15 Signs You Grew Up In Long Island

Long Island… the strange place that people either love, hate, or just plain don’t get it. If you’re a Long Islander like I am, sit back, relax, and take a long sip of relatability as you read through these 15 telltale signs you grew up in good ‘ol Long Island. And if you can’t relate, cheers to educating yourself on this one-of-a-kind place.

1. Long Island iced coffee and bagels are made from the gods.

There’s always that one local spot you go to for coffee and bagels. Nowhere else can compare. Anyone who thinks otherwise can fight me.

2. The LIRR is the way to go for commuting to and from Manhattan… except for transferring at Jamaica.

So many memories were made in those half-hour commutes. Whether it be pre-gaming or laughing with your friends, sometimes the journey really is better than the destination.

3. Practicing for Regents exams.

You most likely have a library worth of Barron and Kaplan books that your parents bought you. It’s probably chilling and collecting dust on the back of your bookshelf, haunted with memories of procrastinating and cramming.

4. People think you have a Long Island accent but you really don’t think so.

Dawg? Cawfee? I don’t know what you’re talking about!

5. Explaining to people that you’re from LI and not Manhattan and seeing their sigh of disappointment.

This is so frustrating. Just because Long Island is not as big of a tourist destination than Manhattan doesn’t mean it’s not as good! Long Island is like the underrated but actually amazing sister of Manhattan.

6. Feeling so trendy when you listen to Z100 on the radio.

But the commercials and annoying radio hosts? Not as much.

7. Summer getaways at the Hamptons or Jones Beach.

Don’t forget about those amazing concerts at Jones Beach theater! Long Island beaches > NJ beaches.

8. Roosevelt Field Mall was your #1 shopping destination when you needed new clothes.

Your feet usually hurt by the time you’re done shopping in that huge shopping mall. And you’ve probably seen more than one renovation done in that mall… that new dining district is amazing.

9. You’ve been to Adventureland or Splish Splash.

Forget Coney Island! Those amusement parks always brings back fond memories of happiness, sun, and lots of sunscreen. And, there’s always that one ride that you absolutely love and always go on.

10. Long Island drivers are debatably worse than even New York City drivers.

It’s a rare sight when someone actually stops at a stop sign. Long Island drivers thinks it’s okay to just completely disregard the rules on the road. Learning how to drive here was an absolute nightmare.

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11. You call Manhattan “the city.”

And everyone knows exactly what you mean.

12. Most of your classmates, or yourself, go to a SUNY school.

You’ve definitely filled out at least one CommonApp on a SUNY school. Binghamton? Check. Stony Brook? Check. Buffalo? Check.

13. You’ve been to more Sweet 16’s and Bar/Bat-Mitzvahs than you can count.

They’re all like mini weddings because of how extravagant they were. But, the best part? Taking home the free merch and framed pictures. I still have all of my photos from those parties and they’re great for fueling nostalgia.

14. It’s living “ON” Long Island, not “in”!

It erks you so much when people get it wrong and you constantly have to correct them.

15. You don’t realize how great Long Island is until you leave.

Despite having the best time at college, coming back to your Long Island suburb has that homey feeling that honestly can’t compare to anything else.

Got any other signs you grew up in Long Island?! Let us know below!

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