The Truth about New York City
Apr 16th, 1999 | 08:08 AM
#1
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The Truth about New York City
I am looking for the honest truth.
When travelling I prefer cities to vegging on a beach. London, Paris, Vienna, Rome, etc., have much more appeal than sand and surf.
That being said - for as much as I am attracted to the idea of going to New York I am at the same time equally repelled. I have heard it is beautiful and filthy. Exciting and deadly.
Perhaps the story that has thus far deterred me is the one told to me by my (now late) great uncle. This man grew up without a father (he was 2 when his Dad was killed in WW1), busted his butt in the depression and fought Rommell in the North African desert while his wife and infant children lived in tunnels to survive The Blitz. He travelled the world in his eighty years, but was TERRIFIED out of New York city. If such a brave man was so scared in New York that he left within 18 hours, how bad is the city?
My husband and I are planning a driving trip throughout the US and as we do not have enough time to go out west, we are lookin east. Thus New York is a possibility.
Should we do it?
P.S. We will be in a very new corvette.
When travelling I prefer cities to vegging on a beach. London, Paris, Vienna, Rome, etc., have much more appeal than sand and surf.
That being said - for as much as I am attracted to the idea of going to New York I am at the same time equally repelled. I have heard it is beautiful and filthy. Exciting and deadly.
Perhaps the story that has thus far deterred me is the one told to me by my (now late) great uncle. This man grew up without a father (he was 2 when his Dad was killed in WW1), busted his butt in the depression and fought Rommell in the North African desert while his wife and infant children lived in tunnels to survive The Blitz. He travelled the world in his eighty years, but was TERRIFIED out of New York city. If such a brave man was so scared in New York that he left within 18 hours, how bad is the city?
My husband and I are planning a driving trip throughout the US and as we do not have enough time to go out west, we are lookin east. Thus New York is a possibility.
Should we do it?
P.S. We will be in a very new corvette.
Apr 16th, 1999 | 08:28 AM
#2
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New York is probably the most exciting city around. It is diverse, alive, vibrant. To skip NYC because of the tale of an 80 year old man would be doing yourselves a grave injustice. Yes, you will find some poverty, dirt, crime; it is a major city after all. But you will also find the arts, architecture, fabulous food, shopping, among other things. Go to NYC. However, if you can, ditch the car somewhere for awhile. There is absolutely no need for it in the city, and parking there is outrageously expensive.
Apr 16th, 1999 | 08:28 AM
#3
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New York is probably the most exciting city around. It is diverse, alive, vibrant. To skip NYC because of the tale of an 80 year old man would be doing yourselves a grave injustice. Yes, you will find some poverty, dirt, crime; it is a major city after all. But you will also find the arts, architecture, fabulous food, shopping, among other things. Go to NYC. However, if you can, ditch the car somewhere for awhile. There is absolutely no need for it in the city, and parking there is outrageously expensive.
Apr 16th, 1999 | 08:52 AM
#4
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NYC is great - just as Ilisa says. Plus, the current Mayor has made vast improvements in the quality of life there over the last few year. Friends of mine who live there say that the difference in just a few years has been astounding.
Midtown can be a bit intimidating - noise, traffic, huge buildings that box you in, and the cost of living is huge. Spend more time "downtown" in the Village/Soho area. It's a bit cheaper and has more charactor - Midtown is for suit-wearing expense accounts while downtown is more comfortable to visit.
Definitely go. And don't take the car into the city under any circumstances.
Midtown can be a bit intimidating - noise, traffic, huge buildings that box you in, and the cost of living is huge. Spend more time "downtown" in the Village/Soho area. It's a bit cheaper and has more charactor - Midtown is for suit-wearing expense accounts while downtown is more comfortable to visit.
Definitely go. And don't take the car into the city under any circumstances.
Apr 16th, 1999 | 11:37 AM
#5
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You wouldn't drive a new car in Rome, would you??? Or Paris or any other comparable size/type of city??? You also probably knew there were various areas in those cities to stay away from whether it was for crime, or filth/litter or whatever. You probably encountered a variety of people too - from polite and helpful residents to really rude people.
And you probably saw a variety of architecture and housing - from beautiful to just plain ol' decrepit. If you truly love big cities, then NY is for you. But leave the Corvette at home!
Apr 16th, 1999 | 01:18 PM
#6
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New York is the unquestioned, absolute top of my list of cities to visit in the US. It has TREMENDOUS negatives (crime, crowds, beggars, rudeness, traffic, noise) but also the best museums, ethnic and cultural diversity, buildings, art, food, nightlife, and culture. If you like the vibrancy of cities (and I guess you do), New York is an ABSOLUTE MUST.
