why is Manhattan so dirty but expensive?

It's interesting that people constantly talk about how "glamorous" and "upscale" Manhattan is, but with the exceptions of a few prime areas like fifth, park, and central park west, the island is pretty dirty. there's garbage bags on every street corner, especially in downtown neighborhoods, the buildings are old and grimy, and even "nice" areas like chelsea and upper west side, have MASSIVE housing projects. or to take another example, check out the PATH station in christopher street, which is in west village, a supposedly nice area. it's completely ghetto and full of drug dealers and trannies.

So given such appalling conditions, it doesn't make sense that Manhattan is so expensive. why do people pay such exorbitant fees in rent and other expenses to live in such filth?

24 Comments
 

Because demand is higher than in other cities such as Chicago, hence the higher prices.

Admins, can we ban this guy already? Preferably an IP ban so that he can't create another account.

 

$10 says this turd nugget is ChicagoRules from LSO

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BTbankerMore importantly, do you think SoHo has become too commercial?
Definitely. I live down here and it's gotten progressively worse over the past two years. My lease ends on the 11th and while I love lower Manhattan and what was the original Soho vibe, it's sadly lost a ton of that feel. You really only get it on the fringes now, out west past Greene or east into Nolita past Lafayette. Weekends are murder. Nothing like having some time outside of the office for once and getting put into a homicidal fury at having to fight your way through the thronging crowds swarming up and down the streets.
I am permanently behind on PMs, it's not personal.
 
APAE
BTbankerMore importantly, do you think SoHo has become too commercial?
Definitely. I live down here and it's gotten progressively worse over the past two years. My lease ends on the 11th and while I love lower Manhattan and what was the original Soho vibe, it's sadly lost a ton of that feel. You really only get it on the fringes now, out west past Greene or east into Nolita past Lafayette. Weekends are murder. Nothing like having some time outside of the office for once and getting put into a homicidal fury at having to fight your way through the thronging crowds swarming up and down the streets.
Oh come on APAE, there are far worse problems than thronging crowds at the local Starbucks.
 
Best Response
BTbanker
APAE
BTbankerMore importantly, do you think SoHo has become too commercial?
Definitely. I live down here and it's gotten progressively worse over the past two years. My lease ends on the 11th and while I love lower Manhattan and what was the original Soho vibe, it's sadly lost a ton of that feel. You really only get it on the fringes now, out west past Greene or east into Nolita past Lafayette. Weekends are murder. Nothing like having some time outside of the office for once and getting put into a homicidal fury at having to fight your way through the thronging crowds swarming up and down the streets.
Oh come on APAE, there are far worse problems than thronging crowds at the local Starbucks.
I understand. Trust me, I come from a very modest background and recognize how first world a problem it is to complain about foot traffic in a trendy neighborhood. I'm simply saying I really appreciated what it was like before, and it's gotten worse. The 'homicidal fury' part may stem from the fact that I'm on this goddamn site at midnight.
I am permanently behind on PMs, it's not personal.
 

Isn't that the trend for all great things? All temporary. Look for the next great area and perhaps considering moving to Dumbo. It's close enough and has a relatively good atmosphere.

"You stop being an asshole when it sucks to be you." - IlliniProgrammer
 

On the topic of cities, I just got done staying in Chicago for a few days and was not impressed. I have often heard that Chicago is much cleaner than NYC but after visiting both cities I can confidently say that is untrue. Saying somewhere is less shitty than New York is like saying a one-time pedophile is a better person than Jerry Sandusky--maybe so but still a terrible person. Chi town is full of homeless people and trash.

 
ChrisHansenOn the topic of cities, I just got done staying in Chicago for a few days and was not impressed. I have often heard that Chicago is much cleaner than NYC but after visiting both cities I can confidently say that is untrue. Saying somewhere is less shitty than New York is like saying a one-time pedophile is a better person than Jerry Sandusky--maybe so but still a terrible person. Chi town is full of homeless people and trash.

I hope you weren't just making that statement based on all the wooks in Wicker Park. North Side (Lincoln Park/Gold Coast) is still nice, don't mess with the South Side.

 

lower Manhattan was made on garbage, true story http://www.lostmag.com/issue22/garbageland.php

And I agree lower Manhattan is trash, tons of construction and tourist and certain places smell like shit. NYC is quite an overrated city way too populated IMO. And I was born here and still live here. I think i need to miss NYC to appreciate it more, how is L.A, San Fran I feel like moving to those places or living there for awhile would be exciting.

 

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I am permanently behind on PMs, it's not personal.

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