New York, New York: It's Bigger Than You Think (Probably)
So, you wanna know how big New York is, huh? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to embark on a mind-boggling journey through the land of skyscrapers and pizza rats.
The Big Apple, Big Area
Now, when most folks think of New York, they picture Times Square, Central Park, and maybe a bagel or two. But the Empire State, as it's formally known, is huge. We're talking 54,555 square miles of pure, unadulterated New Yorkness. That's like trying to cover the entire state of California with a really big pizza box.
New York City: The Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made of... Real Estate
But hold your horses! We're not talking about the whole state here. Just the city itself, which is where most of the action (and the people) are. New York City, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of (and rents are astronomical), clocks in at a comparatively puny 300 square miles. Still, that's enough space to cram in millions of people, countless iconic landmarks, and an endless supply of overpriced coffee.
How Big is That?
Alright, so 54,555 square miles is a lot of land, but what does that actually mean? Well, to put it in perspective, it's about the size of England. Or, if you prefer, it's roughly equivalent to the combined area of West Virginia, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Yep, New York is basically its own little country.
So, next time someone tells you New York is small, you can laugh in their face and drop some knowledge on them.
How To... New York Area Edition
How to wrap your head around 54,555 square miles? One pizza at a time. How to visit every corner of New York? Start with a really good pair of walking shoes. How to appreciate the size of New York? Compare it to something you know, like your backyard (probably much smaller). How to avoid getting lost in New York? Use a map (or a really good sense of direction). How to enjoy New York? With an open mind and a hearty appetite.