1. Most Americans Don’t Really Know What Long Island Is
Source: Flickr User CollegeDegrees360
Unless you’re talking to someone from the New York area, expect a little confusion when you proudly announce you’re from Long Island. New York City geography can get a little confusing to outsiders.
There’s a good chance they’ll think Long Island is a borough, somewhere upstate, or just a neighborhood in the New York City area.
2. “It’s That Place Gatsby Lived, Right?”
Source: Flickr User Camera on autopilot
Adding to the confusion, many Americans were reminded that Long Island exists thanks to the Great Gatsby recently spanning the silver screen.
This movie isn’t too clear about what Long Island is, meaning most viewers probably walked away assuming it’s another borough, while in reality, most Long Islanders are proud that they’re not just part of New York City.
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3. But Everyone Knows What A Long Island Iced Tea Is
Source: Flickr User Kirt Edblom (cropped)
While the geographical knowledge of this area might not be at an all-time high, the “Long Island” name definitely travels thanks to Long Island Iced Teas. These booze filled drinks are a favorite nationwide.
4. People Basically Assume You’re From Guidoland
Source: Flickr User Mario Segovia
Thanks to shows like the Jersey Shore, there tends to be this assumption that the East coast is filled with Snookies and Pauly D’s.
While Long Island does have its fair share of Italians, new people you meet will be a little surprised to realize you don’t fit all of the typical New York stereotypes and that Long Island is NOT New Jersey at all.
5. Everyone Will Hate The Teams You Love
Source: Flickr User Thomas R. Stegelmann
Across the country, everyone loves to rip on New York City teams like the Yankees, the Giants, the Mets, and the Jets. Don’t expect to find many people on your side during the big game if you’re far from home.
6. People Will Assume You Spent All Your Time In Times Square
Source: Flickr User marco_n65
Until someone has been there, it’s hard to really understand how big and diverse the New York City area really is.
Whenever most people hear you’re from New York, they’ll assume you spent all of your time in Manhattan battling crowds of tourists and visiting places like the Statue of Liberty. You’ll have to explain that this couldn’t be less true.
7. You’ll Discover You Have An Accent
Source: Flickr User bark
Even though Long Islanders love to deny it, there’s a pretty distinct accent that comes from the area. Your tendency to change o’s into aw’s will definitely get brought up a lot.
8. There’s An Expectation That You’re Loaded
Source: Flickr User will1ill
Long Island has a reputation around the country for being the richest part of New York. Expect people to assume you’re upper class when they meet you.
9. “The City” Might Mean Something Else
Source: Flickr User Keith Allison
On Long Island, if someone says “the city,” they obviously mean New York City. However, if you’re leaving Long Island, there’s a good chance this will no longer be the case. It can take a while to get used to.
10. People Will Find Your Addiction To Egg Sandwiches Strange
Source: Flickr User goodiesfirst
Even though it’s a popular breakfast item around the country, most people don’t take pride in their egg sandwiches the way Long Islanders do. People will find it odd that you hold your breakfast to such high standards.
11. Oh, And On That Note, It’ll Be Hard To Find A Decent Bagel
Source: Flickr User m01229
Everyone knows that people on Long Island are PASSIONATE about their bagels. All an out-of-towners needs to do is try one to understand why.
If you’re leaving Long Island for the first time, you’ll quickly realize that nowhere else in the entire country can deliver a bagel that’s better than the ones baked on LI.
12. It’s Impossible To Find Pizza That Tops A Long Island Slice
Source: Flickr User Joe Shlabotnik (cropped)
Home to the best pizza around, if you’re craving a slice and you’re not on Long Island, there’s a good chance you’ll be let down.
13. Traffic Isn’t So Bad Everywhere
Source: Flickr User randychiu
Overcrowded roads might be a huge problem on Long Island, but it’s not that way everywhere… I promise. Long Island is one of the worst places in the country to be a driver when it comes to the daily commute.
14. Everyone Didn’t Grow Up Playing Lacrosse
Source: Flickr User M I K E M O R R I S
Even though lacrosse is huge on the East Coast, it still tends to be pretty foreign in most places around the country. In places like Midwest, it tends to be unheard of. Kids there grow up playing soccer, baseball, and basketball.
