Image by houy.in via Flickr
Disadvantages to living in New York City http://ow.ly/34MRV
Notes to the link above:
Having lived in NYC for close to 6 years now, I can always pinpoint the many disadvantages of living in NYC. But I have to emphasize that I really like living in this city, even with all its disadvantages and irritants that get into me from time to time. Nothing is really new about that; most readers have read about these thoughts from papers; viewers have already seen repeatedly these not-so-pretty scenes on TV and from the movies.
1) It’s not the cleanest city you’ll ever visit in your travels; my friends would tell me this observation right away even if they live in another big city here in the US. I don’t mind that – it’s true. But it doesn’t mean it’s unhealthy. It’s just that certain parts of the city can, indeed, be dirty looking; it’s not only these parts as even some people you meet on the streets are dirty-looking themselves.
2) It’s costly. Nothing new about this, OK?
3) It’s can be lonesome even if you’re with good friends and family. Yes, it’s paradoxically lonesome even if you find yourself in the crowds. I think this gets highlighted with the changing of the seasons.
4) It’s annoying to meet so many people on the streets, in the subway system, in the parks, in the many attractions in NYC and they behave like they want to be treated like they’re ‘important people’ just like they’re so used to be treated back in their home countries. You’ll see so many of them, and you’d just wish they’d just write the announcements right away on their bosoms so you won’t need to figure things out when you come face to face with them. The best approach is to wear that ‘you-don’t-care-at-all’ attitude, and they will soon understand that. Just leave them in their illusion-filled world, and have fun with your own life.
5) It’s noisy. YESSSS, it’s really noisy!
6) Expect a lot of shocking events, people and activities you’ll face in NYC. They’re shocking but not necessarily disturbing, I have to add. For example, I’m shocked by seeing so much display of wealth and I’ll see homeless persons walking by. The first time I saw a homeless person reading a thick paperback, that scene kinda shocked me — he was even asking for specific amount from me and my friends who happened to be chatting beside him.
7) Although public transport is still relatively cheap, there’s something REALLY troublesome with how the subway, the bus system, the Staten Island Ferry system have been providing their services to the riding public. Of course, its workers are indeed working hard; there’s no doubt about it. But remember that it’s a bureaucracy that is really become ineffective at its delivery of public transport services. Repairs go forever during weekends, so it’s best to make well-made plans when going out during weekends. The Staten Island Ferry is often late in arrival especially when it’s a nice day when so many tourists go about visiting the city — and if you live in Staten Island close to the Ferry, you’ll have to wait another 30minutes for your connecting trip to wherever you’re destination as the bus or the train would have left by then. And with the news that the MTA‘s top honcho gave up his job for a better paying similar job in Hong Kong, this just says that the system’s overall-leadership in providing such services is turning out to be a failure (probably in the long run?). This bodes badly with the rest of the system. Well, we can just hope (and pray!) the system can continue correcting and improving itself.
I have to add that I’ve met so many kind-hearted, helpful, real people in NYC, hence I’ve decided to stay here. And despite all disadvantages, NYC is still worth spending all your time to live, work, and love in.
Related articles
- A short trip to New York City and an even shorter blog post (michaeledwardkelly.com)
- The top 5 creepiest statues in New York City (gadling.com)
- Excellent to work with – New York City, NY (travelpod.com)
- The Big Apple – New York City, NY (travelpod.com)
