1. Most Americans Don’t Really Know What Long Island Is
Unless you’re talking to someone from the New York area, expect a little confusion when you proudly announce you’re from Long Island. New York City geography can get a little confusing to outsiders.
There’s a good chance they’ll think Long Island is a borough, somewhere upstate, or just a neighborhood in the New York City area.
2. “It’s That Place Gatsby Lived, Right?”
Adding to the confusion, many Americans were reminded that Long Island exists thanks to the Great Gatsby recently spanning the silver screen.
This movie isn’t too clear about what Long Island is, meaning most viewers probably walked away assuming it’s another borough, while in reality, most Long Islanders are proud that they’re not just part of New York City.
3. But Everyone Knows What A Long Island Iced Tea Is
While the geographical knowledge of this area might not be at an all-time high, the “Long Island” name definitely travels thanks to Long Island Iced Teas. These booze filled drinks are a favorite nationwide.
4. People Basically Assume You’re From Guidoland
Thanks to shows like the Jersey Shore, there tends to be this assumption that the East coast is filled with Snookies and Pauly D’s.
While Long Island does have its fair share of Italians, new people you meet will be a little surprised to realize you don’t fit all of the typical New York stereotypes and that Long Island is NOT New Jersey at all.
5. Everyone Will Hate The Teams You Love
Across the country, everyone loves to rip on New York City teams like the Yankees, the Giants, the Mets, and the Jets. Don’t expect to find many people on your side during the big game if you’re far from home.
6. People Will Assume You Spent All Your Time In Times Square
Until someone has been there, it’s hard to really understand how big and diverse the New York City area really is.
Whenever most people hear you’re from New York, they’ll assume you spent all of your time in Manhattan battling crowds of tourists and visiting places like the Statue of Liberty. You’ll have to explain that this couldn’t be less true.
7. You’ll Discover You Have An Accent
Even though Long Islanders love to deny it, there’s a pretty distinct accent that comes from the area. Your tendency to change o’s into aw’s will definitely get brought up a lot.
8. There’s An Expectation That You’re Loaded
Long Island has a reputation around the country for being the richest part of New York. Expect people to assume you’re upper class when they meet you.
9. “The City” Might Mean Something Else
On Long Island, if someone says “the city,” they obviously mean New York City. However, if you’re leaving Long Island, there’s a good chance this will no longer be the case. It can take a while to get used to.
10. People Will Find Your Addiction To Egg Sandwiches Strange
Even though it’s a popular breakfast item around the country, most people don’t take pride in their egg sandwiches the way Long Islanders do. People will find it odd that you hold your breakfast to such high standards.
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11. Oh, And On That Note, It’ll Be Hard To Find A Decent Bagel
Everyone knows that people on Long Island are PASSIONATE about their bagels. All an out-of-towners needs to do is try one to understand why.
If you’re leaving Long Island for the first time, you’ll quickly realize that nowhere else in the entire country can deliver a bagel that’s better than the ones baked on LI.
12. It’s Impossible To Find Pizza That Tops A Long Island Slice
Home to the best pizza around, if you’re craving a slice and you’re not on Long Island, there’s a good chance you’ll be let down.
13. Traffic Isn’t So Bad Everywhere
Overcrowded roads might be a huge problem on Long Island, but it’s not that way everywhere… I promise. Long Island is one of the worst places in the country to be a driver when it comes to the daily commute.
14. Everyone Didn’t Grow Up Playing Lacrosse
Even though lacrosse is huge on the East Coast, it still tends to be pretty foreign in most places around the country. In places like Midwest, it tends to be unheard of. Kids there grow up playing soccer, baseball, and basketball.
15. You Can’t Find Ralph’s Everywhere
One thing you’re sure to miss when you leave Long Island is Ralph’s. The perfect frozen mix of ice and sugar, Italian ice from this joint can’t be beat.
