7 Unmistakable Signs You’ve Been in New York for Far Too Long

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New York City is a place like no other. With its bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and a pace of life that never seems to slow down, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. However, after living here for a while, you may notice that certain quirks and habits begin to feel normal.

If you’ve been in the Big Apple for far too long, there are certain signs that will let you know you’ve officially become a New Yorker in every sense of the word. Here are 7 unmistakable signs that you’ve been in New York for too long:

1. You’ve Become Immune to the Noise

In New York, noise is just part of the landscape. Whether it’s the hum of subway trains, the blaring horns of traffic, or the occasional siren, you’ve long stopped flinching. In fact, you probably don’t even notice it anymore. If you’re able to sleep through the din of city life or have a conversation in the middle of Times Square without breaking a sweat, you know you’ve been in New York for too long.

2. You Walk Faster Than Anyone Else

Walking in New York isn’t just a mode of transportation — it’s a way of life. If you’ve been living here long enough, you’ve developed a natural instinct to move swiftly. It doesn’t matter if it’s a crowded sidewalk or an empty street — you walk with a purpose and avoid slowing down for anything. You probably find yourself frustrated when tourists or people who “aren’t from around here” walk too slowly, blocking the path. If that sounds like you, it’s a sure sign you’ve been in New York far too long.

3. You’ve Mastered the Art of the Subway

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The New York City subway is both a blessing and a curse. If you’ve been here for any significant amount of time, you’ve learned to navigate the complexities of this underground labyrinth with ease. You can jump from one train to the next, ignore the smell of the train car, and even understand the subtle art of “train etiquette” — like knowing the unspoken rule to not make eye contact with strangers. And let’s not forget the famous “standing in the door” move when you need to squeeze in last minute. If you’ve perfected these skills, you’re a true New Yorker.

4. You’re Overly Protective of Your Space

Living in New York means living in tight quarters. Whether you’re in a tiny apartment or squeezing into a crowded subway car, you’ve learned to cherish your personal space… or at least, what little of it there is. You’ve become an expert in holding your ground when it comes to seating on the subway, and you’ve definitely perfected the art of side-eyeing anyone who gets too close. The idea of a “personal bubble” has taken on a whole new meaning here.

5. You’ve Developed a Distinctive Attitude

There’s a certain “New York attitude” that comes with living here. It’s a combination of confidence, impatience, and a bit of skepticism. You’ve probably stopped being overly polite to strangers — after all, you’re in a city where everyone is in a rush. You’ve learned to keep your head down and focus on your goal, all while juggling multiple tasks at once. Whether you’re dealing with a rude cab driver or haggling with a street vendor, you’ve developed a tough skin and know how to navigate even the most challenging interactions with ease.

6. You’ve Acquired an Unhealthy Obsession with Pizza

In New York, pizza isn’t just food — it’s a way of life. If you’ve lived in the city long enough, you’ve probably tried every pizzeria in your neighborhood, and you know exactly where to go for the best slice. You’ve become a pizza snob, comparing every pie you eat to the ones you get from your favorite local joint. Anything less than a perfect slice just won’t do. You can’t help but be judgmental of other states’ pizza offerings, as no one can quite match up to New York’s iconic pizza.

7. You’ve Stopped Saying “Sorry”

In many places around the world, people apologize when they bump into someone or get in the way. But in New York? Forget it. If you’ve been here long enough, you’ve probably abandoned the habit of saying “sorry” every time you bump into someone or cross someone’s path. In fact, if you make eye contact with someone after doing it, you’ll often give them a quick head nod or a “watch where you’re going” look. It’s a survival instinct developed in a city where everyone’s just trying to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible.

New York City has a way of changing you. It’s a place where you adapt to the rhythm of life, and before you know it, you’ve developed habits that are quintessentially New York.

From walking faster than everyone else to mastering subway etiquette, these 7 signs prove you’ve been in the Big Apple long enough to truly understand the city. So if you can relate to any of these, congratulations — you’ve officially been in New York for far too long!

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