But note the above posting. New York is one of two American cities (Boston is the other) where a car is not only unnecessary, it would CRAZY to try to use one. There is not ONE place in NY you can get to faster by car than by public transit or walking. And a new Corvette?!?! Why not just put a sign on it saying: "Please vandalize or steal this car!"?? Get to New York by ANY means other than your Corvette, take a bus/cab to your lodging, unpack your bags, then VISIT the Big Apple!
But note the above posting. New York is one of two American cities (Boston is the other) where a car is not only unnecessary, it would CRAZY to try to use one. There is not ONE place in NY you can get to faster by car than by public transit or walking. And a new Corvette?!?! Why not just put a sign on it saying: "Please vandalize or steal this car!"?? Get to New York by ANY means other than your Corvette, take a bus/cab to your lodging, unpack your bags, then VISIT the Big Apple!
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Apr 16th, 1999 | 07:19 PM
#8
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Cally may be entirely right and this is a hoax question...but other than that, Paul hit the nail on the head. NYC is like no other. There ARE other good cities in the US....but NYC IS a class by itself...and I've never had anything but good travel experiences there..from my very 1st visit when Khrushchev and Castro were in town for the UN (yes, the famous shoe-banging, for those who remember)...to the time with my then 4 and 6 y.o. kids and the Gristede's deliveryman who remarked, as we were crossing a street, "Ma'am, what beautiful children!"
Who's NOT gonna love a city like that!!
Who's NOT gonna love a city like that!!
Apr 16th, 1999 | 09:23 PM
#9
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I must agree with the insights of previous posters... if you like cities (and you say that you do), then NY is like no other. It is truly in a class by itself and please note that NYC is made up of five boroughs. What most folks refer to as NYC is Manhattan. Most any area of Manhattan from Wall Street up to beyond Central Park is perfectly safe and a pleasure to visit. There are a few more remote areas of Manhattan that are inadvisable areas for tourists to travel in and certainly some parts of the other boroughs that share those characteristics. But... the fact is that the wealth of culture, food, music, architecture and people is so incredible that you'll want to revisit as soon as you can. I go a few times a month on business, spend my evenings wandering, watching and listening and never have enough time (I suppose that's why I hope to move there!). Also... yes you should leave the 'Vette elsewhere - write me direct for my suggestion or post another query (I drive there regularly and have a safe and inexpensive system worked out).
Apr 17th, 1999 | 08:14 AM
#10
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Dear Kim,
"The honest truth"????? You have been listening to Clinton too much. The truth is honest.
As for NYC, I agree with those above who qualify their thoughts by "If you like cities" or the like, then....
But as for my trips, I recommend other cities IF you must. As for NYC, put a fence around it and post the gateswith guards. We will all be better off. Good luck!
"The honest truth"????? You have been listening to Clinton too much. The truth is honest.
As for NYC, I agree with those above who qualify their thoughts by "If you like cities" or the like, then....
But as for my trips, I recommend other cities IF you must. As for NYC, put a fence around it and post the gateswith guards. We will all be better off. Good luck!
Apr 17th, 1999 | 10:02 PM
#12
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In my opinion there are only 2 GREAT cities in the United States. They are San Francisco and New York City. There are many other cities that are very nice and I am not belittling them. In fact I am partial to San Diego. It is just that San Francsico and New York are truly great cities. New York is no more dangerous than many other cities. You just have to exercise some common sense and caution and you will be fine.
Apr 18th, 1999 | 06:14 AM
#13
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I live just outside of New York City and I have travelled in and out of this country to visit other cities. I can tell you that if you pass up NYC on your tour you may regret not having set foot in one of the most adventuresome, cultural, and diverse communities around. If you are really are a 'vette afficionado, you probably enjoy adventure, risk, speed, and glamour. NYC has all this whether you are shopping in Soho or Madison Ave., searching out the many clubs, bars, and restaurants to be where the night action is, or just strolling through our piece of nature, Central Park, for great people watching. The car in the city will be expensive and is not necessary to get around. Park it someplace cheap for your visit. Taxis and other transportation abound. You don't say where you are from but you won't be disappointed that this town only has one short main street, a mall, and no nightlife. As for your great-uncle's story, many people are afraid to confront the challenges of this city - there is so much to do and see in so little time, even for residents. Rev up your engines and race along with the best speedsters you'll ever meet in this country! Have a great trip!
Apr 18th, 1999 | 07:22 AM
#14
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I have lived in New York for almost 20 years now, originally from a small city in upstate New York. I have traveled in the US, Europe, and just once in Asia.
The only other place I would live in the US besides New York would be San Francisco, at least at this middle-aged stage of my life. And yet as much as I love SF, I would have to give up a lot of the activities I enjoy, although I would gain in some other quality of life issues.
