Texas locals often find themselves puzzled by New Yorkers’ habits, priorities, and cultural norms. Despite sharing a country, these states offer dramatically different environments and mindsets. Here are 10 things that many Texans will never quite understand about New Yorkers, along with references to the regions where these phenomena are most pronounced.
The Relentless Pace of Life
New York City is notorious for its “go go go” mentality, and even residents of upstate New York often live at a hurried rhythm. Texans savor a slower, more relaxed approach, whether in bustling Houston or the rural Hill Country, and the idea of constantly rushing from place to place rarely appeals to those in the Lone Star State.
The Subway as a Way of Life
For New Yorkers, public transit—especially the subway—is essential, especially in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. In contrast, Texas cities like Dallas and Houston are heavily car-dependent, with most locals finding the idea of abandoning their vehicles unthinkable. Texans often view commutes packed into subway cars as a curious urban ordeal.
Sky-High Real Estate Prices
Places like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and parts of the Hamptons regularly top lists for the most expensive real estate in the country. Texans, accustomed to spacious homes and big yards at a fraction of the cost—even in Austin or Dallas—struggle to comprehend how New Yorkers can squeeze into tiny apartments and pay such exorbitant rents.
The Absence of Southern Hospitality
Texas takes pride in warmth and friendliness. Whether in San Antonio or Lubbock, a smile or a “y’all” is normal when passing a stranger. New Yorkers, particularly in Manhattan, often maintain a brisk distance in public interactions, leaving Texans baffled by the city’s more reserved etiquette.
Nonexistent State Income Tax
Every Texan knows their state boasts no income tax—a point of pride even in small towns like Fredericksburg or big cities like San Antonio. New Yorkers, however, accept state taxes as part of life, particularly in the city where high costs are a badge of survival.
Lackluster Mexican Food
For Texans, finding authentic tacos and spicy salsa is easy anywhere from El Paso to Dallas. New Yorkers, especially outside niche neighborhoods, lack the same access, with Texan transplants mourning the loss of their beloved chips-and-queso.
Sweet Tea Shortages
From Corpus Christi to Dallas, sweet tea flows at every diner and family restaurant. Texans expect tea to be served pre-sweetened, hot, and brewed strong. In New York, iced tea is the norm, and adding sugar at the table just isn’t the same.
The “Always Working” Culture
Many New Yorkers—particularly in Manhattan and corporate districts—seem perpetually busy, juggling side hustles and networking events. In contrast, Texans more often value relaxation, weekend barbecues, or lake time at places like Lake Travis. The drive to always be productive can appear extreme and exhausting to Texas natives.
The Coffee Shop Scene
Texans typically view coffee shops as places for socializing and relaxation, often in historic town squares or artsy districts such as Austin’s South Congress Avenue. In New York, coffee shops are extensions of the workplace—laptops abound, and meetings blur into work sessions, which seems foreign and a bit impersonal to most Texans.
Unpredictable Weather
Texas weather is famous for its volatility—40°F mornings followed by 80°F afternoons aren’t uncommon, especially in places like Central Texas. However, many Texans find New York’s weather confusing in its own way: cold often lingers well into spring, and the rhythm of seasons is unfamiliar compared to the state’s two-season system of “hot and less hot.”
Texas and New York represent two iconic yet contrasting regions within the United States. From Austin’s music scene and historic San Antonio to the ceaseless energy of New York City or the scenic Catskills upstate, the differences are both geographic and cultural. Texans, deeply proud of their friendly traditions and open space, often scratch their heads at New Yorkers’ hustle, high costs, and urban quirks—making visits or relocations a constant source of surprises.
Sources
(https://www.reddit.com/r/ShitAmericansSay/comments/1i19lhi/being_from_texas_and_new_york_is_even_more/)
(https://prezi.com/jpmrqals_3jy/cultural-differences-between-new-york-texas/)
(https://klaq.com/texas-new-york-best-city/)
(https://www.businessinsider.com/new-york-austin-texas-surprising-differences-2022-1)
(https://www.nitinguptadfw.com/post/texas-vs-new-york-assessing-the-true-cost-of-living-lifestyle-differences)
