Many ponder the pros and cons of America’s top two cities (NYC and LA), but we’re here to end it once and for all. And though the battle of the coasts is an age old controversy, we decided to bring some facts to the argument.
We already know we’re superior to LA, but just in case we needed to list it out, here are 10 reasons why NYC is better than LA.
1. Public transportation
Many New Yorkers don’t have to worry about car expenses as public transportation is the back bone of NYC. Its expansive network of public transportation makes many areas of NYC accessible. Unlike in LA, where most residents are dependent on getting around via car.
2. More late night & 24/7 establishments
We’re not called “the city that never sleeps” for no reason! Whether you’re looking for late-night dim sum or a round of ping-pong at 4am, you can practically get your hands on anything at any hour in NYC.
3. Pizza. That’s all
Let’s just say a New York slice tastes much better in New York than it does in LA. We know Prince Street is now bicoastal but we can’t forget about its roots!
4. Better park system
Parkland makes up 21.4% of NYC with 99% of residents within a 10-minute walk of a park. NYC was even ranked to have the 10th best park system for U.S. cities by U.S. News & World Report. L.A. didn’t even make the cut. Enough said.
5. Higher Salaries
On average, New York employers tend to pay employees 4.7% higher than they do in LA, according to salary.com.
6. Walkability
Similar to our superiority in public transit, NYC is revered for its extreme walkability! Want to stop by Central Park in the morning and catch the sunset atop the Empire State Building? No problem! That’s only 20+ blocks—child’s play for New Yorkers!
7. NYC has four seasons
Sure everyone will claim they love sunny weather all year-round but experiencing all four in NYC makes seasonal events like the leaves changing in Central Park, Christmas at Rockefeller Center, and the first breeze of spring air at Brooklyn Botanic Garden that much more magical.
8. Lower crime rate
According to FBI data used by Best Places, NYC has a lower violent and property crime rate than LA. Moreover, U.S. News & World Reports shows that LA‘s crime rate was above the national average in 2020, whereas NYC‘s was below the national average.
9. Diversity
Though both cities offer some of the greatest diversity in the country, NYC holds the title as America’s most diverse city, according to Forbes.
10. History & landmarks
NYC has more than 110 landmark designations—the most in any U.S. city! From the Empire State Building to the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and beyond, there are endless pieces of history to see in NYC. LA has the Hollywood sigh, big whoop!