New York, the City That Never Sleeps, is full of wonders! Beyond the well-known landmarks and famous neighborhoods, it holds a treasure trove of intriguing and unexpected historical and cultural quirks that often go unnoticed.
From the numerous and high-paying job opportunities to the city’s diversity and the plethora of beautiful housing, the buzz of this city makes it a main attraction and a popular destination for great reasons.
In this article, we’ll give you five awesome reasons to consider living in New York City and drop some fun facts you probably did not know about the city.
1. New York City is the Land of Opportunity
As the saying goes, If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. In New York City, enterprising dreamers believe that dreams can become reality!
There’s no better place for entrepreneurs than NYC to try and make it big. The opportunities and networking connections you make while living in this city are exceptional.
In addition, New York City has the biggest names in tech, marketing, attire, journalism, and sports. So, if you can’t follow your entrepreneurial dreams (yet), there’s always a job for you.
However, ensure you have a few jobs lined up before moving to New York City; otherwise, you won’t be setting yourself up for success. NYC has the highest concentration of Fortune 500 companies globally.
When looking for a job, strive to find a sector that fits your lifestyle because the hustle is real and often means working long hours at the office.
2. New York City is a Safe Place to Live
Contrary to popular belief, living in New York City is quite safe, but it’s easy for some people to assume otherwise because large cities tend to have big issues.
NYC is the most populous city in the US, so sensational headlines are bound to occur. However, this city is considered one of America’s top five safest large cities relative to size.
Meanwhile, it is best to take some preventive measures, like not being alone on the streets, especially at night. So many people are exploring the city at all hours of the day, so you’re rarely alone.
Also, stick to the main streets, know which areas to avoid, and trust your gut (for instance, avoid walking through Central Park after dark).
3. The City is Diverse
Over 250 languages are spoken daily, and habits, food, and dress reflect the vibrant variety of daily life in New York City, the most diverse city in the country.
As such, you’ll always “fit” in no matter what you do. You will most likely feel like there’s zero judgment on the city streets, so you can be whoever you want without pretending.
This realization and subsequent freedom will make you feel more confident and allow individuals to take risks they normally wouldn’t. If you need a fresh start, moving to New York City will make you self-sufficient quickly!
4. Great Networking and Social Scene
One of the best things about living in New York City is that you’re always in the heart of the action. On any given day, hundreds of events occur throughout the city.
This is where trends are born and million-dollar ideas take root. New York City is home to the most billionaires in the world.
And since everyone is hustling to get their piece of the pie, you’ll make some serious connections while living in the city.
If you’re open to meeting new people, you’ll never find a shortage of new people to grab drinks with. The city’s social atmosphere is also downright euphoric.
5. Amazing Public Transportation
New York City’s subway is super efficient. You may decide to move to NYC without a car, which turned out to be the right move because street parking is a nightmare.
In addition, you don’t pay for gas and maintenance, not to mention the savings on car insurance. While not perfect, the subway mostly runs on time and gets you where needed within a reasonable time.
Fun Facts About New York City
Pizza is a Huge Deal
When it comes to pizza, New York reigns supreme. The city’s pizza is world-famous for its thin, foldable slices with a perfect balance of chewy crust and flavorful toppings.
While its origins are debated, pizzerias like Lombardi’s, founded in 1905, claim to be America’s first. They use a coal-fired oven to get that authentic New York slice.
Honking is Illegal
In one of the world’s loudest, most chaotic cities, it might be surprising to know that honking your car horn is often illegal. New York City’s traffic regulations stipulate that car horns should only be used to warn of danger, not to vent frustration.
Yet, if you visit NYC after working as a camp counsellor, you’ll notice that this rule isn’t enforced. The constant honking of horns often provides the soundtrack to the city!
Delicious Food
Rest assured, there’s much more to the New York food scene than pizza! Many beloved foods were created in New York, including the iconic Eggs Benedict at Delmonico’s and the delectable black and white cookie, which gained fame at Glaser’s Bake Shop.
The city’s culinary influence is far-reaching, and its eateries have been the birthplace of many mouthwatering dishes.
In addition, the ice cream cone, pasta primavera, and even chicken and waffles are all believed to have originated in New York.
The Classic New York Cab Was Never Yellow
Visit New York City after working at one of the best summer camps in the country, and you’ll immediately notice the taxis. Although NYC is famous for its over 10,000+ iconic yellow taxicabs, they haven’t always been a city staple.
Most NYC cabs were originally red and green, imported from France by businessman Harry Allen in 1907.
His fleet of 65 taxicabs (one of which was involved in NYC’s first-ever recorded traffic accident) was a welcome upgrade from the ageing horse-drawn carriage.
New York City is Home to Einstein’s Eyeballs
It’s reported that Albert Einstein wished to be cremated without a fuss, but apparently, that message got lost in translation. After his death, a rogue pathologist conducted an unauthorized autopsy on Einstein and kept the brain for himself for four decades!
He gave Einstein’s eyeballs to Einstein’s eye doctor, and to this day, they remain in a safe deposit box in NYC.
The Subway System is Superb
If you visit NYC after your summer camp job, you’ll quickly find that the subway is an affordable, easy way to navigate the city. New York City boasts one of the most extensive subway systems in the world, with over 450 stations.
It is not just a mode of transportation but also an underground world filled with art, buskers, and even secret abandoned stations. It’s a maze that keeps surprising, and every New Yorker has their own subway story.
The Statue of Liberty Arrived in Pieces
The iconic Statue of Liberty, a symbol of freedom and democracy, was a gift from the people of France to the United States. However, when it arrived in 1885, it came in more than 300 pieces, with the statue’s copper skin shipped in 214 crates.
The last piece arrived a staggering nine years after the first, and it took four months to assemble Lady Liberty on Liberty Island!
The Pizza Principle
The pizza principle is a long-standing economic oddity. It states that a slice of pizza in NYC always costs the same as a subway ticket.
For the last 50 years, subway tickets and pizza slices have increased in cost at an almost identical pace, and economists have even used rising pizza prices to predict when subway fares would increase accurately!
However, the days of the pizza principle may be numbered, as it was reported in 2022 that the cost of pizza slices was officially higher than subway tickets across the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NYC a good city to live in?
Living in New York City will alter you in one way or another. The city provides a distinctive way of life that is thrilling and demanding.
With a population of over 8 million, it is a multicultural melting pot with many advantages. However, daily stress and the high cost of living can have adverse effects.
Thus, the decision of whether or not New York City is a decent place to live is solely your own. This list points you in the right direction.
How many people live in New York City?
As of 2024, the population of New York City is 8.468 million, making it the most populous city in the country and the 11th most populated city in the world. So yeah, let your hair down. You’ll always fit in here.
What salary do you need to live in New York City?
Your lifestyle and the sacrifices you’re willing to make will determine this. Living on a budget in New York City requires work.
Are your housemates okay with you? NYC living has never been more inexpensive. Do you think highly of your independence? Apartments with one bedroom are costly.