Why New York Is An Unlivable City
The allure of New York City continues to captivate hearts and draw visitors to its infamous streets every year. The birthplace of the American dream, NYC has seen generations migrate to its shores in the hopes of creating a better future. What was once a blossoming utopia has now become a remnant of its former self. Long gone are the days of neighbourly trust and affordable rent, today we’re taking off the rose coloured glasses and delving into reasons why we believe New York has become so unlivable.
Arguably the world's most famous city, New York has sat firmly within pop-culture consciousness throughout the 21st century. Ever since the Dutch first arrived on the shores of Manhattan in 1624, countless hopefuls from around the world looking for refuge and new beginnings set their sights toward the iconic city. Fast forward to today and New York has become a major world player. One of the world's biggest financial, fashion and culture capitals, so many have dreamed of the chance of getting their very own slice of the big apple.
We’ve seen countless movies portraying the glamourous potential of NYC, but what’s it like to live there? Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw once said, “In New York, you’re always looking for a job, a boyfriend, or an apartment.” Those who naively thought city life would be a walk in the park no doubt received a rude awakening after looking at their taxes. Intending to redirect funds for pandemic relief plans and social programmes, NYC governor Andrew Cuomo raised personal income taxes for top earners by 10.9% in April 2021; putting a strain on the finances of business owners with the highest taxes in the nation.
Just when you thought you found your favourite café, suddenly they’re out of business because the rent was ridiculously high. And if it’s not tax, then it’s the cost of living. Notoriously expensive, it shouldn’t come as a shock that everything from the cost of rent to a meal with friends can set you back big time. WiFi can cost up to $50 a month and a pint of beer is nearly $9 in some places, with money spent on grocery shopping in NYC $150 more than the US average. New York is pretty popular and that comes at a price. Increasing housing demand and competition for dwindling space in this economic hotspot will leave you wondering if it's even worth it?
The shimmering lights of Broadway and summer nights in Central Park may not be enough to mask the relentless bad odours of New York City. Commutes to work are often tinted with the unpleasant smell of urine - courtesy of those deficient in social etiquette. Moreover, the summer months can see pollution create a greenhouse effect, which traps heat in the city and intensifies unforgiving odours. High population density, intoxicated stragglers and the homelessness crisis are just some of the reasons your front porch can suddenly become free real estate for the inconsiderate.
The proverbial cherry on top of the cake, the added scent of garbage often plagues city streets. Cleaning up after so many people no doubt takes a toll on the sanitation department and explains why trash is so hard to contain for the 8.5 million residents living in NYC. Coming in at 429 on the dirtiness index, New York is considered one of the dirtiest cities in the world. Not to worry though, the cockroaches happily take over cleanup duties, festering amongst the trash and waiting for the perfect moment to run across your feet.
Living in New York isn’t for the unrealistic, expect an assault on your senses - and not the good kind. Travelling to work in this concrete jungle is a job within itself. The copious amounts of litter and scent of warm sewer air will keep you company on street level, but once you head below - prepare yourself. Tourists visiting the city usually can’t wait to see the “real” New York and unknowingly make their way into the hell that is the NYC subway. Summer in this city makes everything smell worse and the subway is no exception.
Commuting to work can see your face uncomfortably close to someone’s armpit or your shoes under threat from old gum and sticky soda. Even opting for a famous yellow taxi is no fun. While you may have escaped the bustling pedestrians, find yourself delayed by notorious NYC traffic as you make your way through the city. Speaking of pedestrians, being one in NYC is of no pleasure. Shoulder to shoulder with others rushing to work, impatient faces and uninviting attitudes are to be expected on an average Manhattan morning. Pulitzer Prize winner Russell Baker once said, “New York is the only city in the world where you can get deliberately run down on the sidewalk by a pedestrian.”
Who said achieving the American dream would be easy? Every day in NYC, millions of people wake up with the aim of stepping that bit closer to unbridled success. All this ambition can create unpleasant conditions for those commuting to work. The 24/7 hustle culture has never been more apparent than in New York. The high-octane morning rush will see you traversing your way through a sea of people. Crowded and noisy, expect endless honking, pushy locals and big egos. Egos which can easily match the size of this city.
Spend enough time in New York and you’ll see that a lot of people are opportunistic. Every potential job position will see you in an intense race with hungry career climbers. There’s always someone smarter, more connected or prettier than you. In this overly ambitious city, work relationships feel transactional, everyone is trying to outdo each other and it can leave you feeling overwhelmed. We wouldn’t recommend moving to NYC if you prefer to move at your own pace.
Why is New York City so unlivable? Well, how would you feel paying extortionate rent prices for a shoe-box sized apartment? Or how about the ever-changing cityscape? With New York being a cultural and financial hub, expect the sudden appearance of new skyscrapers and unfamiliar establishments. Just when you thought you’d become accustomed to your street, it changes again.
So you want to visit the gazillionth new coffee shop in midtown and guess what? You can’t even get in. New York’s urban sprawl hosts plenty of irritable customers. Endless are the queues around the block. Feverish locals mumble aggressively under their breaths waiting for caffeine. Waiting in traffic already eats away at your time, you can expect to lose even more while waiting in an NYC queue.
There are pros and cons to everything. New York has plenty of reasons for you to stay and a whole lot of reasons why you should leave. Its iconic skyline and rich culture continue to mystify its residents and its historic significance on the world's stage will see it remain one of America's most famous cities.
Perhaps with all its success, also comes its downfall. The dreams and aspirations bringing people to New York clearly outweigh its ability to accommodate them. The faults in this city are becoming apparent, its reputation as one of the world's most desirable cities now under question.
Is it due to overpopulation or perhaps government austerity? Either way, let’s hope real change can be made before this apple becomes rotten to the core.
