Unit II Essay

City by the Bay vs. The Big Apple

Want to live the city life? But don’t know what city life you want to live? It’s the life long battle of East Coast versus West Coast. Some might say that San Francisco is known for their laid back attitude found on Haight-Ashbury, where the hippie revolution began in the late 60’s. As for New York City, it’s more known for their fast paced Wall Street suit-wearing attitude and the packed “shoulder to shoulder” streets of Time Square. Both cities have a huge “melting pot” of cultures, which give the city its mass appeal and likeability. Another aspect is the weather, which in both cities is as diverse as the people that live there and for some it may be the deciding factor.

San Francisco is “Everybody’s Favorite City.” This eco-friendly place is to some people, the center of the green universe. People here encourage you to use public transportation, bike, or the most popular form of transportation; walking. This city was rated the “most walk-able” city by walkscore.com. New York City in the other hand is known as “The City That Never Sleeps.” In this fast paced metropolis you’ll find the crowded sidewalks filled with people with raised arms trying to wave down one of the hundreds of cabs on the street. Cab drivers weave their way through the sea of yellow and white checkered cars to get to their destinations.

Both cities are well known for being very multicultural. Ellis Island and Angel Island brought immigrants from all over the world that made the cities what they are today. You can practically dip your toes in the waters of many different cultures in either one of these places. Whether it’s the millions of dinning choices, museums, or mingling with the locals, it will be like traveling around the world.

The weather in San Francisco and New York City are very different and can be the ultimate decision maker in choosing between the two cities. It comes down to preference. San Francisco is known for its fog, mild, damp winters, and cooler summers but it’s unpredictable and you should always have a jacket with you just in case. New York City is known for their extremes. They are known for their winter storms, school closures, and overall harsh conditions. Summers are hot and humid with long heat waves that range from 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit.

San Francisco and New York City are two wonderful places to live. Whichever one you choose, you’ll have an experience of a lifetime. Emerge yourself in the in the sights from the hills, beaches, wine country and people of San Francisco or explore the bright lights in Time Square, exciting shows on Broadway and busy streets of New York. Wherever you go, you’ll be surrounded by cultures from around the world, and neither choice is ever the wrong choice.