15. You Can’t Find Ralph’s Everywhere
Source: Flickr User Joe Mabel
One thing you’re sure to miss when you leave Long Island is Ralph’s. The perfect frozen mix of ice and sugar, Italian ice from this joint can’t be beat.
16. No One Will Understand Your Obsession With Billy Joel
Source: Flickr User jeaneeem
Even though Billy Joel is a nationally famous musician, out-of-towners are likely to label your love for this hometown hero as an unhealthy obsession. However, you should still expect people to sing along if “Piano Man” floats through the air in any dive bar across America.
17. The Long Island Rail Road Kinda Spoils You
Source: Flickr User m01229 (cropped)
It might not be super posh, but it’s a major convenience. Most places you move won’t have public transportation that’s this easy to use.
18. And Drinking In Public Isn’t Always So Acceptable
Source: Flickr User m01229
It’s pretty common to see people with a beer in hand when they’re out and about, especially if they’re on the LIRR. Don’t expect the same leniency towards brown paper bags everywhere.
19. So Plan Ahead For The Drunk Trip Home
Source: Flickr User s2art
If you’re living on Long Island and out partying in the city for the night, it’s always easy to get home. You just hop on the train. However, most places around the country it’s important to plan ahead, whether it’s with a designated driver or a cab company.
20. You’ll Really Miss “That Friend With The Boat”
Source: Flickr User Vibragiel
While boating is a way of life on Long Island, most people across the country aren’t as willing to get a little wet and wild. It’s a sure thing you’ll miss the many boat days that warm weather brings. Sitting on a raft in a pool just isn’t the same.
21. A Good Deli Is Hard To Find
Source: Flickr User Bryan Pocius
While delis are becoming more popular around the country, most aren’t quite up to a Long Islander’s standards. Make sure you take a few trips to your favorite hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop before you leave.
22. Coke Doesn’t Always Mean Coke
Source: Flickr User JeepersMedia
People on Long Island might call soft drinks “soda,” but unfortunately this isn’t always the case everywhere else.
Most places around the country either use the term “pop” or “coke” for anything that’s carbonated and sugary. Don’t be too shocked when you order a Coke at a restaurant and the waitress asks you “what type of Coke?” you want.
23. You’ll Crave Buttered Rolls
Source: Lakewood Bakery via Facebook (cropped)
A breakfast favorite on Long Island, buttered Kaiser Rolls are simple, sweet, and to the point. For some reason, these haven’t caught on across the entire country. New friends are likely to find it a bit strange if you start your day with one of these.
24. It Sucks Being Far From A Beach
Source: Flickr User pennuja
One of the many perks of island life is that there are beaches everywhere. It won’t take long after moving away for you to start having sand withdrawals.
25. Half & Half Means Something Else Most Places
Source: Flickr User –Abdik-
Made famous by Arnold Palmer, this half iced tea – half lemonade mix is a favorite on Long Island. While you can get this when you’re out and about in this area, ordering a half & half in most of America will get you coffee creamer.
26. Sweet 16 Parties Weren’t Such A Big Deal Everywhere
Source: Flickr User desireedimuro
There’s a reason most episodes of MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16” seem to be set on the East Coast…it’s really one of the only places in the country that make such a big deal out of these parties.
Sure, turning 16 and being able to drive is cool, but it’s not “spend thousands on a party” cool. If you make friends from outside of Long Island, don’t be too shocked if you find out they didn’t have a party for their sweet sixteen at all .
27. You’ll Have To Skip Your Favorite Meal Of The Day
Source: Flickr User Clotee Pridgen Allochuku
When it comes to Long Island food, it doesn’t get much better than the many late-night diners around the area.
If you leave this part of the country, expect restaurants to shut down much earlier. Unfortunately, that means that if you’re craving something late at night, you’ll probably be stuck with fast food.
28. It’s Not Always A Hero
Source: Flickr User jeffreyw
Huge awesome sandwiches are called “heroes” on Long Island, but asking for one of these elsewhere is likely to get you either a strange look or a muscular man in a cape.
The rest of the country tends to bounce between calling these sandwiches subs, grinders, or hoagies.
