New York, New York: A City of Millionaires (and the Rest of Us)
New York City. The Big Apple. The Concrete Jungle where dreams are made (and rents are astronomical). It's a place where you can find everything from world-class art to world-class pizza. But did you know it's also home to a disproportionate number of people who could buy that pizza shop, art museum, and half the city if they wanted to?
So, How Many Rich People Actually Live There?
Let's get down to brass tacks. Or, more accurately, let's get down to gold bars. According to some fancypants report, nearly one in every 24 New Yorkers is a millionaire. That's like winning the lottery, but instead of buying a yacht, you just buy a slightly less cramped apartment. Can you imagine the school reunions? "So, what'd you do this summer? Oh, just bought a small island, nbd."
But it doesn't stop there. New York also boasts a healthy population of centi-millionaires (people with a cool hundred million lying around) and, of course, billionaires. These folks probably don't have to worry about the subway, unless they're feeling particularly au naturel.
Where Do These Rich People Live?
You might think they’re all holed up in penthouses with golden toilets and personal helicopter pads. While that’s not entirely wrong, it’s also a bit of a stereotype. Sure, there are plenty of gilded cages on the Upper East Side, but wealth is spread throughout the boroughs. You might find a billionaire living next door to someone who’s struggling to pay rent – that’s the New York way.
How Do Normal People Cope?
If you’re not one of the lucky few with a trust fund, don’t despair. New York is a city of opportunity, even if that opportunity is often disguised as a grueling commute. Plus, there’s a certain charm to sharing a cramped apartment with three roommates while your neighbor owns a private jet. It builds character, or something.
Remember: Just because you can't afford a penthouse doesn't mean you can't enjoy the city. There are free museums, parks, and plenty of people-watching opportunities. And hey, at least you don’t have to worry about someone stealing your priceless art collection.
How To...
- How to spot a millionaire: They probably won't be wearing sweatpants.
- How to survive in NYC without being rich: Get good at public transportation, learn to cook ramen noodles, and develop a thick skin.
- How to dream big: Look out the window at the skyscrapers and imagine your name on one of them.
- How to save money: Avoid Times Square at all costs.
- How to appreciate what you have: Remember, even if you're not rich, you're living in one of the most exciting cities in the world.