Winters in NYC? (New York, Boston, York: to live in, vs., statistics)

[darkone]

I have seen all of the statistics in terms of temps. and snowfall, but how do you people feel about winters in your area? No one really complains about winter weather in NYC, yet they complain about everything else.

They can't be as painful or gloomy as in Central or Northern New England or the midwest right? Probably this is why?

For those from the Boston area or other parts of Southern New England or who have lived in those places, how would you categorize winters in the NY/NJ area ( please compare in terms of duration, amount of sunny days, percentage of precip. that falls as rain vs. snow, temperatures and general tolerability etc.)

For those who have lived or now live in the south (NC, Atlanta, etc.), of course the winters are longer and colder in NYC, with some snow, but are the winters really a significant factor in choosing between NYC and say NC or Atlanta? If you could afford to live in NYC and liked everything about it, then would you consider winters there a detriment?

Thanks for your help.

[metropolistraffic]

Winters in NY are generally not that bad.

Only one or two of the tens of storms we get, are even worth mentioning.

[jeffcon0]

The winters are not bad compared to places around the great lakes and further into New England. The water around the city never really gets below freezing so they keep the city somewhat sheltered from bad winter weather. However, the fact that you do MUCH more walking and time outside when getting around you are much more exposed to it. Wind can absolutely cut through the buildings and near the water (which is pretty much everywhere). It would not be a deterent to me especially when the other options are Atlanta and NC which you I'm not much of a fan of.

[baylovers]

The cold was one of the reasons why we left NY for SC. I certainly do not miss the snow and the ice, although the past few years haven't been that bad. But the cold wind can cut right through me. I always found that the winter days were gloomy unless it was a bitter high pressure system then the skies were bright & sunny but brutally cold outside.

I am near Myrtle beach now and even on the coldest days it gets above 40 degrees although the nights can dip into the high 20's. That's when we get the fireplace going. But the winter is short, about 6 weeks, and the trees start to bud by the end of February. It was weird putting up Christmas lights in my shorts this year, too.

[darkone]

Thanks for your descriptions. Sound pretty much like Boston to me, just with reduced amounts of snowfall.

[UpsonDowns]

I usually only have to pull out my heavy boots once or twice a winter. I've gone through several winters without boots at all, but I live in Manhattan and most sidewalks are shoveled when I need to get around.

[DoubleXAs]

Originally Posted by darkone

Thanks for your descriptions. Sound pretty much like Boston to me, just with reduced amounts of snowfall.

It's warmer than Boston. I think NYC winters are fine.

[DITC]

Originally Posted by SuperMario

It's warmer than Boston. I think NYC winters are fine.

Agreed. Holiday time isnt the same unless you got the northface on and feel that fresh cold air.

[Carbro]

Yes, we've had a decade or more of fairly mild winters in New York, with one or two colder ones interspersed along the way. I do believe that winters -- and summers -- are warmer than they were 35-40 years ago.

What we get in New York -- or at least in Manhattan -- that may not be as bad in Boston is the wind tunnel effect. When large buildings block the wind, it tends to whip past with much more power. On a cold, damp day, it can be painful.

[Rudbeckia]

I moved here from the South expecting to be miserable during the winter, but it wasn't bad at all. I enjoyed the winter. What I am pissed about is the lack of Spring. I feel like it went from cold to like 89 during the day (think that's what is was yesterday). Where did Spring go?

Best season hands down though is Fall. You can't beat NYC in the fall.