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16. No One Will Understand Your Obsession With Billy Joel
Even though Billy Joel is a nationally famous musician, out-of-towners are likely to label your love for this hometown hero as an unhealthy obsession. However, you should still expect people to sing along if “Piano Man” floats through the air in any dive bar across America.
17. The Long Island Rail Road Kinda Spoils You
It might not be super posh, but it’s a major convenience. Most places you move won’t have public transportation that’s this easy to use.
18. And Drinking In Public Isn’t Always So Acceptable
It’s pretty common to see people with a beer in hand when they’re out and about, especially if they’re on the LIRR. Don’t expect the same leniency towards brown paper bags everywhere.
19. So Plan Ahead For The Drunk Trip Home
If you’re living on Long Island and out partying in the city for the night, it’s always easy to get home. You just hop on the train. However, most places around the country it’s important to plan ahead, whether it’s with a designated driver or a cab company.
20. You’ll Really Miss “That Friend With The Boat”
While boating is a way of life on Long Island, most people across the country aren’t as willing to get a little wet and wild. It’s a sure thing you’ll miss the many boat days that warm weather brings. Sitting on a raft in a pool just isn’t the same.
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21. A Good Deli Is Hard To Find
While delis are becoming more popular around the country, most aren’t quite up to a Long Islander’s standards. Make sure you take a few trips to your favorite hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop before you leave.
22. Coke Doesn’t Always Mean Coke
People on Long Island might call soft drinks “soda,” but unfortunately this isn’t always the case everywhere else.
Most places around the country either use the term “pop” or “coke” for anything that’s carbonated and sugary. Don’t be too shocked when you order a Coke at a restaurant and the waitress asks you “what type of Coke?” you want.
23. You’ll Crave Buttered Rolls
A breakfast favorite on Long Island, buttered Kaiser Rolls are simple, sweet, and to the point. For some reason, these haven’t caught on across the entire country. New friends are likely to find it a bit strange if you start your day with one of these.
24. It Sucks Being Far From A Beach
One of the many perks of island life is that there are beaches everywhere. It won’t take long after moving away for you to start having sand withdrawals.
25. Half & Half Means Something Else Most Places
Made famous by Arnold Palmer, this half iced tea – half lemonade mix is a favorite on Long Island. While you can get this when you’re out and about in this area, ordering a half & half in most of America will get you coffee creamer.
26. Sweet 16 Parties Weren’t Such A Big Deal Everywhere
There’s a reason most episodes of MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16” seem to be set on the East Coast…it’s really one of the only places in the country that make such a big deal out of these parties.
Sure, turning 16 and being able to drive is cool, but it’s not “spend thousands on a party” cool. If you make friends from outside of Long Island, don’t be too shocked if you find out they didn’t have a party for their sweet sixteen at all .
27. You’ll Have To Skip Your Favorite Meal Of The Day
When it comes to Long Island food, it doesn’t get much better than the many late-night diners around the area.
If you leave this part of the country, expect restaurants to shut down much earlier. Unfortunately, that means that if you’re craving something late at night, you’ll probably be stuck with fast food.
28. It’s Not Always A Hero
Huge awesome sandwiches are called “heroes” on Long Island, but asking for one of these elsewhere is likely to get you either a strange look or a muscular man in a cape.
The rest of the country tends to bounce between calling these sandwiches subs, grinders, or hoagies.
29. Get Your Italian Food Fix Before You Say Goodbye
With so many Italians, it’s not too surprising that Italian food on Long Island is a pretty big deal. You’ll never find better Italian cuisine anywhere, not even in Rome.
30. You’ll Miss Long Island More Than You Thought You Would
With miles of beaches, awesome food, and a vibrant nightlife, there are few places in America that truly “have it all” the same way that Long Island does. If you find yourself leaving this awesome part of New York, there’s a good chance it won’t be a one-way ticket.
What do you miss about Long Island? Tell us in the comments below!