29. Get Your Italian Food Fix Before You Say Goodbye
Source: Flickr User stevendepolo
With so many Italians, it’s not too surprising that Italian food on Long Island is a pretty big deal. You’ll never find better Italian cuisine anywhere, not even in Rome.
30. You’ll Miss Long Island More Than You Thought You Would
Source: Flickr User Charles16e
With miles of beaches, awesome food, and a vibrant nightlife, there are few places in America that truly “have it all” the same way that Long Island does. If you find yourself leaving this awesome part of New York, there’s a good chance it won’t be a one-way ticket.
What do you miss about Long Island? Tell us in the comments below!
FAQs
Why are people leaving Long Island NY? ›
People are leaving for reasons that include unemployment or underemployment, skyrocketing rents, high cost of living, and high taxes, as compared to other states, moveBuddha said in the study.
Are people moving out of Long Island? ›It's no surprise to see people moving out of a place with high rental prices and low average incomes. Today, over 45% of people earn less than the six figures required to cover the basic expenses of living on Long Island. Between stagnant salaries and a lack of profitable jobs, moving just makes sense for some people.
Will Long Island house prices go down? ›The home prices will likely decline in Westchester and Long Island as they are overvalued housing markets. As a result of the present housing bubble, homes in some areas of downstate New York are deemed “overvalued.” A separate report from Moody's Analytics is more pessimistic.
What is the safest town to live in on Long Island? ›Brookhaven, Suffolk County. Huntington, Suffolk County. Islip, Suffolk County. Great Neck, Nassau County.
What is the nicest town in Long Island? ›- Massapequa. If you're the head of a young family that wants to grow, check out Massapequa. ...
- Plainview. Don't be fooled by the name. ...
- Commack. If nothing else, Commack is a sports lover's dream. ...
- Huntington. ...
- Islip. ...
- Islandia. ...
- Smithtown. ...
- Valley Stream.
In most histories Southold is reported as the first English settlement on Long Island in the future New York State.
What is the most moved out of state? ›1. New Jersey. New Jersey tops the list of states with the most outbound migration. Out of all moves the state experienced, 71 percent were leaving.
What percentage of Long Island is white? ›Population | |
---|---|
Persons 65 years and over, percent | 18.4% |
Female persons, percent | 50.8% |
Race and Hispanic Origin | |
White alone, percent | 72.2% |
2) Know that many of the words that have the "o" sound (like in coffee, dog, talk) are pronounced with an "aw" sound, so the word dog, for example, would sound like "dawg", as well as "coffee." The "aw" sound tends to replace the "o" in all words spoken with a thick New York accent.
What is the tip of Long Island called? ›Its eastern end is divided into two narrow peninsulas; the northern peninsula is about 25 miles (40 km) long and culminates in Orient Point, and the southern peninsula is about 40 miles (64 km) long and ends in Montauk Point, Long Island's eastern extremity.
How do New Yorkers say water? ›
Water is pronounced "waw-tuh"
New Yorkers drop the "R" here.
Property Values Are Higher
In comparison, the median price of homes across the USA is about $250,000. This means that property values in Long Island are more than twice the national average. For this reason, those who live here will naturally have higher property assessment rates.
A report finds Long Island home prices are overvalued, but it is worse in other areas of the country. More than 400 U.S. metro areas were examined by Moody's Analytics. Their report found homes on Long Island were overvalued by over 16% in the second quarter, below the national average of 26%.
Is Long Island a buyers or sellers market? ›Since that time home prices have been returning to more expected levels." Speer continued, "The Long Island real estate market is headed toward a more balanced market that still favors sellers because of the limited supply of inventory. Supply and demand is always at play, keeping prices in check on Long Island.
What is considered poor on Long Island? ›According to the commission, poverty on Long Island is defined as an annual income of $55,500 for a family of four. It says 20% of Long Island's population meets that definition.
What are the black neighborhoods in Long Island? ›Black Communities on Long Island developed in the nineteenth century. Some of the early free black communities included the communities of Success and Spinney Hill in the Lake Success/Manhasset area. Freemen also settled in Sag Harbor, New Cassel, Roslyn Heights, Amityville, Glen Cove, Setauket, and Bridgehampton.
