manhattan, like the High Line or Inwood Hill Park that still has some of the city’s original forest.
The City Is for the Rich Only
New York is notoriously expensive, but there are countless free or low cost experiences to be had. You don’t need a black card to have fun here — from museums with suggested donations to summer concerts in parks. And some of the best food—dollar slice pizza or dumplings in Chinatown, for instance—won’t cost you much.
Broadway Is Just for Tourists
Of course, tourists love Broadway, but so do locals, and Off-Broadway productions are especially fun for locals since they feature incredible performances at a fraction of the cost. And Broadway itself has same day discounts through programs like TKTS so it’s for everyone.
The Subway Is Always Filthy
It’s not sparkling clean, but it’s not the grime covered image some may expect. Since the pandemic, it has undergone major cleaning initiatives and, with more than 4 million riders daily, the system is surprisingly well maintained. Don’t expect luxury though, it’s still a public transit system.
You Can’t Escape the Noise
Yes, NYC is loud, but silence isn’t extinct here. You can hear birdsong instead of honking horns at the Cloisters in northern Manhattan or the Greenbelt in Staten Island. There are quiet corners, you just have to know where to find them.
New Yorkers Are All Wealthy or Struggling Artists
New York is often portrayed as a land of extremes: Penthouses for billionaires, or lofts for starving artists. In reality, the city is home to middle class families, office workers and everyone in between.
The City Sleeps Less Than You Think
Yes, it’s the city that never sleeps, but most New Yorkers have regular schedules, like everyone else. Yes, there are businesses that run 24/7, and you can always get a slice of pizza at 3 a.m., but the average New Yorker isn’t working all night every night.
New York Has No Sense Of Community
NYC is big, but it lives on neighborhood pride. There are block parties, community gardens, and events to keep people connected. It’s a small town for many, where they know the faces at their favorite coffee shop or deli.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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