20 Signs That You’re From NYC

After you live in New York City, you start to pick up on things only people from the city would understand. These are the signs that you're from NYC!

I have lived in New York City for all my life, but soon, I will embark on a new journey to study in Boston. While I may be moving from one city to another, spotting a person from New York City will not be very difficult. Here are 20 signs that you’re from NYC!

1. You avoid Times Square at all costs.

Sure, Times Square is great an all, but there are just SO MANY PEOPLE. You definitely know that there are better places to hang out at.

2. Everyone that goes to a NYC school seems to have mutual friends with you… even though you go to a different school.

High school is filled with “Wait, how do you know him/her?” Ah, the great school system of NYC. Elementary school students have to go to their zone school. In middle school, you are able to rank your schools of choice. High school? The 5 boroughs are in your hands. I mean, you may be dating someone that people in other schools know.

3. You can’t go to SoHo without bumping into someone that you know.

This relates back to number 2; come on, you have definitely avoided some of those people from school.

4. The love/hate relationship with the MTA.

Will my train/bus ever arrive when I need it?

5. You will never miss the smell of underground subway stations.

Let’s not even talk about how they smell after it rains…

6. The 4 seasons can be experienced in one day.

You’re not even surprised if you’re wearing a hoodie in the winter and a scarf in the spring.

7. The bodega on the corner.

In New York City terms, we use the word “bodega” simply to describe a convenience store. We tend to know the workers better than the people in our school.

8. Bacon, egg and cheese?

This is practically a high school student’s breakfast for at least one day of the school year.

9. There is a Starbucks about every 5 blocks from each other.

Need a little pick me up? Say no more.

10. You know all the “basic” photoshoot places.

All you wanted was a nice background in your Instagram picture, but there will be at least one comment that says “basic” (pssstttt, Jersey Street in SoHo; check it out, thank me later).

11. Green MetroCards.

Your high school years were blessed by the great student MetroCards. They will definitely be missed.

12. You can’t stand slow walkers.

We all know that there are many tourists in the city, but there are also locals. Please stand off to the side if you need to look something up so that you don’t create traffic. Thanks!

13. Getting concert tickets is a game of skill and reflexes.

Popular artist coming to a venue near you? New York City venues aren’t the biggest and many popular artists come here; so when tickets go on sale, its a virtual race. Well you know the drill, get ready, get set, CLICK!

14. Street performers.

They’re practically everywhere.

15. Christmas is a huge deal.

Nothing beats the decorations in the city during the holidays, even though it may be freezing outside.

16. The slang.

“It’s mad brick.” No, this is nothing to do with being mad or having a brick. It just means that it’s very cold outside.

17. Driving in the city? You might as well just take the train.

The mix of busy city streets and pedestrians is not good. I mean, the last thing you need is an angered pedestrian.

18. Food, that is all.

Wherever you look in NYC, there are always great food places. From the largest of restaurants to the smallest of ice cream shops, there is something for everyone.