You are here, which means that you have probably experienced some type of cultural shock when visiting another country or even a city. That is completely normal, especially when you’re coming from a small city to a big, hectic, fast-paced one. That is New York.
This is one of the cities where life is faster. Every day is a challenge in a good way and in a bad way. So, if you are coming to New York from another country to visit, or you are moving to New York for a job, you are in for some serious culture shock.
New Yorkers have their way of life and you can say that is somewhat different from everyone else’s. NYC culture shocks for newcomers are real as they get. Here we will mention some that you will probably experience yourself when you come to one of the coolest cities in the world.
NYC Newcomer Culture Shock Is Real
So, as you probably already know New York is made of five pretty awesome boroughs:
- Queens
- Brooklyn
- Bronx
- Staten Island
- And last, but not least Manhattan
These boroughs are here and there different from one another, but it is all New York. So, whatever borough you choose to go to, you won’t run away from NYC culture shocks for newcomers. It is bound to happen, one way or another. This is nothing to be scared of.
Cultural shock means that you will find strange some things that New Yorkers find pretty normal. That is all there is to it. If you stay long enough in New York at one point something that you find strange, will probably become completely normal for you, which will mean that you are a New Yorker now. So, let’s see what are the cultural shocks that you may experience.
Of course, it all depends on you, where are you coming from, because some people even though they are coming to New York from a country that is very different from America, or a city that is very different from New York in so many things, find everything in New York completely normal. What you do have to do, is to use experienced moving companies in order to move here without any issues whatsoever.
Prices
Newcomers to NYC may experience culture shocks, particularly when it comes to the prices of things. Almost everything you can imagine is likely to be much more expensive than what you are accustomed to. For instance, having a rent-controlled apartment is considered a significant achievement in New York, whereas it is a common occurrence in other cities. This is due to the intense competition for housing in NYC.
Rents are getting higher because boroughs are becoming more and more popular. It is not all about moving in Manhattan anymore. The solution for this pricey problem would be to have a roommate in NYC or even more than one. So, this can be tricky and it can go under NYC culture shocks for newcomers because your jaw will drop when you go to see some apartment, that is not that pretty or spacious, but the price is.
You Don’t Want To Have A Car
Yes, you read it right. You don’t want to have a car in New York. Traffic jams can be ballistic in New York. If you live in Brooklyn, and you have to be in Manhattan at nine, there is no right advice to tell you when to go. However, by using the subway you can be there in a matter of half an hour. Another thing that can be so frustrating in New York is looking for a parking space. Mission, well, probably impossible. Sometimes it takes more time to find a parking spot than to drive to the wanted place.
Also, if you do have a car, you will have to be somewhat of a driving ninja to manage to park in the smallest parking spot available. So, it is all up to you, but this can definitely go under NYC culture shocks for newcomers. Except if you are coming from a city where the situation is similar.
Cultural Diversity
New York has many cultures in one city. It feels great to experience this. If you can live in New York, you will enjoy the best of many cultures, especially in food and language. You will eat, drink, and learn a new language while living in New York.
This probably shouldn’t go under NYC culture shocks for newcomers, because it is not a shock, but it is something great and different. Where else can you eat something, you have never tried before? Drink some traditional drink from a country far away, and learn some new, wanted language. Sounds amazing, right?
NYC culture shocks for newcomers vary from moving companies prices to the way New Yorkers talk and act. When you are coming to a completely new and not familiar city, it is completely normal to find some things a bit strange for you. Nothing to be worried about, and everything that you may find strange will eventually grow on you and you will find yourself wondering why did you ever find anything so strange. Enjoy New York. It is one of the most wanted and most exciting cities in the world.
How To Overcome The Culture Shock Of new York City?
Moving to NYC for the first time can be one of the most exciting events in your life. A city that never sleeps will let you have as much time as you need to get used to it. Here are some tips and tricks on how to overcome culture shock when you move to NYC.
Find A Job: As soon as you learn about your relocation to NYC, we suggest that you start looking for a job here. This is crucial, even before hiring a moving company. The crucial question is how to get a job in NY as a newcomer. Since the employment process may take a couple of months, especially for senior roles, it is never too early to apply. When you have a job waiting for you, the prices of NYC will not come as such a great shock.
Spend Time Outside: Explore your new neighborhood once you’ve settled in. Discover the top spots for coffee, meet your neighbors, take a stroll in the nearby park, or rent a bike to learn more about your surroundings. Spending ample time outdoors is key to effectively adapting to the new culture.
Find A Roommate: Living alone has its benefits, but having a roommate in the Big Apple is certainly desirable unless, of course, you are moving with children to New York City. If you are moving to NYC with a family, make sure you explore the best New York City neighborhoods for families before you relocate. If you are single, whether a student or an employee, it is good to have someone to share the price of the NYC apartment with. But it is not all just about the price, it is good to have someone by your side as you explore this amazing city.