New York is not particularly easy to live in or visit. It is expensive. A lot of it is dirty, but better than it was.The subway system is not easy to figure out. It can be crowded. Lines can be long. Reservations at the top restaurants, and even at the middle-level, can be hard to get. Traffic is horrendous. There is some crime, (but much less now than in cities that are 1/10 its size.) People can be brusque and vulgar. The air isn't great. There are few convenient places to exchange currency, especially on weekends or in the evenings. Public bathrooms are few and far between except in hotel lobbies.
However, these are the pluses: a quantity and quality of museums that are far from equalled in any other US city.
There is a museum for almost any interest, from art to subways to the Holocaust to toy soldiers. There are ballet companies and theatre unequalled anywhere except London. There is modern dance and opera and also places to bowl and rollerblade. There is a spectrum of restaurants from hamburgers to haute cuisine, and in all prices and locations. There is some good architecture, although not much. There are tall buildings, great views, and
yet charming little residential enclaves as well. The taxis are less expensive than in most other major cities.
Kimberley, I hope you decide to come to New York. If you do, I'd love to give you some suggestions. I'll give you one now: either plan on spending A LOT to park the car in New York, or start your trip in New York without the car, and rent a car for the rest of the trip. Or separate New York from the rest of the trip altogether so you can do without the car.
Good luck.
The only other place I would live in the US besides New York would be San Francisco, at least at this middle-aged stage of my life. And yet as much as I love SF, I would have to give up a lot of the activities I enjoy, although I would gain in some other quality of life issues.
New York is not particularly easy to live in or visit. It is expensive. A lot of it is dirty, but better than it was.The subway system is not easy to figure out. It can be crowded. Lines can be long. Reservations at the top restaurants, and even at the middle-level, can be hard to get. Traffic is horrendous. There is some crime, (but much less now than in cities that are 1/10 its size.) People can be brusque and vulgar. The air isn't great. There are few convenient places to exchange currency, especially on weekends or in the evenings. Public bathrooms are few and far between except in hotel lobbies.
However, these are the pluses: a quantity and quality of museums that are far from equalled in any other US city.
There is a museum for almost any interest, from art to subways to the Holocaust to toy soldiers. There are ballet companies and theatre unequalled anywhere except London. There is modern dance and opera and also places to bowl and rollerblade. There is a spectrum of restaurants from hamburgers to haute cuisine, and in all prices and locations. There is some good architecture, although not much. There are tall buildings, great views, and
yet charming little residential enclaves as well. The taxis are less expensive than in most other major cities.
Kimberley, I hope you decide to come to New York. If you do, I'd love to give you some suggestions. I'll give you one now: either plan on spending A LOT to park the car in New York, or start your trip in New York without the car, and rent a car for the rest of the trip. Or separate New York from the rest of the trip altogether so you can do without the car.
Good luck.
Apr 20th, 1999 | 04:16 AM
#15
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Let me be a little more clear...
WE ARE TAKING A DRIVING TOUR. NY is NOT the only destination.
We are either driving through the mid-west, Colorado, Las Vagas, and Big Sur to San Francisco (if we can leave work for longer than 10 days) or sticking to the eastern seaboard if time so dictates.
THE WHOLE IDEA IS TO FULFILL MY HUSBANDS DREAM OF DRIVING THROUGH THE U.S. IN A CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE.
But if the manners (or lack thereof) of Americans are of the same ilk as on this board, then perhaps a more friendly destination.
From those who have been polite, clearly NY is for a weekend getaway when we can fly in (since I gather there is no place to park the car and travel into the city proper by public transit); and not while fulfilling a spouses dream.
As ever, perferring the manners of the French,
Kimberley
WE ARE TAKING A DRIVING TOUR. NY is NOT the only destination.
We are either driving through the mid-west, Colorado, Las Vagas, and Big Sur to San Francisco (if we can leave work for longer than 10 days) or sticking to the eastern seaboard if time so dictates.
THE WHOLE IDEA IS TO FULFILL MY HUSBANDS DREAM OF DRIVING THROUGH THE U.S. IN A CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE.
But if the manners (or lack thereof) of Americans are of the same ilk as on this board, then perhaps a more friendly destination.
From those who have been polite, clearly NY is for a weekend getaway when we can fly in (since I gather there is no place to park the car and travel into the city proper by public transit); and not while fulfilling a spouses dream.
As ever, perferring the manners of the French,
Kimberley
Apr 20th, 1999 | 04:16 AM
#16
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Let me be a little more clear...
WE ARE TAKING A DRIVING TOUR. NY is NOT the only destination.
We are either driving through the mid-west, Colorado, Las Vagas, and Big Sur to San Francisco (if we can leave work for longer than 10 days) or sticking to the eastern seaboard if time so dictates.
THE WHOLE IDEA IS TO FULFILL MY HUSBANDS DREAM OF DRIVING THROUGH THE U.S. IN A CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE.
