Guide to becoming a real New Yorker in 8 simple steps

Moving to NYC is not the only physical event. It’s the inner change that matters since you’re moving to one of the most exciting and most popular cities in the world. New York City carries a very unique vibe you can only feel on the spot. No matter how many articles you read or videos you see, only when stepping your foot in NYC will you be able to get that feeling and get to know New York. However, if you plan on moving there, you should also plan on adjusting to the new environment. To help you out, we arranged a simple guide to becoming a real New Yorker in a few easy steps. This way, you can get closer to the culture and atmosphere of the city that never sleeps.

Step 1: Embrace the walking

One of the first things you’ll notice when arrive in NYC is that a lot of people walk. Of course, there are lots of cars on the streets, and that’s the reason New Yorkers don’t want to waste the time. They want to arrive much faster, so they walk to nearby places and use public transportation for some longer-distance travelers. So, if you're thinking of becoming a real New Yorker, you’ll ditch your car. This will have multiple benefits – you’ll be healthier, you’ll save money on car maintenance and parking, and most importantly – reduce car pollution.

Step 2: Love the coffee

One of the reasons NYC is the city that never sleeps is people drinking a lot of coffee. Coffee seems to be the most popular beverage in NYC, and that’s why you can have it almost everywhere. Also, since New Yorkers love espresso, you’ll be amazed by how many different kinds and styles you can find in NYC coffee shops.

Step 3: Explore the city

A true New Yorker is not dedicated to his neighborhood only. They like to visit other parts of NYC for various reasons – a good coffee place, a fun show, an exciting party – or simply for the sake of exploring and taking a walk. So take your friend or partner and visit some other boroughs, and check out what they have to offer.

Also, discovering places around a city like this is great when you want to move to another part of NYC. Visiting some other boroughs will help you imagine you living here. So, if you want to move here with your family, you’ll get a better idea of the quality of life in that area. We advise hiring a local moving company that knows everything about the area, to make your move safer and faster.

Step 4: Express yourself

NYC is the place where everything is possible, and people are not afraid to express their style and interests. This gives you the perfect chance to start dressing as you always wanted, yet you felt it was too cool or too dressed up. In the process of becoming a real New Yorker, you can dress with confidence and truly feel why the city is one of the world’s fashion capitals.

Step 5: Be open-minded for becoming a real New Yorker

Related to the previous step – you need to be open-minded about almost everything. NYC is a true melting pot of different cultures, styles, and languages, so don’t act surprised if you see somebody ‘unusual’. The city actually gives you an amazing opportunity to meet amazing people, eat tasty international food, and be part of various events and cultural activities like anywhere else in the world.

Step 6 – Don’t act like a tourist

No matter if you've recently moved to NYC when becoming a real New Yorker you need to stop acting like a tourist. One of the things people of NYC don’t do is looking up, amazed by the height of the buildings. They love to see their city’s skyline, but looking up is never a thing. Furthermore, New Yorkers walk fast. If you look closely at the crowd, you can see who’s a local and who’s a tourist just by their pace. Looking around and taking pictures – and therefore bothering others who are in a rush, is a big no-no. And finally, get used to the fact that lots of celebrities live in NYC. They are people like everyone else and enjoy having a cup of coffee a the local coffee shop, just like you. So, avoid staring or screaming their name – they’re now just your neighbors.

Step 7 – Know how to relax and have me-time

NYC is known for its business opportunities and the place where people work a lot. Everything seems busy and crowded. However, becoming a real New Yorker would mean you need to learn how to use your free time the best way possible and to love yourself. Taking a walk, jogging, getting a massage – anything to make time only for yourself. Even though New Yorkers work hard, they also know how to play hard and love themselves.

Step 8 – Grab some food from dollar vendors when in a rush

Everybody knows that NYC is expensive, and moreover, very busy. That’s why people of NYC find no shame in some cheap street food choices whenever they’re in a rush – or on a budget. You can have your favorite pizza place, but it’s not a big deal if you grab a 99 cents one on your way to work.

Welcome!

The final step of becoming a real New Yorker is finding a home and relocating. Stay positive and embrace your new home town – you\re in one of the popular cities in the world!

My name is Betty and I have been writing expert articles in relation to the moving industry for the last couple of years. Besides this specific area, I am also experienced in other spheres pertaining to the concept of relocation.