New Yorkers unfriendly?

Question

Hi all- I might get trashed for this, but I think overall, New Yorkers are unfriendly, rude and uptight. It is understandable that they are rude, because they have to deal with so much people and stimuli all the time- but rude nonetheless. I am a Californian who just moved to NYC and always feel like most of my interactions with them are cold. I think it is easier to actually talk to people on a daily basis here, but that is just because there is an overflow of people in the streets. I am sure they can be nice once you get to know them, but I feel like it is hard to tear down that barrier. Please comment away.

Answer 1

I'm not from NY so I can't really say from personal experiance, but I've seen people ask questions before just like this except it was a New York transplant in CA asking if people thought Californian's were more rude than New Yorkers. I think deep down they are all pretty nice people, espcially here in San Diego the people are very outgoing and friendly. Parts of LA might be a different story b/c of that whole Hollywood/Celebrity culture in some parts. Also Orange County with the WASP culture. But parts of NY are just as stuck up and snobby as parts of CA. Go down Park Ave, out to the Hamptons, or to Westchester county and plenty of people are stuck up, snooty, pretentious, and fake. YOu can find people like that in wealthy communities all over this country.

It's mainly the difference in attitude and lifestyle that may make New Yorkers appear rude. East Coast people are generally more uptight and have that in your face attitude. They are not as chill and laid back as people in CA, but that doesnt mean they are mean and rude. They just act and treat each other differently than people in CA do. People are in more of a rush out there for some reason. You are probably right, if you got to know some more people better they probably are very nice overall. But you have to break through that NY attitude and not take it to heart. CA is just a lot more laid back so you have to keep that in mind when moving to a new place like NY.

Answer 2

I travel over to New York all the time. I live in Ireland & I have to say I have never had a bad expericene with New Yorkers, if I have ever approached someone & asked for help & directions they have always been helpfull & friendly. I think becasue everyone is in such a rush & the city is so busy that they may come across as unfriendly. Coming from a country where it is not unusual to say hello to strangers & chat to random people at train stations & bus stops I found New York no different. I think they are wonderfull people & have made many many firends from New York. I love it there !!!

Answer 3

In general interactions, like trying to get from point A to point B on the subway, sidewalk, etc yeah people are rude and aggressive. You have to be to get by here.

BUT in terms of true kind heartedness I think NYC is a great place. If you ever really get into trouble you'd be amazed at how quick they are to help out - across all class lines, race lines, etc.

It's just in terms of daily routine and city living you do get a little numb, there's just too many people and to much going on to keep up a polite, friendly facade all the time. It's a stressful place!

Answer 4

I have to disagree... I moved here from Pittsburgh, PA and I have found New Yorkers to be very welcoming. I have a very deaminding job and am always trying to save that extra minute, so I walk fast, talk fast and am always on a mission.... so I very easily slid right in to the NY way of life. I think people here are very hard workers and just try to make the most of their time. I can appreciate that.

Answer 5

Not all of them, like me. I live in New York City and i am a very liked person. I have many friends from brooklyn, bronx, queens, manhattan and even some californians. There are many nice people in relaxed places, like a very slow starbucks where people arent taking their coffee on the go. Maybe you just moved to a buisnessy area where people ARE uptight. Have you been all around the city? Like in soho, lots of people are relaxed and are just having fun. Or maybe near rockafeller center, many people go there and many that i have met are quite nice. Maybe theres just something i dont see, but i personally think that peoples personality is based on the area they live or how you strike up a conversation with them.

Answer 6

I visited NYC for my very second time in October `06 and found the people to be really friendly and it was all around a really pleasant experience. I can't wait to go back. In fact I think all people on the east coast are friendly, this is what I have experienced. I live in Michigan and they are nothing like the east coasters. :) I might be partical since I am born in Philly and have family in NJ and Philly.

Answer 7

Wait...you come from California, and you think New Yorkers are rude?

Now, I love California, and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. But we have some of the most stuck up, snooty, and anti-social people in the country.

I've always been very well treated by friends in the New York-New Jersey area. Sure, they can be a little upfront/blunt at times, but I appreciate the honesty. It's better than California's "fake friendliness" (and then never invite you anywhere ever again because you are not their "ideal" class, race, religion, etc.) routine.

Answer 8

Actually, New York was rated one of the friendliest cities to live in.

If you want to see rude and unfriendly, go to Chicago. I visited there for the first time a few months ago. It was great seeing all the sites and having my first Chicago-style pizza, but the people are another story. They stare you down, mumble things when they walk by you, and have no respect for other people.

Maybe not all of them are that way though..

Answer 9

I travel a LOT for work and most of the least friendly cities I've seen are in the South, actually. Although, the number one least friendly city I've been to ever is Washington DC (where I grew up)

Answer 10

new yorker are not rude . we are all in a rush to go where we have to get.bur if u go right to someone to ask a question they will help you .new yorker just don't say hi hello to any one in the street..