Is New York City Considered a Southern City?
Is New York City Considered a Southern City?
The answer to whether New York City (NYC) is considered a Southern city is a resounding no. In the broader context of geographical categorization within the United States, New York City is unequivocally located in the Northeastern region.
Geographical Location and Travel Distance
Traveling to the South from NYC would require traversing several states including Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. This journey is approximately 300 miles and involves a significant portion of the eastern seaboard.
While some metro areas like Montreal, Reykjavik, and Nome might be considered in terms of proximity to the Southern Hemisphere, for the purposes of the continental United States, New York City remains a northern city.
Defining the Southern United States
When considering the term "Southern United States," many people often associate it with the "Deep South." However, this region comprises several distinct cities resembling NYC in various facets.
Here are a few cities that embody the spirit of big-city living in the Southern United States, categorized roughly in the same size range (5.5 million to 7.5 million people):
1. Houston, Texas
Houston is a sprawling metropolis with a diverse population and a bustling metropolitan area. It is known for its energy industry, innovation, and cultural diversity.
2. Dallas, Texas
Dallas is another large city with a significant metropolis, offering a mix of finance, healthcare, and technology sectors. It is known for its fast-paced lifestyle and vibrant culture.
3. Miami, Florida
Miami, despite being the southernmost large city in the United States, is often seen as the "NYC of the South" due to its entrepreneurial drive and multilingual workforce. This city is a major hub for international trade and finance.
4. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a major economic and transportation hub, known for its affluent African-American population, rich civil rights history, and influential media and sports industries.
The Greater Los Angeles Area
While the aforementioned cities are comparably sized, the Greater Los Angeles metro area significantly outpaces them, with a population nearly as large as that of New York City. The Los Angeles metropolitan area encompasses a vast region centered around the city of Los Angeles and includes other major cities like San Diego and Long Beach.
Thus, New York City stands as a prominent northern city in the United States, with its own unique characteristics and influence that set it apart from the generally recognized Southern cities.