Growing up on Long Island is a unique experience in comparison to growing up literally anywhere else in the world. We have the best food, great wine, and a whole lot of traffic. But whether you're from Nassau or Suffolk, we can all agree on these ten aspects of growing up on Long Island:
1. You're confused when you meet someone who's never been to a beach before
You've never been to a beach and seen the ocean? Let me introduce you to my pal, Robert Moses, and his friends, Jones, Smithpoint and Long Beach.
2. "Baconeggandcheese" is one word in your vocabulary
Would you like salt, pepper, and ketchup on that?
3. You have to love Billy Joel
If you don't, true Long Islanders probably don't get along with you.
4. You know the island is split into four sections
Nassau, Suffolk, North Shore, and South Shore. And where you're from tells a lot about you and your personality.
5. Bagels for breakfast, pizza for dinner
It's a Long Island privilege and tradition that will last for all eternity.
6. You know the highways by the names AND the numbers
Should I call it Long Island Expressway, L.I.E. or 495? Let's just settle on calling it "traffic" because that's all you'll experience on this highway.
7. You're most likely Italian![]()
8. You call Manhattan "The City"
9. You've been to at least one sweet 16 that cost more than your car
10. You tell people you live "ON" Long Island not "in" it
Get it right.
