If these 10 things are part of daily life, it’s a pretty good sign someone’s been in New York for a long time.
Classic Signs of Long-term New Yorkers
Noise Has Become Background Music: Constant sirens, honking, construction, and loud neighbors no longer faze you.
Illegal Parking Scenarios Don’t Surprise You: Spotting double-parking, creative curb use, or delivery trucks blocking lanes is just another Tuesday.
Arguing About Heat or Hot Water: You’ve mastered the art of complaining (and surviving) when the apartment’s heating or hot water fails, often more than once a winter.
Blocked Driveways Are a Daily Obstacle: Seeing cars blocking driveways (including your own) is just part of the street scene.
Becoming Immune to Rodents: Mice or the occasional rat sighting doesn’t even get a reaction anymore.
Adjusting to Unsanitary Conditions: Odd smells, trash piles, and mysterious stains aren’t causes for alarm—they’re “just New York”.
Street Conditions Are an Inside Joke: Potholes, uneven sidewalks, and ever-present roadwork seem eternal and go mostly ignored.
Witnessing Plumbing “Adventures”: Leaks, backed-up drains, and random water shut-offs are more expected than exceptional.
Resigned to Paint and Plaster Issues: Cracked plaster, peeling paint, or repairs left half-done are just part of renting or owning in the city.
Worrying About Water Systems: Unstable water pressure, random brown water, or questionable tap water is just part of the morning routine.
These happenings—often grumbled about, but mostly shrugged off—badge residents as true long-timers who’ve adapted to the unique rhythms and realities of New York City living.
SOURCES
(https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/02/realestate/311-complaints-new-york-city.html)(https://www.justfix.org/en/learn/guide-to-calling-311)
(https://www.westernpest.com/blog/5-most-common-resident-complaints-and-how-to-handle-them/)(http://butterflymx.com/blog/resident-complaints/)
(https://portal.311.nyc.gov/report-problems/)
