New York City is a place that many people fall in love with, but what makes New York unique and special? What is it about the Big Apple that makes it different from other big cities all around the world?
New York City has a long list of nicknames that reflect its place in the world. In addition to the Big Apple, New York City is also referred to as the Capital of the World, The City that Never Sleep and the City of Dreams. These reflect the place that New York has captured in people’s mind and that make it special to so many.
Anyone who has been to New York City would have felt the energy in the city. Here are some things that make New York City unique and special.
What Makes New York City Unique
The Scale of the City
New York is the largest city in the United States, population-wise. It is twice as largest as Los Angeles, the next biggest city.
The Five Boroughs
Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island have their own distinct character.
The five boroughs came together in 1898 to create New York City and within the five boroughs of New York City, there are literally hundreds of neighbourhoods, each with their own history too. And all these are inter-linked by bridges and tunnels, allowing for an flow and exchange of people and ideas within the city.
Urban Experience & Interesting People
New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. But that’s simply because it also attracts some of the best talents and ambitious people in the world.
This creates an extraordinary concentration of talent and interesting people in a relatively small geographic area – making it a place few others in the world.
Sky High Rents
It is no secret – rents in New York City are astronomical. Unless you work the jobs that Friends did (wait, what did Chandler do again?), you will probably find yourself in a tiny apartment or paying through the nose for living accommodations.
Walkable City
Even though New York City is so large, it is also a walkable city and the grid system in Manhattan also makes it easy to navigate around. Many New Yorkers make their way around on their own two legs. However, that’s also why New Yorkers walk so fast and get really irritated by the out-of-towners who get in their way.
Long History
New York City can trace its origins back to the early 1600s when the Dutch founded the settlement of New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island.
That have given it centuries to evolve to what it is today even though there are still sights such as Bowling Green that his a long history. New York City has also played a pivotal role throughout history. The Sons of Liberty were active in New York City and more recently, it was the center of the tragic events of 9/11. And even though many associate New York City with brand spanking new skyscrapers, the city does still have buildings that date back to the 1800s.
Micro Neighborhoods
It is no exaggeration to say that New York City is a melting pot of cultures. There are are so many different ethnic neighborhoods scattered throughout the city.
From old Italian neighborhoods to those where newer migrants like those from places like Senegal, you will find the world here in New York City. This is unlike other big cities in the world like Tokyo where the population is more homogenous.
But it is the diversity of New York City that makes the Big Apple exciting and interesting. It is possible to hear 10 different languages spoken within one city block. And that also means that you can find the food from all over the world in New York City.
Meritocracy Rules
One thing that makes New York City unique is that no one cares about where you came from. It is all about proving yourself and what you can do that really counts. New Yorkers like to walk the talk and if the shoe fits, the shoe fits. That’s why is a city where dreams can come true in extra quick time.
Some would say that New York City is all about making money and New Yorkers start to hustle to make a buck from an early age. All this competition is what drives New York City and keeps its energy going.
Manhattan Skyline
One of, if not the most, famous skylines in the world is the Manhattan skyline. The result of a lack of space forcing people to build skyward, the Manhattan skyline is instantly recognizable.
It has been said that every other city in the world want to emulate the skyscrapers and unique look of the Manhattan skyline.
Green Spaces
Even though it is crowded with tall buildings, some how, New York City still finds a way to create green spaces for its residents. The most famous of these New York City parks is Central Park, the green lung in the middle of Manhattan.
However, there are plenty of parks in all the boroughs. These include Brooklyn’s Prospect Park to Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens to newer developments like the High Line, a park converted from an old train line. New York City has great parks that offer a respite from the bustling city.
New York City: A Special & Unique Place to Visit
All these different factors make New York City special, unique and diverse. It is a place to visit and enjoy the energy and bustle. However, when you want to get away by heading to a green space or park along the Hudson River, you can also do so.
There are so many recognizable, world famous landmarks in the city, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building. You can also pay a visit to one of the many famous museums in New York City, including one of only five aircraft carrier museums in the United States. Then, head over to Broadway to catch a theatre show.
Whatever your interest, you will be find there is something to do and appreciate in New York City.
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