Gotta say I spent a week in New york last year (as one of the dreaded tourists) and I was amazed at how friendly and helpful everyone was, reminded me of home (which is scotland) If you think New yorkers are rude, you really should try london, thats a whole new ball game of rude.

they are making money! they are in a rush and under a lot of pressure. many people in new york are successful and have money on the line at their jobs. plus the population is huge and there are a lot of people running around trying to get from here to there because of their jobs or hectic lifestyle.there is a lot going on in new york and it requires a lot of people, in other areas there is not much to be fighting for. everyone is simply trying to make there way to the top because new york offers great opportunities . its dog eat dog

I am originally from the mid-west. I have traveled and lived all over the United States during the past 60 years of my life. I can, without a doubt tell you that the further North East you go in the United States the more rude and obnoxious the people become. I'm not saying EVERYONE is like that, but the vast majority are. I don't know if it is from a lack of trust for "outsiders" or what, but it starts around Pennsylvania and gets progressively worse. New Jersey, New York City, Boston, right on up into Maine where the worst of the lot live. In Maine (and I know this from personal experience – I lived there for 3 years) most people won’t even talk to you unless you speak with a Maine accent. You could live there your entire adult life and would still be considered an “outsider” because you weren’t born there.
Now, I have lived in New York for the past 6 years. It’s almost as bad in New York as Maine, but not quite. I have found that most of the people of New York will walk around looking at their feet instead of straight ahead just because they don’t want to have to acknowledge anyone else around them. They won’t say “good morning” unless they are practically forced to. At first I was really put off by this attitude. Now I just find it amusing. I kind of feel sorry for them because they are missing out on so much personal interaction.

I have to agree, honestly i deal with about 100 to maybe 120 people daily that are from new york. I dont know why but in the past 10yrs that I have been working there I have never come across a polite or even friendly new yorker. I dont wish to upset anyone im simply being honest. When i ask may i have your name (because i have to) they are quick to comment what you cant read? Why should I? If you open your eyes and look at your screen you can see it? I cant understand it, no matter how friendly i try to be with these people i get nothing in return.