What The Big City You’re Living In Says About You

Do you have dreams of changing the world? Are you driven by money and power? Maybe you want to be a famous actress or get your Ph.D. in literature? Different cities cater to different lifestyles and ambitions, and you likely chose to live where you do because it’s where you can pursue what’s important to you. 

For example, if you dream of raising a family in a big house with a white picket fence, then New York City probably isn’t the place for you. Hate the heat? Then stay out of Phoenix, AZ! Want to start your own tech company? You’ll probably head for the Bay Area. 

Every city has something different to offer, and when you ask someone where they’re from, their answer says something about them. Whether you live on the West Coast, the East Coast, or somewhere in the middle, here’s what people are likely to think if they hear you live in one of America’s ten biggest cities.

New York City

New York is one of the most expensive cities to live in, and it’s also the home of Wall Street, so it’s no surprise that life in the Big Apple often revolves around the theme of money and, more specifically, how to make more of it. New York draws in people who are financially driven and are willing to put in the work to achieve that financial success. Even if your chosen field isn’t in finance (maybe it’s fashion, art, or real estate), there’s still a certain air of luxury to every business that calls New York City its home. Living in New York City says that you know how to hustle, appreciate the finer things in life, and are driven by financial success. 

San Francisco / Bay Area

Like New York, San Francisco is also an extremely expensive place to live, but people move there more in the pursuit of power and the idea that they can change the world. If wealth comes along with the pursuit of that dream, then all the better. The Bay Area (including Silicon Valley and San Jose) is home to some of the world’s most successful tech companies, such as Meta, Google, and Apple (to name a few). These companies, and others like them, embody the entrepreneurial, boundary-breaking spirit of the Bay Area. Living in San Francisco says you dream of changing the world (hopefully for the better) and are inspired by powerful people who possess your same entrepreneurial mindset.

Boston / Cambridge

Boston (and the Cambridge area) is home to some of the world’s most elite universities, such as MIT, Harvard, Tufts, and Boston College (just to name a few). That’s why it’s no wonder that Boston is closely associated with academia, but there’s a scrappy side to the city as well. Will Hunting might have been a genius, but he could also hold his own in a bar fight. Boston draws in people who are driven to be smarter and aren’t afraid to fight for what they want. Living in Boston says that you’re smart, scrappy, and motivated by your thirst for knowledge. 

Los Angeles

If you have dreams of seeing your name in lights, then Los Angeles is the place to be. People move to Los Angeles with a dream, maybe even some delusion of grandeur and a passion to pursue that dream with everything in them. L.A. is a city of transplants, and it draws in people who are motivated by shiny exteriors. They appreciate physical attractiveness and believe that dreams trump reality every time, which is good because you need a little bit of delusion to make it in L.A. It’s tough to make a name for yourself, but the city has a lot of perks beyond its entertainment scene. The weather is great, the food scene is tremendous, and the beaches are gorgeous. Living in L.A. says you’ve got big dreams and want to look good while you pursue them. 

Chicago

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Chicago might be its brutal winters, but there’s a lot more to this city than chilly temperatures. Chicago has some of the best food in the world, a team for every sport, and a thriving arts scene. Beyond all that though, there’s an essential loyalty among Chicagoans because they’re proud to be from Chicago. They’re loyal to their sports teams, to Chicago-style everything (whether it’s pizza or hot dogs), and to the city in general. Living in Chicago says you’re loyal to a fault and stick by your people through all of life’s highs and lows, even if those lows come along with sub-zero temperatures.

Houston

Houston is the largest city in Texas, with a population of 2.29 million people. People are often drawn to the city because of its affordable cost of living and the personal freedoms Texas has to offer, but there’s a lot more to Houston than just lower housing prices. Houston has a thriving music and museum scene, and it is also quickly becoming a must-visit destination for food lovers. Beyond loving a good real estate deal, living in Houston says that you’re country but cultured. You’re not afraid to get dirty, and maybe you even know how to ride a horse, but you’re just as comfortable in a pair of cowboy boots as you are in a pair of high heels. 

Phoenix

If Chicago is known for its frigid winters, then Phoenix is known for its scorching hot summers. The average summer temperatures in Phoenix are around 106 degrees Fahrenheit, so living in Phoenix says you know how to handle the heat. Beyond its high temperatures, Phoenix is also home to great Southwestern culture, stunning desert scenery, and lots of outdoor adventure. There are great hikes, museums, and food in Phoenix, and it’s a city that draws people who want the perks of small-town life and city living all in one place. Phoenix is the fifth-largest city in the U.S., but it feels more like a resort than a city. Living in Phoenix says you want the best of both worlds, and you can handle any extreme life throws your way. 

Miami

Like a lot of cities in Florida, Miami’s population has been exploding over the last few years, and it has quickly transformed itself into a beacon of Sunshine State freedom. Gone are the days of the Miami Vice stereotype. Now, people are drawn to this city because they appreciate the city’s focus on freedom, as well as its tropical climate, lush scenery, and vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. There’s always something exciting to do in this city, and it draws in those who appreciate both its diverse culture and luxurious lifestyle. Living in Miami says you’re a risk-taker who values your independence and likes nice things.

Seattle

Seattle is synonymous with high technology, great coffee, rainy weather, and verdant scenery. It’s home to tech titans such as Amazon and Microsoft, and it’s also where a little old coffee company called Starbucks first opened its doors. Similar to Silicon Valley, Seattle is a city on the cutting edge of new technology and draws in those with an entrepreneurial spirit, but it also draws people who can handle a little bit of rain and love to get outside to see all that the beautiful Pacific Northwest has to offer. Living in Seattle says that you’re outdoorsy but also spend a good portion of your days behind a computer or dreaming up the next great innovation. 

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is nicknamed “The City of Brotherly Love,” which is fitting because this is one passionate city. Philly sports fans often get a bad rap for being over-the-top, but it all comes from a deep love and passion they have for their sports teams and their city in general. Philadelphians are a scrappy bunch who are passionate about all their city has to offer – and there’s a lot! There are Philly cheesesteaks, the iconic Museum of Art steps made famous by the movie Rocky, and the deep ties Philadelphia has to our country’s founding. It’s home to the Liberty Bell and Valley Forge. Plus, the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence were both drafted and signed in Philadelphia. Living here says you’re passionate, you root for the underdog, and you appreciate tradition.

Closing Thoughts

Of course, there are always certain stereotypes that play into your judgment when you ask someone where they’re from, but most stereotypes contain at least a grain of truth. It’s almost impossible to create a list that truly encompasses everything that makes these cities unique, but hopefully, this gives you a place to start. 

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