So You Want to Know How Many Cemeteries Are in NYC? You're Not Alone... (and Probably Not Moving There)
Ah, New York City. The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, and apparently, the city that never runs out of places to...well, sleep forever. If you're planning a move to the city (and let's face it, most folks aren't exactly house-hunting in a cemetery), this probably isn't the question burning a hole in your pocket. But for some reason, the number of cemeteries in NYC seems to spark curiosity. Maybe it's morbid fascination, maybe it's planning for the really distant future (because let's be honest, finding an apartment is hard enough).
The Big Number: It's a Doozy
Alright, alright, I know you scrolled down for the answer. Buckle up, because the number of cemeteries in NYC is enough to raise an eyebrow (or maybe a skull?). We're talking over 100 cemeteries scattered across the five boroughs. That's a lot of history, a lot of tombstones, and a whole heap of "whoa, that's a lot of people."
Why So Many? A Borough Breakdown (Because We Can't Resist a List)
- Manhattan: This island that never sleeps...well, eventually everyone does. Manhattan boasts over 90 cemeteries, though many are quite small and historic, like the African Burial Ground National Monument.
- Brooklyn: If you thought Manhattan was crowded, think again! Brooklyn has its fair share of cemeteries too, with some real whoppers like the massive Green-Wood Cemetery.
- Queens: Queens isn't just about the Mets, folks! It's also home to sprawling cemeteries like Calvary Cemetery, which could hold its own against some small towns in terms of population (but a much quieter one).
- The Bronx: The Bronx might surprise you with its green spaces, and yep, that includes cemeteries. Potters Field is a notable one, though hopefully you won't end up there!
- Staten Island: Staten Island gets a bit of a bad rap, but hey, it has cemeteries too! Baron Hirsch Cemetery is a historic spot.
So, What Does This Mean for You? (Besides Avoiding a Wrong Turn on Your Morning Commute)
Look, unless you're a ghost-hunter or a history buff with a particular interest in tombstones, the number of cemeteries probably won't impact your daily life in NYC. But hey, it's a fun fact to have in your back pocket (or wherever you keep random NYC trivia).
The real takeaway here? New York City has a rich history, and a whole lot of people have called it home over the years. So next time you're strolling through Central Park, remember, there might be a whole other world (or should we say, underworld?) just beneath your feet.
