A lively city, with whirlwinds of yellow cabs and its unique skyline, New York has multiple sides, other than its many clichés. Here is what you need to know about New York.
Geography
Many believe that New York is about Manhattan, but New York actually consists of 5 significant areas called 'boroughs': Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island. Two rivers run through the city on each side of Manhattan, the East River on the east side and Hudson River on the west side. New York is also about the most iconic skyscrapers in the world. For example, The Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the One World Trade Centre, the tallest tour of North America, replacing the Twin Towers. Finally, with 8.6 million inhabitants, New York is the American city with the largest population.
Economy
New York is one of the most powerful cities in Northern America and the world. Its economic power comes from several sources such as finance, commerce, industry and tourism. Wall Street, the legendary stock exchange of New York City, is the most influential in the world. The tourism industry consisting of nearly 60 million visitors yearly, is one of the most lucrative sources of income. New York is a city where money occupies a lot of space resulting in a high cost of living. The cost of living is one of the highest worldwide, with expensive rents, costly activities but, on the other side, higher salaries compared to many European countries.
Social life
New Yorkers have a vibrant and exciting lifestyle. 'Work hard, play hard,' is the motto of the Big Apple citizens. After their shifts, it is common that New Yorkers go out for a drink or food with their colleagues. On weekends, they brunch with friends, workout, check out the latest art exhibitions, go to bars. In short, they never stop. New York is a cosmopolitan city where meeting people is easy. Born New Yorkers make up only 37% of the population since New York is a melting pot.
Climate
Four distinct seasons, more intense than Europe's, make up the continental humid climate of New York. Winters are harsher, with significant snowfall. Temperatures are usually lower than zero adding to the freezing wind that sweeps the streets and seeps through clothes. Summer is humid and hot. It is generally so heavy in July and August that air conditioning runs non-stop in stores and restaurants. The half-seasons are more enjoyable, especially in autumn, since the weather is usually lovely until November. During this period, the sky is blue, and the trees are colourful: it's the Indian Summer in New York.
Nature
Despite being incredibly urban, New York is a green city consisting of 1,700 parks that spread throughout the five boroughs. The most popular one is Central Park, the green lungs in the centre of Manhattan, located between the Upper East Side and the Upper West Side. Finally, on sunny days, if you are craving a swim, you can go to the beach in New York. The Atlantic Ocean borders the south of Brooklyn and Queens and makes up several popular beaches in summers such as Coney Island, Long Beach and Rockaway Beach.
Useful links :
New York monthly weather
Website about New York parcs
Things to do in New York on NycGo
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