New York—often billed as the Big Apple—earned that nickname from a horse‑racing columnist who adored the city’s bustling tracks. The moniker stuck after a reporter started sprinkling it throughout his sports columns, and the rest is history. That’s just one of many little‑known nuggets about the city that most visitors never discover. Below, we’ve gathered ten jaw‑dropping tidbits that will make you see the Empire State in a whole new light.
10 New York Paid More for Central Park Than America Paid for Alaska
Central Park stands as one of New York’s most iconic landmarks, instantly recognizable to anyone who’s ever watched a film or TV show set in the city. Each year, roughly 42 million visitors stroll through its sprawling 843‑acre expanse, originally envisioned as a European‑style green oasis that would simultaneously boost nearby property values.
When the city first purchased the land, the price tag was eye‑watering: in 1853, the 842 acres cost $7.4 million. An estimated 20,000 engineers, builders and laborers were enlisted to bring the vision to life. By the time construction wrapped up in 1876, the total outlay had swelled to $14 million—over $400 million after adjusting for inflation.
To put that figure into perspective, compare it with the United States’ purchase of Alaska in 1867. While Central Park was still being sculpted, America shelled out a relatively modest $7.2 million for the Alaskan territory. In other words, New York spent more than double what the entire nation paid for a whole state.
9 NYC Has More Trees Than Any Other American City Has People
If Central Park’s fame gave New York a leafy reputation, the city’s overall arboreal count shatters expectations. With 5.2 million trees dotting its boroughs, the Big Apple boasts more trees than any other U.S. city has residents.
Line the trees trunk‑to‑trunk, and they’d stretch for an astonishing 118 miles. By contrast, New York’s human population hovers just under nine million. The next‑largest U.S. city, Los Angeles, counts about four million people—far fewer than the trees thriving in NYC’s streets and parks.
8 NYC Has a Higher Population Than Most States
Beyond its tree supremacy, New York City’s sheer number of inhabitants puts it ahead of the majority of U.S. states. According to the latest census, the city is home to roughly 8.3 million people.
Only twelve states—California, Texas, Florida, and nine others—surpass that figure. Even Washington, the nation’s 13th most populous state, trails NYC with just 7.8 million residents. In short, the city out‑numbers an entire swath of the Union.
That demographic heft also translates internationally: New York City’s population eclipses that of more than a hundred sovereign nations, from Denmark (5.9 million) to Laos (7.6 million). A country like Qatar, with a mere 2.7 million citizens, could fit inside NYC three times over.
7 NYC Has More Skyscrapers Than Numerous Countries
The iconic Manhattan skyline has become a staple of cinema and television, and for good reason. While New York no longer holds the global crown for skyscraper count—Hong Kong and Shenzhen now lead—it still boasts an impressive 314 buildings that rise over 150 meters (about 492 feet), plus 16 that exceed double that height.
If you were to slot New York City into a worldwide ranking of skyscraper‑rich nations, it would sit in third place. China claims the top spot, the United States follows, and then the city itself would outrank Japan by 24 structures. Some estimates even suggest NYC has more skyscrapers than the entire continent of Europe.
6 NYC’s GDP Is Bigger Than Many Countries Including Canada
Population isn’t the only metric where New York shines—its economic output is equally staggering. The city’s nominal Gross Domestic Product sits at a jaw‑dropping $1.7 trillion. Were NYC a sovereign nation, it would rank as the world’s thirteenth‑largest economy.
That places the city shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Canada, and recent figures show Canada edging NYC by a narrow margin. Since at least 2017, the two economies have been virtually tied, underscoring New York’s status as a global financial powerhouse.
5 There Are Almost No Alleys in Manhattan
Fans of classic cinema might recall the iconic Spider‑Man kiss scene set in a gritty alley. In reality, Manhattan hardly has any alleys at all. The few that do exist are relics from a pre‑grid era, with the most frequently filmed one being Cortlandt Alley.
The city’s famed 1811 street grid maximized usable land, constructing blocks without the gaps that traditional alleys occupy. As a result, the scarcity of true alleys makes the Cortlandt location a beloved back‑lot for filmmakers seeking that unmistakable New York‑style back‑street ambience.
4 There Are No Walmarts in New York City
Across the United States, Walmart operates more than 4,600 stores, making it a ubiquitous presence in most towns and suburbs. New York City, however, remains a Walmart‑free zone.
The retailer’s attempts to break into the city were repeatedly thwarted, largely due to powerful labor unions that protect the city’s largely unionized retail workforce. Unions feared Walmart’s low‑wage, non‑union model would undercut existing jobs.
Even a decade after its initial push, Walmart’s reputation—viewed as a threat to local employment standards—kept city officials from granting it a foothold, while other big‑box rivals like Target managed to secure locations.
3 NYC Has Some of the Cleanest Tap Water in America
New York’s reputation often swings between glitzy skyscrapers and gritty streets teeming with rats. Yet, tucked beneath that urban mythos, the city supplies some of the nation’s purest tap water.
In 2019, the city’s water earned the distinction of being the cleanest in the state of New York and consistently ranks among the best‑tasting municipal water in the country. This accolade stems from a strategic decision made over half a century ago to source water from the Catskill Mountains’ pristine aquifers rather than the polluted Hudson River.
The Catskill supply requires minimal treatment, delivering water that many residents describe as crisp and refreshing. Some even speculate that microscopic crustaceans—tiny shrimp—add a subtle flavor note, though the exact cause of its famed taste remains a delightful mystery.
2 After Uber Came to New York, Drunk‑Driving Accidents Dropped by Over 25%
While Uber has faced criticism for driver safety and corporate practices, its arrival in New York City sparked a noteworthy public‑safety benefit.
A 2017 study linked the ride‑share service’s 2011 launch to a decline in drunk‑driving incidents ranging from 25 % to 35 %. That translates to roughly 40 fewer accidents per month across the city.
Interestingly, the same effect wasn’t observed in a broader survey of 100 U.S. cities—many saw no significant change. Some locales, like Portland and San Antonio, mirrored New York’s improvement, while others, such as Reno, showed no impact. Nonetheless, the data suggests Uber’s presence contributed to a measurable safety boost in the Big Apple.
1 New York Buildings Over 6 Stories All Need Water Towers
If you’ve ever watched a movie set in New York, you’ve likely noticed the distinctive wooden water towers perched atop many apartment blocks. Those towers aren’t decorative relics; they’re essential for delivering water to buildings taller than six stories.
The city’s shallow rock foundation and low water table prevent electric pumps from generating sufficient pressure for higher‑rise structures. Consequently, developers install massive wooden tanks—each holding between 5,000 and 10,000 gallons—to store water and maintain adequate pressure for residents.
Even new constructions feature these towers because untreated wood is the only material that won’t contaminate the water. Besides supplying daily needs, the tanks serve as a fire‑suppression reserve, ensuring the city stays hydrated and safe.