New York City has a unique cultural fingerprint, and its residents have customs and habits that stand out. Here are five things New Yorkers do that you’re unlikely to see replicated anywhere else. You might think New Yorkers are rude and always in a rush, but if you look closer, there’s more to being a New Yorker than trying to get to where you’re going on time, and without interruption.
There are a few things that come with life in New York City and we;ve taken a look at five we think are uniquely New York.
Swipe It Forward
In NYC, it’s not uncommon to see someone “swipe it forward” by using their MetroCard to grant another person free entry to the subway. This small act of kindness helps those who might not have enough funds for a ride and builds a sense of community in a city of millions.
Dollar Pizza, No Compromise
Many New Yorkers have a loyalty to their local dollar pizza spot that rivals sports team allegiances. Despite the availability of gourmet options, for many, a quick, one-dollar slice is not just a meal; it’s an institution.
The Apartment Shuffle
Real estate in New York is notoriously expensive and competitive. It’s not unusual for New Yorkers to move multiple times within the city, often just blocks away from a former residence. This “apartment shuffle” is almost a rite of passage and a peculiar kind of musical chairs that only New Yorkers understand.
Bodega Loyalty
In a city packed with convenience stores and high-end grocers, New Yorkers form attachments to their local bodegas. These small, often family-owned shops offer everything from breakfast sandwiches to household essentials. Ask any New Yorker, and they’ll tell you: Their bodega is the best one.
Never Stopping for Street Performers
In other cities, a crowd might gather around street performers to enjoy the show. Not in New York. While talent abounds on subway platforms and street corners, most New Yorkers pass by without missing a beat. It’s not that they don’t appreciate the art; they’re just on a different kind of time—New York time.
These habits and customs make New Yorkers a unique breed. While some of these behaviors might seem strange to outsiders, they’re part of the collective identity that makes New York City like no other place on Earth.