Where is the most affordable place to live on Long Island? ›Roosevelt is one of the more affordable places to live on Long Island. This community ranks above the national average in health care and grocery costs. The housing prices here are slightly more affordable than in other parts of the area, too. You can also enjoy easy access to the city via public transportation.
Where do rich people go on Long Island? ›- Brookville, NY. Brookville is an affluent village on Long Island's Nassau County. ...
- Sands Point, NY. Sands Point is an affluent Long island village in Nassau County. ...
- Plandome, NY. ...
- Lloyd Harbor, NY. ...
- Woodsburgh, NY. ...
- Mill Neck, NY. ...
- Oyster Bay Cove, NY. ...
- East Hills, NY.
Lavenham
Known as the prettiest village in England in a number of polls, Lavenham is one of the most famous perfect places in the area (so get there early, it gets busy).
The study defines middle class as $92,238 to $138,492 with the average household size of three people, taking into account the high cost of living on Long Island.
What are Long Islanders known for? ›
Long Island is famous for beaches, bagels, and Billy Joel. It's also home to beautiful sights like the Oheka Castle, Montauk lighthouse, and the Vanderbilt estate. Just like its namesake Long Island iced tea, this place has a lot of different elements all in one place.
Is Long Island racially diverse? ›Although Long Island has become more racially diverse, it continues to be one of the most segregated regions in the country, ranking tenth in terms of the highest levels of segregation between blacks and whites.
Is Long Island mostly Republican? ›Long Island, as a major region of New York State, has a significant impact on state and national politics. On the local level, the Republican Party is slightly more popular on Long Island.
Did Long Island have slaves? ›For 200 years slavery was part of life on Long Island. Since its abolition, slavery has faded from local memory, largely forgotten or ignored. The slave staircase at Sylvester Manor on Shelter Island was dedicated to the few known slaves who lived there.
What is the oldest house on Long Island? ›The most historic home to hit the market this week on Realtor.com® can be found on the north fork of Long Island. Along the northeast tip of Suffolk County lies the hamlet of Southold, which includes what's believed to be the first English settlement on the island. And that's where you'll find the Joseph Horton House.
What is the oldest Village in Suffolk? ›The oldest town in Suffolk
A thriving historic port town, Ipswich's mediaeval streets, maritime history and architectural heritage stands testament to the town's growth from Anglo-Saxon days through the Middle Ages to today. Surrounding its twelve mediaeval churches (yes, twelve!)
...
- Alaska. Population Change: -0.80% ...
- West Virginia. Population Change: -0.76% ...
- Illinois. Population Change: -0.54% ...
- New York. ...
- Vermont. ...
- Mississippi. ...
- Hawaii. ...
- New Jersey.
1. California
Rising housing costs, rising taxes and politics seem to be driving many people to look for opportunities elsewhere. Other factors that emigrants have cited are the rising threat of wildfires and the constantly increasing cost of living. Many families from the state are relocating to Texas.
Big city spotlight: #1 Tampa, FL is the most popular large city to move to in 2022, and it's not the only popular city in the state: #2 Orlando, #6 Jacksonville, and #13 Miami also are attracting moves in. Four Texas cities also land in the top 20: #10 Dallas, #11 Austin, #14 Houston, and #15 San Antonio.
Where is the best village in Suffolk to live? ›- Woodbridge. Living in Woodbridge is like enjoying "all the best bits of the gentrified Suffolk without the price tag" according to Muddy Stilettos. ...
- Beccles. ...
- Long Melford. ...
- Framlingham. ...
- East Bergholt. ...
- Polstead.
What town in Long Island has lowest taxes? ›
What town on Long Island has the lowest property taxes? The Sagaponack school district in Southampton, Suffolk County has the lowest property taxes in Long Island compared to value with an effective tax rate in New York at $3.93 per $1,000 – but very high home values.
Where do most Italians live in Long Island? ›- Massapequa.
- Massapequa Park (45% Italian-American)
- Mineola.
- New Hyde Park.
- North Massapequa (47% Italian-American)
- Oceanside.
- Valley Stream.
- Westbury.
The Italian American presence is a continuing phenomenon, today comprising about 25 percent of the total population of Long Island. Long Island Italians graphically illustrates that Italian labor was vital to the development of Long Island roads, agriculture, railroads, and industry.
