15 Signs You Grew Up In New York State That Everyone Should Know
Not all New York natives are from Manhattan.People instantly think I’m from NYC when I tell them that I’m from New York. I usually let them think that because majority of people know nothing about New York State other than NYC and its boroughs. I grew up in Rockland County which is a 30-45 minute drive from the city. If you grew in Rockland, you definitely got to experience of suburban and city living. Here are 15 signs your grew up in New York State.
1.No One Knows Your Town
Let’s be real, New York is a huge state but bothers to know about the many counties in New York State. People are amazed when you tell them that you’re from New York state and not NYC. I just act like I’m from Brooklyn, when talking to who know nothing about New York.
2.You Went To NYC every weekend
Depending on where you live in New York State, there was always the opportunity to go to NYC. If you’re from Rockland or Westchester, taking the train or driving to the city is an option. Being able to visit the city whenever gave me a chance to embrace a city and suburban living.
3.You Know How To Drive!
It’s rare to meet someone who has a drivers license in NYC. If you grew up in suburbs, theres a great chance that you have a license. Unlike living in the city, public transportation sucks in the suburbs. Yes, we have busses and taxi services but who wants to pay 15 bucks to go to the Palisades mall, when it’s only 5 minute drive from your house. This is one of the signs you grew up in New York state!
4.You Hate Deer
Living in New York State means you have to deal with nature! If you drive a car there’s a chance you don’t like deer. The deer in New York state are so petty! They will pop up onto the highway at the most random times. Most importantly if you accidentally hit a deer, your car will get fucked up.
5.Going To The Mall For Fun
If you’re from Rockland or any area in Rockland County, there are plenty of malls to hang out with friends. I live 6 minutes away from The Palisades Mall, which is the 4th biggest mall in America. It was the chill out spot when I was in high school. Unfortunately, teens rarely go to the Palisades because they can drive for 19 minutes to the Paramus Mall in New Jersey to avoid clothing taxes.
6.Having to Arguments With Other New Yorkers About “Upstate”
People from the city think that NYC is the “real” New York while the suburbs is Upstate. Any town passed Albany is Upstate! Counties such as Rockland and Westchester are Lower state because they are a close proximity to the city. People who live Upstate have to plan a 6 hour road trip to NYC. I am NOT from Upstate, I live only 30 mins away from the city!
7.Listening To Your Friends Complain About SUNY Schools
Remember how your friends used to freak out about trying to get into all the SUNY schools? After the first semester of college, our friends usually complain about going to a SUNY school that is 6 hours away from home in the middle of Upstate New York. The best SUNY schools are in Buffalo and Binghamton and the snow is worst than New England winters.
8. Talking Shit About Other Counties
This is valid for anyone from any state. We don’t like to deal with people in the other counties because they just don’t understand how rules are outside their neighborhood. Lower State New Yorkers love to talk shit about Upstaters having to shovel piles of snow. People from the city like to talk about people from New York State because they think we live in the middle of nowhere.
9.Snow Days Don’t Exist
You’re rarely given snow days living in New York State. They’d rather have you slip on black ice and drive through the snow instead of working from home. People usually come up with super obvious reasons to ignore the commute. This is one of the signs you grew up in New York state!
10.People Think You Live On A Farm
When talking about New York State, people instantly think about farmland. This is so untrue because areas like Westchester and Nyack have beautiful homes and filled of high end luxury stores. This is definitely a sign that you’re from New York State.
11.You Enjoy Apple Picking
Fall activities in New York State involve darker colors, boots, and apples. You will go apple every weekend depending on growing season. As a germaphobe, I cringe watching people take a bite of an apple after picking it from the tree. This is one of the signs you grew up in New York state!
12.There’s A Bagel Shop At Every Shopping Center
A New Yorkers diet consist of variety of carbs. Yes, our pizza is great but don’t sleep on our bagels. There’s a bagel shop on every block and shopping center throughout the state. New York is known for its bagels, I have never had a bad bagel until moving out of New York.
13.Pizza Is Just A Good As The City
NYC is known for having the best pizza for a low price, but people tend to forget that New York State has some dope ass pizza! We plenty of pizzerias that serve dollar slices with garlic knots! Screw your diet and treat yourself. This is an important sign that you grew up in New York State. This is one of the signs you grew up in New York state!
14.You Have A NYC Accent
If you’re from Lower State New York like myself, you definitely have an NYC accent. Depending on your school district there’s a chance that majority of your classmates moved from the city to your town. Being exposed to them gave you the opportunity to learn NYC slang and build an accent.
15.ShopRite Is Your Go To Grocery Store
Every regional area has their chain grocery store. ShopRite is the spot for buying cheap birthday cakes for the friend you secretly don’t like. Expect to have awkward small talk with an old classmate who’s working there as a cashier! This is one of the signs you grew up in New York state!
