NYC vs. OC – Round 1

I’ve been in NYC for 6 weeks now and it’s not difficult to spot the differences between here and where I’m from, sunny Southern California (Orange County, to be exact). Ever since the mercury began falling, people have been asking me if I long to be back there. The answer is no. And here are a few things that I’ve observed in my short time here as to why I think NYC is superior to the OC.

1. The People – Right, I know there’s this big impression that New Yorkers are jaded assholes (or so that’s what people from California will say). And I’m sure this island has it’s fair share of them, but so far I have not found this to be true. I’ve actually found the people in my neighborhood to be downright friendly. I would call New Yorkers “honest.” People say what they mean… even if it’s not very nice. And that’s a refreshing change from the rampant phoniness of the OC.

2. The Winter – Yes, I missed Snowmageddon by a year. And I know that this is an unusually mild winter so far. But I do love the cold. And don’t try to tell me that I won’t always love it. I am definitely built for cold, not for heat (and yes, I’m completely aware of the disgusting humidity and heat of the summer).

3. The History – The building I live in was built in 1900. The building I lived in in Orange County was built in 1997. I am one of those people that thinks old buildings are pretty fucking cool. OC doesn’t have much history… at least it’s much harder to find and it’s limited to a couple of museums. New York’s history is EVERYWHERE.

4. The Diversity – Orange County is pretty homogenized. Another way to read that is BORING.

Every place has it’s positives and negatives (duh), but so far NYC is beating California. Keep on calling me a naive optimist… I will appreciate your honesty. I’m still new here and I have yet to be punched on the subway but I’m happy to be here and I plan on just rolling with the punches. HA… get it? Yeah, you do.

Photo Credits: nyc-architecture.com & joelsartore.com