15 Struggles That Only Count as Struggles in Manhattan

Manhattan is the most populated borough in New York City, and is also one of the most populated places in the country.  With more than a million people calling it home, Manhattan has become one of the most diverse areas in the United State, and is home to a wide variety of people from working class citizens to A-list celebrities. Although Manhattan is only 33.6 square miles, it is full of a wide variety of offerings that include great sights, great food, and great entertainment.  Despite the many perks of living in and/or visiting Manhattan, like anything else, it also comes with its struggles. However, many of these problems can only be considered such in a place as interesting as Manhattan. Here are 15 struggles that only count as struggles in Manhattan.

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You’ll get plenty of exercise from walking.

Walking is a great form of exercise, but sadly, many people don’t get to walk as often as they’d like.  However, for people living in Manhattan, walking is often the quickest and most convenient form of transportation.

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There’s plenty of sights to see.

Manhattan is home to some pretty cool tourists attractions including the world-famous Statue of Liberty.  However, because the city is so crowded, getting to these places can often be more trouble than it’s worth.

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You’ll never have to drive anywhere.

Most people dream of living a life where they don’t have to drive themselves around all the time.  However, for people living in Manhattan, driving simply isn’t a sensible option. In fact, it’s not uncommon for life long residents to never acquire a driver’s license.

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There’s cabs everywhere!

Although driving a personal car isn’t the best idea, there’s plenty of cabs in Manhattan for those who enjoy riding around.  Unfortunately; however, even with a borough full of cabs, it’s often difficult to flag down a driver.

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Paying the rent will never feel more satisfying.

Anyone who has ever lived outside of their parents’ house has probably had to pay rent.  Although paying the rent can often feel like a burden, there’s also a great feeling of satisfaction that comes with knowing you can support yourself.  However, those living in Manhattan are likely to feel an extreme sense of satisfaction if they’re even able to find a place they can afford.  With the average cost of rent well above the national average, it’s not uncommon for people living in Manhattan to seek several roommates in order to cover high living expenses.

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You’ll get to experience all four seasons.

Many people who live in a place where there’s a clear distinction between the four seasons often feel that they have a leg up compared to those who live in places that are warm and sunny all year.  While Manhattan definitely experiences all four seasons, each one seems to come with its own unique set of cons. The winters are too cold, which is no fun for people who have to walk everywhere; the spring will result in a place full of people confused about whether to wear shorts or long pants; the summers are too hot, which often translates to sweaty and stinky; and thanks to Manhattan’s very urban landscape, the fall won’t result in a chance to see beautiful foliage.

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Building in the appropriate amount of travel time.

So we’ve already established that Manhattan probably isn’t the ideal place for people who enjoy jumping into their car and heading to the destination of their choice.  Therefore, it is necessary that people living in Manhattan build in the appropriate amount of travel time.  While many people imagine that this time will be spent reading or day dreaming, people living in Manhattan know that it means nothing more than missing out on a few extra moments of sleep.

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You can always find food at four in the morning.

While many people in the country dream of being able to order food at four in the morning, people in Manhattan are faced with the opposite problem.  Because the city never sleeps (literally) there are plenty of places to get a good meal, even in the wee hours of the morning.  However, with so many options, it can be impossible to choose.

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There’s plenty of free entertainment.

A quick walk through Manhattan will reveal that there is plenty of free entertainment.  Whether it be singing or dancing on a subway platform, or a free street performance, there are plenty of options for those seeking to be entertained on a limited budget.  However, while these options are technically free, chances are you’ll be getting hit up to make a ‘donation’ of some sort.

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There’s always people to meet.

Thanks to the borough’s frighteningly large population, there’s definitely no shortage of people looking to meet others.  Many may even see the high number of people as a good chance to find the perfect romantic partner. However, even with such a large number of people calling the island home, many still feel as though it’s impossible to actually form relationships with people.

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You’ll have numerous chances to get close to people.

Since there are currently more than 1 million people living in Manhattan, there are plenty of chances to get close to people on a daily basis.  While many people desire closeness, this probably isn’t what they had in mind.  Whether walking through Manhattan, or riding a subway, chances are you’ll be sitting or standing shoulder to shoulder with a complete stranger.

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There’s always something to do.

Manhattan is arguably the most exciting borough in all of New York City.  However, even though there is always something to do, the selection can be a bit overwhelming, and it can often be difficult to narrow things down. Trying to decide whether or not to see a concert or go to a poetry slam will suddenly be one of the hardest choices you’ve ever had to make.

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There’s plenty of teams to cheer for.

Those living in Manhattan are faced with a unique struggle when it comes to professional sports.  The city of New York is home to several sports teams including the NBA’s New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, MLB’s New York Yankees and New York Mets, the NFL’s New York Giants and New York Jets, and the NHL’s New York Islanders and New York Rangers.  With two of every major sports team, picking sides can be very difficult.

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You’ll always have the opportunity to give something back.

Whether helping a tourist with directions, donating a few dollars to a street performer, or dropping some change into the cup of a homeless person, Manhattan offers plenty of chances to give back to those who are in need.  Unfortunately; however, many people do not see these opportunities as chances to give back, and are often annoyed by what they perceive as an inconvenience.

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New York is the city that never sleeps.

Each year, millions of people flock to Manhattan to see all of the lovely things the area has to offer.  For many Manhattan residents, this results in a sense of pride in knowing that their home is a travel destination for many.  Although this can be a great feeling, it is often followed by the annoyance that comes with having the place you call home be overrun by tourists on a daily basis.

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