I have lived in NY for 27 years, which is roughly long enough to be tired of it. Having said that, I once absolutely loved this city, and never thought I'd look forward to moving out of it.
I'll start with my least favorite things, so I can end on a positive note later. It smells. There are no two ways about it. The absolute worst thing about New York, particularly downtown, especially in the summer, is the stomach-wrenching stench. Rotten fish, ripe garbage, horse leavings, stale urine, spilled beer and cigarette smoke persist everywhere.
It's dirty. That needs no explanation. You've seen movies, I'm sure.
Chivalry has officially died here. Do not expect much generosity (in the form of a desperately needed seat, help with a stroller, or groceries) from New Yorkers.
Tourists are always in the way. There is no "tourist season". They are always here. They never go home. Tourists do not have an appreciation for the pace of this city, and they create delays. You will notice this, if you move here, once you are adjusted to the pace yourself. We do not mosey. New Yorkers always walk with a purpose. The roses can smell themselves, dammnit.That brings me to the crowds.
This city has a night time population of over 8 Million. For example, not counting the apartment building on the corner, there are close to 50 residences on my block. More than 150 people live on it, and not only do I not know all of their names, I don't know their faces. That's BLOCK. Not neighborhood. The daytime population is over 10 Million.
There is a very high crime rate here, and unless you have a lot of cash, it will feel like most of it will happen right in your neighborhood.
Apathy. I'm convinced the average New Yorker will pretend they don't see anything if you are ever in any type of distress. On the other hand, if one person does try to help you, a bunch of others will likely join in.
Smog and streetlights conspire to create a phenomenon known as false dawn. It is killing our birds according to some sources. It's a form of light pollution. Who knew too much light was a type of pollution, right?
Summer and winter suck. Hard. Twice, every fucking year. Also here's a little-known fact: We get significantly more rain than Seattle. We just don't get it all at once like they do. However, it rains here. A lot. Hard. Lately, when it does, the MTA (public transit) has a crisis and shuts down, stranding millions.
Expense! My grandmother paid 25K for this two-family row house in the 60's. It appraised for over 400K before the last census. That's nearly 4 times what this house, on this size lot, would be worth anywhere else in the country. Subway fares are at $2 each way. A drink in most bars is $6-9 if the cocktail contains two or fewer liquors. And we tip heavily here. A bartender sees a dollar or more from each drink, and waitstaff get 16-20%. Anything less and you're a cheapskate; you will be treated accordingly. Cover charges at night clubs are typically $20, but you can try to put your name on your favorite guest lists. Rent for a one bedroom in my neighborhood (typical lower-middle class/ working class neighborhood full of nurses, teachers, drivers, and skilled labor) is $850-1000. I live on the absolute outskirts of the city. To get a daily commute of 40 minutes or fewer, expect your rent to be $1200 or more, or live in the ghetto and pay $850, but be at work in 15 minutes or so. (But that ghetto is called Hunt's Point, and I think you might have heard the rumors. Try not to live there, okay?) A movie is $12, and the popcorn is another $6.
As someone mentioned, there is a "culture of efficiency" (so perfectly worded!) and an expectation (if not outright demand) for competence. When you begin your career here, there will be little room for error, and you will need to be extremely insistent that whomsoever gets you oriented to your new position will make sure you understand exactly what is expected of you. I have seen a few friends make horrendous blunders due to poor orientation. Don't let that be you.
Here's what I like. This city is fast! This city truly never sleeps. You can get whatever you want, whenever you want it. This is especially true if you have the financial means. When you live in New York (and have access to cash or power) the entire world is your oyster. Even if you are of simple means, you can get pretty much whatever you would want at any hour. Duck L'Orange at 2AM? I can get that. Bubble wrap at a quarter to 3? I can get that too. Locally grown, certified organic produce delivered to your door weekly? Mine arrives Thursdays.
If you like to be busy, you need to be here. There is always something to do, and if you know where to get the information, fun can be had on any budget, especially in the summer.
The ocean. In NY, the ocean is a very, very dark blue. Further north, by Boston (219 miles away) it is hunter green. You should see it. Bay areas on this coast smell fishy, but other coastal parts just smell salty.
We have the most complicated public transit system in the world, and one of the oldest. Consequently, you can get ANYWHERE in the entire metro area without a car. You can get anywhere in the 5 boroughs for $2 and a smile.
Some of the best sensual experiences can be had here. Food, entertainment, art, you name it.
Investing in real estate here will always pay.
It's easy to meet new people here.
Sample sales from design houses.
One person said NYC has no beauty. It's not true. This is a gorgeous city, and it does have even some natural beauty. The largest park in the whole city, Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, extending out to City Island is actually mostly natural. we have tons of pretty parks, and you can't beat NY for architecture. (Not in USA anyway.) We have a, wonderful mix of old and new.
I know I had more good things to add, but I just worked an overnight, and I'm exhausted.
Some things you should know:
Manhattan is called Downtown, or The City. The other boroughs are referred to as The Outer-boroughs. Whatever weather is promised for Westchester will affect the Bronx. Fifth Ave divides The City into east and west. Passengers on te right of escalators, walkers on the left. lounge on the left and feel the wrath. The Bronx is the only part of NYC attached to the mainland. Bronx is north, Brooklyn's South. It is illegal to take photos in the subway or on bridges. if you use an E-Z pass and speed on the Jersey tpke, expect a speeding ticket to be mailed to you. The E-Z pass knows how soon you can legally reach you exit from your point of entry. Indoor public smoking has been banned.