But if the manners (or lack thereof) of Americans are of the same ilk as on this board, then perhaps a more friendly destination.
From those who have been polite, clearly NY is for a weekend getaway when we can fly in (since I gather there is no place to park the car and travel into the city proper by public transit); and not while fulfilling a spouses dream.
As ever, perferring the manners of the French,
Kimberley
WE ARE TAKING A DRIVING TOUR. NY is NOT the only destination.
We are either driving through the mid-west, Colorado, Las Vagas, and Big Sur to San Francisco (if we can leave work for longer than 10 days) or sticking to the eastern seaboard if time so dictates.
THE WHOLE IDEA IS TO FULFILL MY HUSBANDS DREAM OF DRIVING THROUGH THE U.S. IN A CORVETTE CONVERTIBLE.
But if the manners (or lack thereof) of Americans are of the same ilk as on this board, then perhaps a more friendly destination.
From those who have been polite, clearly NY is for a weekend getaway when we can fly in (since I gather there is no place to park the car and travel into the city proper by public transit); and not while fulfilling a spouses dream.
As ever, perferring the manners of the French,
Kimberley
Apr 20th, 1999 | 05:02 AM
#17
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Whoa, talk about ungrateful!
Seriously though, if it's a road trip you're looking for than the west coast will be much better - more scenic drives, more big spaces. San Fran, Big Sur, San Diego, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas should provide you with enough big cities and beautiful scenary.
But if you're planning on starting this driving trip from the east coast, be forewarned: the U.S. is huge and it will take at least 3 days just to drive from east coast to west (driving 15 hours/day).
Seriously though, if it's a road trip you're looking for than the west coast will be much better - more scenic drives, more big spaces. San Fran, Big Sur, San Diego, the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas should provide you with enough big cities and beautiful scenary.
But if you're planning on starting this driving trip from the east coast, be forewarned: the U.S. is huge and it will take at least 3 days just to drive from east coast to west (driving 15 hours/day).
Apr 20th, 1999 | 05:30 AM
#18
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Thanks Brian.
Perhaps I should have addressed my sarcasm to Cali who accused me of joking.
Most have been helpful and as such I have come to the conclusion that perhaps NYC would be better appreciated over a four-five day weekend when we can fly direct, utilize public transit and not worry about a car.
If we do the west coast (which is our first choice) I have given us 2 and 1/2 days to drive from Ann Arbor to Denver. Is this realistic?
Again, if we cannot get away for 14 days or longer, driving out west would be far too taxing and thus out of the question.
Thanks for the sincere help.
Kimberley
Perhaps I should have addressed my sarcasm to Cali who accused me of joking.
Most have been helpful and as such I have come to the conclusion that perhaps NYC would be better appreciated over a four-five day weekend when we can fly direct, utilize public transit and not worry about a car.
If we do the west coast (which is our first choice) I have given us 2 and 1/2 days to drive from Ann Arbor to Denver. Is this realistic?
Again, if we cannot get away for 14 days or longer, driving out west would be far too taxing and thus out of the question.
Thanks for the sincere help.
Kimberley
Apr 20th, 1999 | 06:01 AM
#19
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Ann Arbor to Denver is about 1,300 miles, so at an average of 60 mph it will take about 21 hours, so this is doable in 2 1/2 days without daytime stops. It will be another 1,300 miles from Denver to San Francisco, though this trip will be much more scenic than the first trip. The states you'll travel through (Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska) will be very flat and you'll have little to look at and Chicago will bet the only "big" city on the trip.
It would be so much better to start driving in Denver or further west, but I realize that that is probably not possible.
It would be so much better to start driving in Denver or further west, but I realize that that is probably not possible.
Apr 20th, 1999 | 10:14 PM
#20
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Kimberly:
Now that I know what you really want to do then I wish you all the luck in the world. Come on out to the great state of California and cruise up/down the coast to your hearts desire. There will be lots of others enjoying their trips in their convertibles. We appreciate people like yourselves that know how to ride in style. I personally prefer to ride around in a limo and do a lot of it in Las Vegas. In any event enjoy your trip and you will love California. Beautiful scenery, great cities and people that are tolerant of others.
BTW, you probaly do NOT want to drive your car too much in San Francisco. One of the greatest cities in the world but not good for driving in though I do it a lot.
Now that I know what you really want to do then I wish you all the luck in the world. Come on out to the great state of California and cruise up/down the coast to your hearts desire. There will be lots of others enjoying their trips in their convertibles. We appreciate people like yourselves that know how to ride in style. I personally prefer to ride around in a limo and do a lot of it in Las Vegas. In any event enjoy your trip and you will love California. Beautiful scenery, great cities and people that are tolerant of others.
BTW, you probaly do NOT want to drive your car too much in San Francisco. One of the greatest cities in the world but not good for driving in though I do it a lot.
