Ahhh, New York City. Living in Colorado for the majority of my life, New York City seemed like a far away land that only existed as the fictional backdrop in my favorite sitcoms. Fast forward a few years later, and now I am currently living in New York City. If you ever wondered how it compares to what you imagine it to be /or not be, here are some realities vs expectations based on my experience here so far:
1. Expectation: You can get anywhere immediately
Reality: It can a hour or more to get around the city.
I always imagined you could just catch the subway and just get set off to anywhere in the city and get there blazing fast in a few minutes. In reality, yes the subway is faster than driving (I know!) and walking, but that doesn't mean its quick necessarily. I live 2 1/2 miles away from my work, I live in the Upper East Side, and I work in midtown- and it takes me a good 30 minutes to get to work. Also, I have it easy- for my coworkers that love in Brooklyn or Queens it takes them 1- 2 hours.
2. Expectation: Catching a taxi will get you there quicker!
Reality: Taking the subway is almost always quicker.
I always imagined if I was running late to work I would just run out on to the street and hail a cab like some in a movie, and then BOOM I'm at work, early even! But once I took one, I realized that the reason to take one is if you have a long walk you don't want to do, it's late at night, or you aren't in a rush. Being a in a rush is not the time to hail a cab.
3. Expectation: The subway stop is right near your apartment.
Reality: You may walk up to 10-15 minutes just to get to the subway stop.
While this is not true for everyone, they are parts of the city they subway is a little far from. Yes, 10-15 minutes doesn't sound 'that far' but it starts to add to the commute. In certain areas of the island, such as the upper east side and the lower east side you can live farther away from the stop. However, if you are willing the walk, the apartments further away are usually cheaper (*cough cough* where I live).
4. Expectation: You'll never order delivery because you can just walk to a deli a block away.
Reality: You order delivery because you are lazy, it doesn't matter that you have places close by.
Maybe this is just me, but I have definitely ordered delivery more than I expected. Let's face it, when you order delivery you don't want to lift a finger, and it's the same mindset even with places nearby. Also, my fifth floor walk up might have something to do with that, and my laziness.
5. Expectation: Everywhere in New York is like Times Square.
Reality: The complete opposite
Maybe you already knew this, but it is quite interesting how different New York City is when you aren't in Times Square. I think I become the most aware of this when I walked through times Square to get to a subway stop after I moved here. It was so different then from when I was there when visiting. Each part of New York City is different and has it's own vibe, including Times Square as a separate part. The Upper East Side will be a little quieter, Midtown will bustling with business, the east village will feel more hip.. etc.