What percentage of Suffolk is black? ›Ethnicity group profiles in Suffolk districts, in percentage
Overall, 7.8 per cent of people in England identify as Asian, and 3.5 per cent as black.
"The Big Apple" is a nickname for New York City. It was first popularized in the 1920s by John J. Fitz Gerald, a sportswriter for the New York Morning Telegraph. Its popularity since the 1970s is due in part to a promotional campaign by the New York tourist authorities.
What do New Yorkers say weird? ›New York Accent “AW”
As you might already notice that in the most common words New Yorkers say differently, you will hear the “aw” emphasized in words like coffee, talk, and water. This happens with words that have “au”, “aw”, “of”, “ou”, “ar”, and “or” to name some (I am sure there are more)!
B is an affectionate term for a loved one. It is often times used to address a homie, ya girl, or ya moms.
What did the natives call Long Island? ›Long Island Name
The Indian names of Long Island are said to have been Sewanhacky, Wamponomon and Paumanake. The first two, which signify the island, or place, of shells, are said to have come from the abundance of the quahog, or hard clam, from the shell of which they made wampum, first used as money by the settlers.
Understand[edit] Montauk is known by many Long Island residents as "The End." This is because it is the easternmost point of the island and New York state. Montauk has a rich history. It is named after the Native American Montaukett tribe that fished, hunted, raised cattle, and lived on this land.
Are there tunnels under Long Island? ›Background. Western Long Island is already connected directly via tunnels and bridges to Staten Island, to Manhattan and to the Bronx; however, these connections require passing through highly congested parts of the New York metropolitan area.
How do New Yorkers say mad? ›
New York slang | Meaning |
---|---|
Mad | Very; really |
Pie | One whole pizza |
Yerrr/Yurrr | An exuberant “yes” |
Wack | Lousy |
Today, New York City metropolitan accents are often rhotic or variably rhotic.
Why do New Yorkers say kid? ›Kid/Son. If a New Yorker calls you a “kid” or “son”, you should take it as a compliment. It means they see you as a close friend! “Hey kid, what you got going on tonight?”
What problems is the Long Island Sound facing? ›The ecosystems within the surrounding waters of Long Island are now severely stressed due to nitrogen overload, hypoxia, eutrophication, and may be near or in the process of collapse.
Is Long Island more Republican or Democrat? ›Long Island, as a major region of New York State, has a significant impact on state and national politics. On the local level, the Republican Party is slightly more popular on Long Island.
What are the problems with the Long Island Sound? ›Large areas of the Sound are impaired as habitat for fish and shellfish because of low dissolved oxygen levels, a condition called hypoxia. The productivity of many wetlands, intertidal areas, and other habitats has been diminished by development and pollution.
Are there sharks in Long Island Sound? ›Despite the proximity of a string of shark attacks that have injured five beachgoers from Jones Beach to Fire Island, however, experts say that the relatively shallow and enclosed waters of Long Island Sound should leave swimmers in Connecticut with little to worry about — even if local shark populations are on the ...
Are there any sunken ships in Long Island Sound? ›There are more than 100 historic shipwrecks in Long Island Sound by most accounts, but one particular wreck that was discovered by divers seven years ago off the coast near New London was initially a mystery.
Where is the deepest part of the Long Island Sound? ›In the western Sound, with its smooth sandy seafloor, the depths can be well under 20 feet. In the central Sound, it's around 65 feet, while the eastern Sound is deep, dipping to 350 feet at the Race with a bottom that is mostly rocky.
Who is the largest employer on Long Island? ›Is Long Island corrupt? ›
Long Island has a rich and enduring legacy of corruption.
Why is the Long Island Sound dirty? ›Water quality in the Sound is now a far cry from conditions in the 1980s, when a steady increase in population and poorly treated sewage led to harbors full of dying fish and shellfish, dirty beaches, and waters almost devoid of oxygen.
What is at the bottom of the Long Island Sound? ›Underneath the surface of Long Island Sound exists a wide range of seafloor habitats—from the shallow, sandy bottom in the Narrows near New York City, to the deep and rocky recession in the Race near Fishers Island.