The question says “is“, but as I am no longer a kid I am going to answer with what it was like for me growing up as a kid in NYC.
I grew up on a block that contained rows of split townhomes, each with 5 stories plus a basement and attic. There was a driveway and a fenced backyard that gave us room for a grill, a picnic table and some toys.
We didn’t spend much time in the backyard though, because everyone would play in the streets out front.
There would be games of stickball, kickball, street hockey, and my personal favorite – Star Wars (this was late 70s/early 80s). If you weren’t playing, you were sitting on the cars parked in the driveways and shouting at those who were.
When I got a bit older, I was able to head off deeper into the city by myself to explore. I learned how to get into Operas, museums and other shows for free or cheap and took full advantage.
I realized that there is no place I love more on this planet than the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s medieval room when it is decorated for Christmas – except possibly the Temple of Dendur on any day ever.
And when I was old enough to start to embrace the music and club scene, I was surrounded by some of the best in the world, just a short ride away. Anyone I could care to see would be there in New York eventually.
Growing up in New York taught me to appreciate art, music, diverse cultures, patience, sports, and myself.
It’s why now whenever anyone asks me where I’m from, I automatically answer – “I’m from New York, but I LIVE in Las Vegas.”
Originally Posted: https://www.quora.com/What-is-or-was-it-like-to-grow-up-as-a-kid-in-NYC
Originally Posted On: 2015-03-23