The Biggest Misconceptions People Have About NYC

Many people dream of moving to the Big Apple. They picture themselves haling taxis like a pro and eating the world’s best pizza. Or imagine spotting celebs in bookstores, living in charming high-rise apartments, and grabbing coffee in Central Park. But then a well-meaning (yet misinformed friend) pops their imaginary bubble, making them believe their dream of living in the city is impossible. Sound familiar? Here are five untrue things you may have heard about New York.

If your only experience of New York City has been through TV and movies, chances are you have some pretty big misconceptions about what it’s like to live in the Big Apple. Is it the frightening crime-ridden place portrayed in Law and order? Are all New Yorkers snobbish and rude? Experience should tell you by now that you can’t trust everything you see on TV. Here are the 11 most common misconceptions and myths about New York City.

New York City is Manhattan

If you’ve watched Sex and the City, Seinfeld, or friends, you can quickly get the impression that all of New York is Manhattan. Here’s a fact, all of New York is 790 sqm in total; Manhattan consists of only 59 sqm. Made up of five boroughs (Manhattan, The Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island). All of these areas have their unique Communities, architecture, and culture. So there’s plenty to see off the island.

New Yorkers are rude and self-centered.

As rushed as life in New York is, this one is not true. Yes, many New Yorkers go the distance to avoid contact or conversation, but that’s because they don’t want to get stuck in an awkward situation or mind their own business. If you need help, they’ll often render every assistance possible, just so long as you’re not trying to sell them anything.

It’s noisy and unsafe.

Yes, the city can be noisy. After all, this is a place where few people have backyards or cars, and apartments can be ridiculously small. The streets, subways, and public places, in general, are loud and packed with people, but that’s kind of why people like living here. It’s exciting and full of energy. You’ll find plenty of spots outside central Manhattan if you want somewhere quiet. Some West Village, Brooklyn, and upper Manhattan areas are as silent as they get.

As for crime, trust us, it’s not near as bad as the movies make sit out to be. It even made the top ten of the safest cities in the world.

It’s astoundingly expensive.

It’s a lot more affordable to live here than visit. Hotel rooms are undoubtedly costly, but you can keep expenses down if you know where to go. The trick is to live like a New Yorker. Take the subway instead of cabs, don’t always eat out, and go where the locals go when you do. Many things in NYC are cheaper than in Europe or other big cities, so don’t think you won’t be able to afford living here.

It has very little green space.

Just plain wrong. 19.5% of New York’s land is dedicated to parks. According to the Trust for Public Land, New York is home to some of the best parks in the country. Here you can find a park for nearly everything from picnics to skate parks to beautiful sunsets.

Living in New York is Glamorous

New Yorkers are proud of their city; however, living here is far from the glamorous experience many outsiders think it is. Sure, there is a romantic vibe about it, and there’s always something going on, but living there is not how the movies present it. People have their routines and bills to pay just like everyone else. Living in New York is far from glamorous unless you’re a millionaire. Thus it could be considered a myth.

Finding a home in a clean, safe, and quiet area is hard.

Part of the draw to the city is the vibrant atmosphere. There is always something to see and do. Many New Yorkers want to experience the vastness, the busyness, the action, and the hustle and bustle that New York is famous for. But they also want an option to get away. There are plenty of places to live that are close to NYC’s major attractions that are also low in crime, noise, and filth. NYC offers plenty of safe, quiet, and clean neighborhoods that still give off that unique New York City vibe. For some of the sleepiest areas, check out Sutton Place in Manhattan, and Battery Park City is included as some of the best areas for families with kids.

You Have To Be Rich To Live There

Is the cost of living in NYC higher than in most places? Yes. Are there one-bedroom studio apartments that sell for over a million dollars? Yes. But there are other options. Suzy the Art Student or Joe, the Hopeful Broadway Star, can live in the city. The Upper East Side and Great Kills on Staten Island rank as the city’s most affordable places to live. There are plenty of cheap food options, free museums to visit, gorgeous parks to explore, and inexpensive arts and cultural events. You don’t have to be featured on the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous to enjoy life as a New Yorker.

You Can’t Trust The Movers.

Packing up all your stuff is arguably one of the most stressful moving parts. Then add the headache of fitting it all in your car or asking friends to help get it to the new place, which almost seems overwhelming. Hiring a professional NYC mover can make moving to the city much more comfortable. They know how to package and move your valuables. They know the tricks of the trade to navigate narrow staircases. Do your research to make moving stress-free, and find a moving company that has reliable reviews. You don’t have to do it all on your own.

All Supers Are Nightmares

A super is in charge of an apartment building. Their job is to take care of the everyday issues of an apartment complex. They schedule trash pick-up, handle tenant complaints, show a rental property, and perform maintenance issues. A bad relationship with your super can make things harder for you, but they’re not all out to make your life miserable. They have a high-stress job that requires dealing with a lot of problems. Mostly, they focus on making your living experience as pleasant as possible.

You can live near good schools or live in an affordable neighborhood. Not both

Living near a highly ranked school is a “must” for some families with kids moving to the city. Private and specialty schools like Riverdale School have a yearly estimated tuition of $33K, which works for some families. For families who want a reliable, free educational opportunity for their children, however, there are options in affordable areas. Morris Park in The Bronx and Bay Ridge in Brooklyn offer good schools and affordable living for families with school-age kids.

New York is for everyone, regardless of what the haters say. Whether you buy your first home here or find a cute place with roommates while you work to save money, nothing should stop you from experiencing NYC if it’s something you want to do. If it’s your dream to live, work, and play in NYC, you can make it happen. The New York real estate market, is always growing and changing, and with a little persistence and willingness to compromise, you can make your dream of being an NYC local a reality.