Are New Yorkers really that bad?

Question

You know the idiom: Move out of California before it makes you too soft; move out of New York before it makes you too hard?

Unfortunately I've only lived in Colorado and California. I plan on moving to NYC post-grad though. Are New Yorkers confrontational even if you mind your own business or is the stereotype over-exaggerated?

Answer 1

The stereotype is over exagerated. I used to spend at least 2 weeks a year in New York for my company and found the people to be mostly very friendly and helpful. It is true that everyone is in a hurry and if you stand still in the middle of a sidewalk you may get walked over, but all in all New York is a fun, exciting city full of life and interesting people. I think you will enjoy it there.

Answer 2

I think the reason New Yorkers have that image is because they mind their business.It takes a lot to capture the attention of us Yorkers.Celebrities have no problem with mobs in NY because we are so use to them living among us that when we see them on the streets it's like waving to a neighbor.I can remember working in the city and seeing John Kennedy nearly everyday and Robert Deniro etc. I hope you'll enjoy your stay ,the city is so diverse that what ever ethnicity you prefer is there and any food you want is there and remember when you can't sleep,this city never sleeps.

Answer 3

I would say it is over exaggerated. I'm from Texas and I spent 3 days in Manhattan a little over a year ago. Everyone was very nice when I couldn't find what I was looking for. Several people just asked me to talk because of my accent. I'm sure they went home and made fun of it, but that's ok. The people were great there. And not one single cab driver tried to take advantage of us because we were tourists.

Answer 4

This might blow your mind, because it is completely different from what the media says about new york, but in readers digest there was this experiment where they sent people all over the world to gauge their politeness. Who opened doors most who smiled most who was nicest to people in service and new york was number one. So they are actually the nicest people compared to places all through out canada and around the world.

Answer 5

i love ny and New Yorkers, i'm from Pa and that i imagine we surely have undesirable attitudes! each and each and every time i'm there, human beings are very pleasant. i imagine it is like the French, human beings assume they are snobby or rude b/c of that stereotype, so that they are almost subconsciously rude to them earlier N.Y'ers even get a probability to be magnificent or rude. yet I take excitement in N.Y. and each and everything it has to provide, which include the folk!

Answer 6

When Rudy Gulliani was Mayor he threatened to beat the living crap out of every New Yorker who continued to act rude. His soft spoken approach to good manners worked so you should be perfectly fine.

Answer 7

I am NY'er ... its the fast pace everybody is going somewhere and needs to get there NOW! We also see lots but don't see anything if you know what I mean. People just go about their business most of the time. If you need help ask ....NY'ers are mostly helpful and friendly when asked.

Answer 8

There are millions of people in New York city and there are all kinds! In general, people mind their own business.

Answer 9

were not bad, just different for example escuse me in NYC is confrontational while sorry is what exuse me is trying to say. and the blunt who dou htink your tawkin to. their a little rough around the edges but inside nice people

Answer 10

I personally love NY, I think people are just preoccupied, it is very fast past. There are far more positives than negatives. I think you will find that it is indeed an experience.