A
male
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I know this istnt a family or relationship based question, but i would very much like ur advice on this matter.It has always been my dream to go to the USA ever since i was a mid teenager and basically I want to see big city america as to get a big taste of american life BUT i cant choose between NYC or LA, The reason for this is that they are both on seperate coastlines and they are like trademark cities of that coastline. I can only choose one,I would prefer posts to be from people of american nationality only, or people who have visited both places, what would u reccomend to someone who has never been to the US before. New York or Los AngelesI have spoken to people who have been to america before and both have given me different accounts of information. I have been NYC is very similar to London (Big dark evil city with many cultures and a very rush rush mentality, a big tube system and lots of parks but with a lot more crime)I grew up in London and if i want to go travelling i want an experiance unlike what i'm familiar with. on the other hand i have been told LA is very flashy and fashionable and the only way to truely enjoy los angeles is if u are rich and have a big personality. and also los angeles is very hyped up and commercial if that makes sense.so first time person viviting america..NY Or LA? Reply to this Question
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male
reader, Overture to Don Giovanni  +, writes (26 May 2009):
 i say NYC. words aren't enough to describe it. it is sometimes referred to as the "capital of the world" and for good reason. the atmosphere of NYC is awesome, especially during the holiday season. i'm sure L.A. is great too, but i'm recommending the capital of the world.
A
male
reader, tux +, writes (25 May 2009):
 I would say NYC might be easier to get around in if you don't have a car.. L.A. pretty would require you to get a car.. Though there are plenty of things and plenty of places out in LA, though like I said, you'd need a car.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (25 May 2009): Hi, I'm a New Yorker who has grown up in New York and lived here my whole life. I have also been to LA several times. Honestly, they do have very different vibes. New York is a bit busier, especially if you go during a touristy time of year (such as around Christmas time or the summer). LA can also be busy, but it is more laid-back. I definitely don't think you have to be rich with a big personality to enjoy LA, but it is more commercial and flashy.
A big misconception about NYC is that there is a lot of crime. That is definitely not true anymore, and if you are expecting a dirty, dangerous, graffiti-filled city that you see in the movies, you will be disappointed. I walk through Central Park at night without any danger - and I am a young woman. In fact, New York has had the lowest crime rate among the 25 largest US cities since 2005.
What I personally love about New York is that there are so many different areas with totally different personalities. NYC is very cultural. If you want to experience the beautiful park and see gardens, quiet lawns, etc., then you can go to Central Park. The buildings on Central Park West are lovely and quiet, as well as the houses around Sutton Place on the East Side. You can also go to Times Square, which is busy and bright with so much energy. You can see great broadway shows there! It is a very stereotypically New York place. Or, you could go to the East Village, filled with bohemian people and interesting shops. It's a little more subversive, as many think all of New York is. There is great shopping on 5th and Madison Avenues. Of course there is also Little Italy and Chinatown, as well as Spanish Harlem and Harlem. New York has countless museums, landmarks, and cool places to visit. Many tourists visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Empire State Building, Times Square, Bronx Zoo, etc. Overall it is very cultural and interesting. It has a big city vibe (like London) but has so many options for different things to do that are very different.
LA, I find, is mostly the same throughout. It does have a very fake and stereotypically-Californian vibe. It is a great place to visit, nonetheless. It is the home to Hollywood, so if you understand the Hollywood personality, that is very much the LA one. Also, if you are looking to visit a beach, the beaches in California are amazing. The Pacific ocean is warm and great to swim in. Venice Beach is a popular beach in LA. Visiting entertainment-based landmarks (such as Grauman's Chinese Theatre or the famous Hollywood sign) is very popular to LA tourists as well.
The two cities have very different weather. New York is similar to London, but it can get colder (and snowier) in the winter, and hotter in the summer (up to 100 degrees F). LA gets VERY VERY hot--much hotter than New York.
Overall, I think both are great cities with very different vibes, and it is up to you whether you want a more cultural New York experience (which won't be too frightening to you, since you come from London) or a beachier different LA experience. I hope this helps and wasn't too long!
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