Brooklyn, one of the five boroughs of New York City, is a unique place sandwiched between the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and the peacefulness of the Long Island suburbs. I have lived in Brooklyn throughout my entire life. My family and I only moved once, and when we did, we simply moved from one neighborhood to another a few miles away. While I was choosing a college, I knew that I wanted to go away from home, but not too far. My parents and I decided on Providence College for multiple reasons, one of which was that it is the perfect distance away. We could travel from Brooklyn to Providence in under four-hours. At the time, I didn't realize how many differences there are between Brooklyn and New England. Here are eight of those minor, but still important, differences.
1. Vineyard Vines? What's that? A pink version of Carvel's Fudgie the Whale?
It seems that Vineyard Vines is definitely one of the most popular brands among New Englanders. Before starting college, I just about knew it even existed. It is nowhere near as popular in Brooklyn as it is in New England.
2. Sprinkles or jimmies?
Let's just say I was very confused when the guy working in the ice cream shop asked me if I wanted "jimmies" on my ice cream. Turns out that these are the colorful toppings placed on ice cream and known in Brooklyn as "sprinkles." In Brooklyn, "jimmies" would refer to a bunch of guys named Jim, and I don't think I would want them on my ice cream.
3. Starbucks > Dunkin Donuts.
Any day, any time, Starbucks has Dunkin Donuts beat in Brooklyn. You can find a Starbucks every few blocks, and at each one the line is usually out the door. However, I'm pretty sure people in New England think that Dunkin' coffee beans come from God himself.
4. "Wicked."
In Brooklyn, "Wicked" is a musical that you can go see on Broadway with family or friends. The advertisements are displayed everywhere, sides of buses, billboards, or even in subways. However, in New England, the word can be used to describe almost anything. "The movie was wicked good" or "It's wicked hot outside" or "It was a wicked great game."
I think you get the point.
5. Tom Brady.
Whether you're a Jets or Giants fan, every Brooklynite (really every New Yorker) has a deep hatred for Tom Brady. Being at college next to guys wearing shirts that read "Free Tom Brady" was definitely a change.
6. Lacrosse.
It seems that every college student from New England loves to talk about his or her glory days playing high school lacrosse. In Brooklyn, playing lacrosse is rare. I'm not sure why, but no one seems to play it. Basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and even fencing are more common than lacrosse is.
7. Transportation. 
As a Brooklynite, not having a driver's license right away is not a big deal at all. With all the crowds and traffic, others modes of transportation are more popular and efficient. Most places you need to get to can be reached by walking, biking, calling a taxi, or taking the subway. There is no dire need to get a license the second you are eligible to. The more important thing is making sure you don't lose your MetroCard.
8. NYC or Boston?
Brooklynites and New Englanders engage in the constant debate of whether NYC or Boston is the better city. From firsthand experience, I can say that these arguments can get pretty heated. (Go NYC!)
As evidenced by these eight differences, I think it's fair to say that 200-miles can change a lot.
