Why is NYC stinky?

New York City smells due to a potent mix of high-density living, heat-trapping humidity, and a constant stream of urban inputs like vehicle exhaust, hot garbage, sewer gases, street food, and weed smoke, creating a complex "urban musk" that's amplified in summer when heat and stagnant air make smells more pungent and pervasive. The smell is a symptom of a dense, old infrastructure struggling with a massive population, with garbage piles and subway urine being major contributors.

Is NYC or SF dirtier?

New York City is still dirtier than Miami, San Francisco and Austin, according to HouseFresh.

When was NYC at its worst?

New York City was arguably at its worst during the 1970s, facing a severe fiscal crisis, rampant crime (peaking in the early 90s), industrial decline, massive population loss (especially middle-class flight), and widespread urban decay, symbolized by the 1977 blackout and burning South Bronx, though the city began its turnaround with fiscal reforms and community efforts in the late 70s/early 80s.
 

What is the smelliest place to visit?

The world's smelliest cities

• 2 of 13. Rotorua smells of... rotten eggs. ...
• 3 of 13. Mombasa smells of... terracotta. ...
• 4 of 13. York smells of... chocolate. ...
• 5 of 13. Edinburgh smells of... beer. ...
• 6 of 13. Buffalo smells of... Cheerios. ...
• 7 of 13. Cincinnati smells of... soap. ...
• 8 of 13. Fez smells of... leather. ...
• 9 of 13. Lansing smells of...

Why is NYC weather so bipolar?

Weather in New York is heavily influenced by two air masses: a warm, humid one from the southwest and a cold, dry one from the northwest.

Why Does New York City Smell So Bad? - Cheddar Explains

What state in America has the worst humidity?

The 10 Most Humid States in the United States

1. Alaska. Yep, Alaska tops the list. ...
2. Florida. The Sunshine State is also the sweat state. ...
3. Louisiana. Between the Gulf of Mexico and all those bayous, Louisiana stays warm and wet. ...
4. Mississippi. ...
5. Hawaii. ...
6. Iowa. ...
7. Michigan. ...
8. Indiana.

Which is colder, NYC or London?

New York City is significantly colder than London in winter, experiencing more extreme lows, heavy snow, and wind, while London has milder, damper winters with rare snow, thanks to the stabilizing influence of the Gulf Stream, making NYC's winter feel harsher despite London being further north. 

What is the old lady's smell called?

Nonenal® (also known as 2-Nonenal) is a naturally occurring compound responsible for the distinct odor associated with aging. It typically appears after age 40, becoming more noticeable in both men and women.

Where is body odor most common?

Sweating and body odor most often affect the underarm and groin areas, the palms, the bottom of the feet, and the head, face and scalp. It's common for some people to sweat more or less than other people. Body odor also can vary from person to person. It might smell tangy, oniony, sour or some other strong odor.

Which city smells the best?

Taking the coveted top spot as the nicest smelling city in the world, with a smell score of 8.3 out of 10, is Athens, Greece. Known for its lively street markets and food culture, the aroma of fresh produce, herbs, and traditional Greek cuisine permeates the Athenian air, creating an unforgettable scent experience.

What is the #1 most violent city in the US?

While rankings vary by source and year, Memphis, Tennessee, frequently appears as the #1 most dangerous city in America based on recent violent crime rates (per 100,000 people) for cities with populations over 100,000, followed by cities like Detroit, Oakland, and Baltimore, according to reports from 2024 and 2025. These lists consider factors like homicides, assaults, and property crimes, with Memphis often leading due to high rates of violent offenses. 

Is NYC on the decline?

New York City is experiencing a complex trend: a significant population decline during the pandemic (2020-2022) with high earners leaving, but recent data (mid-2023 to mid-2024) shows signs of a rebound, with all boroughs seeing population growth, especially Manhattan, though still below pre-pandemic levels. While some sources point to challenges like high costs, infrastructure, and tourism dips as signs of decline, others highlight the city's ongoing recovery and economic activity, suggesting it's more of a turbulent transition than a definitive downfall, with factors like remote work and migration patterns shifting. 

Is NYC safer now than in the 90s?

The highest crime totals were recorded in the late 1980s and early 1990s as the crack epidemic surged, and then declined continuously from around 1990 throughout the present day. As of 2023, New York City has significantly lower rates of gun violence than many other large cities.

Is $70,000 a good salary in New York?

$70,000 in NYC is a tight but manageable salary for a single person if they are frugal, have roommates, and budget carefully, but it's not considered a high or super comfortable wage, especially compared to the high cost of living, with some sources suggesting you'd need closer to $75k for a single person to live alone comfortably. For families, $70k is generally considered low for NYC. 

What's the cleanest US city?

If you're in Portland, Oregon, or planning to travel there, congratulations! Portland is the cleanest city according to this study, winning for strong environmental regulations, well-funded public services, lower population density and cleaner air and water.

What ethnicity has the least body odor?

The characteristic human axillary odor is formed by bacterial action on odor precursors that originate from apocrine sweat glands. Caucasians and Africans possess a strong axillary odor ,whereas many Asians have only a faint acidic odor.

What age is body odor the worst?

Usually, this happens when females are 8–13 years old, and males are 9–14. But it can also be normal to start puberty earlier or later. Bathing every day, especially after a lot of sweating or in hot weather, can help with body odor. So can wearing clean clothes, underwear, and socks each day.

At what age does nonenal smell start?

Nonenal smell, or "old person smell," is linked to the natural aging process and can start appearing around age 40, as the body produces more of the compound 2-nonenal from the oxidation of fatty acids on the skin, a process that increases with age and fewer antioxidants. While it's a normal part of aging, the intensity varies, and factors like diet, hormones, and skin health influence its prominence. 

Why can I smell myself through my pants even after showering?

Smelling yourself through pants after showering is often normal but can stem from bacteria meeting sweat (especially from apocrine glands in the groin), diet, fabric choices (synthetics trap odor), or hormonal shifts; however, a strong, unusual, or persistent odor accompanied by itching, discharge, or burning could signal an infection like BV or yeast infection, requiring a doctor's visit for proper diagnosis and treatment, as these are common and treatable. 

What two tastes do elderly lose first?

Remaining taste buds shrink as we get older too, resulting in diminished sense of taste. Typically, seniors notice this loss of taste with salty or sweet foods first.

Which American city is most like London?

While no US city perfectly mirrors London, Boston is often cited for its historical architecture, walkability, and "Old World" feel, while New York City shares its status as a massive, diverse global hub with extensive public transit, but lacks London's sprawl. The best fit depends on which aspects of London you prioritize: historic charm points to Boston, while global scale suggests NYC, with D.C. also noted for grand architecture, notes.
 

What is the rainiest city in the US?

The rainiest city in the U.S. by total rainfall is Hilo, Hawaii, due to its location on the windward side of the Big Island, receiving over 120 inches annually, while Syracuse, NY is often cited as the rainiest major city in the continental U.S. for having the most rainy days, though cities like Mobile, AL, and New Orleans, LA, lead for precipitation totals in the Southeast.
 

Is it colder in NYC or Paris?

NYC is much windier, colder, and drier. Paris is like overcast and damp and cool.