New Yorkers are friendlier, but our bathrooms are better

NYers are friendlier but the biggest difference en mass is that NYers, unlike Bostonians in the last +/- 8 years, haven't yet abandoned the unwritten social contract, that basically makes society livable. Example, in NYC, if someone is seated on the bus up front when an elderly or person with disability boards, and that rider doesn't reliquish the seat; another passenger will ask and then tell them to move, if need be, but also others will back up that person. "we're all in this together" springs to mind. I definitely get the feeling that I'm on my own even when instructing people to move to the rear of the bus so that others, including me, can board. It's like too many people feel their fare entitles them to a 3ftx2ft space of *their* choosing (excluding the usual super-sized napsack strapped to their backs) where sharing the world with others is a foreign concept. Speaking up in Boston, more often that not, you are seen as the problem, rather than the actual problem you are speaking up about.

Native of both cities are actually very similar. But, both cities also deal with a large influx of non-natives, which can warp perceptions.In Boston's case, in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, North End, Downtown, certainly Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline (I include them because I consider them to all one place m, albeit seperate municipalities) and on the MBTA, you'll encounter MANY people from elsewhere, and chances are excellent that 'mean', snotty or inconsiderate person isn't from here. Same in NYC. Socioeconomics also play a role; imo 'lower class' people are generally friendly and more likely to do things like let an elderly person sit on a crowded train, etc. So, if you're in a place with a large population of transients (such as students, tourists, suburban commuters, business professionals, etc.), I believe you will encounter less friendliness and even helpfulness. When you put a bunch of people togetherfrom a wide range of backgrounds, cultures (and I'm referring to domestic cultures within a big country like the U.S., not just foreign), socioeconomics, etc. people generally clam up and become reserved. When you have a more homogeneous cultural environment, people find it easier to relate, and things become more relaxed. Boston and NY certainly don't fit that description.

You want to not irritate people in either cities, don't walk, drive too slow, block streets, sidewalks, dick around getting on/off trains, etc. Be aware of your surroundings and act accordingly.