Bostonians vs New Yorkers vs Philadelphians (best, cost, better, life)

[Trimac20]

Do you notice any general differences between the three?

My impressions from just visiting:


Sometimes New Yorkers fit the stereotypes, but they're so diverse/transitory you find all types. They actually seem surprisingly helpful and good-natured.

Boston - More reserved, but also quite direct, with a propensity to speak their mind to a greater extent than other New Englanders. Perhaps because of the large number of Italians here. No matter how recently they came, everyone seems obsessed with the Red Sox. It seems you're either a dyed in the wool Bostonian (or 'Southie' or 'Northie' for instance, people make a big deal about their 'hood like in NYC and Philly), or a hipster or yuppie from somewhere else in the US.

Philly - I didn't get to visit, but what I've heard is they are 'rude' - dunno how true that is, and kinda like New Yorkers with less of their endearing idiosyncrisies.

[DC's Finest]

Originally Posted by Trimac20

Do you notice any general differences between the three?

My impressions from just visiting:


Sometimes New Yorkers fit the stereotypes, but they're so diverse/transitory you find all types. They actually seem surprisingly helpful and good-natured.

Boston - More reserved, but also quite direct, with a propensity to speak their mind to a greater extent than other New Englanders. Perhaps because of the large number of Italians here. No matter how recently they came, everyone seems obsessed with the Red Sox. It seems you're either a dyed in the wool Bostonian (or 'Southie' or 'Northie' for instance, people make a big deal about their 'hood like in NYC and Philly), or a hipster or yuppie from somewhere else in the US.

Philly - I didn't get to visit, but what I've heard is they are 'rude' - dunno how true that is, and kinda like New Yorkers with less of their endearing idiosyncrisies.

All three are nothing alike and a lot alike.

[Summersm343]

In terms of rudeness it would depend where you were. If we are just including downtowns then it would go-

1. New York
2. Boston
3. Philadelphia

If we include the entire city-

1. Boston
2. New York
3. Philadelphia

Philadelphian's are by far the "least rude." They can still be rude from time to time but you get the most politeness on the street and better costumer service than the other two. This is coming from someone who spends a lot of time in each City.

[btownboss4]

Originally Posted by Summersm343

In terms of rudeness it would depend where you were. If we are just including downtowns then it would go-

1. New York
2. Boston
3. Philadelphia

If we include the entire city-

1. Boston
2. New York
3. Philadelphia

Philadelphian's are by far the "least rude." They can still be rude from time to time but you get the most politeness on the street and better costumer service than the other two. This is coming from someone who spends a lot of time in each City.

Boston has the best (by which I mean fastest) costomer service in the country, honestly if I'm travelling and a bank teller is talking to me about there day I get annoyed because I just don't care. now locally if I know them it's different.

[HockeyGuy85]

Philly has a tough image but theyre provincial and very down to earth people. Least rude IMO.

NYC and Boston are more rude, and even then, its not nearly as rude as you hear, at least in NYC.

[munchitup]

Originally Posted by btownboss4

Boston has the best (by which I mean fastest) costomer service in the country, honestly if I'm travelling and a bank teller is talking to me about there day I get annoyed because I just don't care. now locally if I know them it's different.

Boston has terrible service (except for the Peet's coffee locations, of course ), particularly in bars, and particularly to non-locals. I got a lot of surly, gruff service in restaurants and bars in Boston. I think sometimes Bostonians like to play up their cold, hard exterior.

Maybe I am just comparing this to CA, where people are super friendly - but they don't take time out of your day to tell you a lame anecdote about their day - That is the argument I always here from New Englanders, that they like to get served quick, but really, what difference does it make if the person checking you out in line talks to you while they work? It really doesn't slow down service.

[HockeyGuy85]

Originally Posted by munchitup

Boston has terrible service (except for the Peet's coffee locations, of course ), particularly in bars, and particularly to non-locals. I got a lot of surly, gruff service in restaurants and bars in Boston. I think sometimes Bostonians like to play up their cold, hard exterior.

Maybe I am just comparing this to CA, where people are super friendly - but they don't take time out of your day to tell you a lame anecdote about their day - That is the argument I always here from New Englanders, that they like to get served quick, but really, what difference does it make if the person checking you out in line talks to you while they work? It really doesn't slow down service.

Nailed it.

Its like the opposite of going to the Twin Cities.

[Slyman11]

I used to live in Boston for 6 years and while Boston is a massive metropolis of 7.6 million folks it still holds on to its 'small town' pride, which is a very New England thing to do IMO. The difference between Bostonians and almost every other people is that they know they live in one of the U.S.'s best and brightest spots and they do what they can to show it at all times. Boston has been known as 'the hub of the universe' because of this prevalent mentality. New Englanders also have lots of respect for their townships sans the size, they treat all townships equal to anything else that can be found in Boston. Socializing in Boston can be difficult if your new to the area because New Englanders arent the most welcoming people to outsiders, they get to know you before they begin to embrace you which IMO is a trust thing that New Englanders value. However once you get acquainted with Bostonians they become a very big part in your life, people who will always be there for you and help you. At least the case with me and all the friends/associates I met in Boston in my 6 years.

New Yorkers and Phillies are more big city minded, the city is their template. Boston is a very big city with a towns spirit IMO. Its a New England thing

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by munchitup

. I think sometimes Bostonians like to play up their cold, hard exterior.

And many (most?) of these idiots are from well-to-do suburbs trying to make it seem like they're life is a chapter in the Departed or the Boondock Saints. But yeah... this is true.

I've had nothing but pleasant experiences in both New York and Philadelphia.

I went to a Sox/Phillies game in Philadelphia a few years ago with Sox gear on and no one said an unkind word to me. I was surprised given the horror stories I always hear about Philadelphia fans. It could be that the Sox/Phillies aren't rivals and it was an interleague game early in the season so there's really nothing to get worked up about (this would be the case at Fenway too for Phillies fans), but It was a good experience.

I was in New York City this year for the Superbowl. I usually go to the Ugly Monk when in the city to watch any Boston sports event but I was staying on the Upper West Side so I went to a bar around there. It was packed and I was one of 4 Patriots fans (had my jersey on) in a room full of Giants fans. While we all joked with each other during the game it never got heated. After it was over, I had Giants fans buying me drinks and shaking my hand. I've had the same experience at Yankee Stadium.

In general, walking down the streets, using transit and getting service, I've NEVER had issues in either New York or Philadelphia.

[HockeyGuy85]

Originally Posted by Slyman11

I used to live in Boston for 6 years and while Boston is a massive metropolis of 7.6 million folks it still holds on to its 'small town' pride, which is a very New England thing to do IMO. The difference between Bostonians and almost every other people is that they know they live in one of the U.S.'s best and brightest spots and they do what they can to show it at all times. Boston has been known as 'the hub of the universe' because of this prevalent mentality. New Englanders also have lots of respect for their townships sans the size, they treat all townships equal to anything else that can be found in Boston. Socializing in Boston can be difficult if your new to the area because New Englanders arent the most welcoming people to outsiders, they get to know you before they begin to embrace you which IMO is a trust thing that New Englanders value. However once you get acquainted with Bostonians they become a very big part in your life, people who will always be there for you and help you. At least the case with me and all the friends/associates I met in Boston in my 6 years.

New Yorkers and Phillies are more big city minded, the city is their template. Boston is a very big city with a towns spirit IMO. Its a New England thing

Philly is just as town spirited as Boston. Extremely provincial cities. Theyre like sibling cities.