Garden Variety New Yorker

Quieter:

It's just quieter here.  Sure, Long Island is certainly not loud, but people still have more of a city attitude to them.  At least in Nassau County.  The majority of Long Islanders have been to Manhattan, even frequently, and have a more fast-paced, upbeat frame of mind.  Things are expected to be open late, to be available.  We know where the good restaurants are, and there are a lot of reviews and information.  

Here in Jersey, it's not so easy.  Things tend to close earlier, and certain parts of Bergen County close completely on Sunday. Beyond the rediculousness of closing down entire malls on Sundays, it's not as easy to run out and get something at 9pm at night.  Bagel stores close early, and I have yet to find one that's open 24 hours like good old A&S on Long Island.  (I just found one now, but haven't had a chance to check it out) Normal stores and restaurants seem to wind down earlier here too.  There are still things going on late, but it's they're fewer and far between.

There are less street lights, less cars on the road, particularly at night, and just less people in general.  Maybe I'm just not going to the right places.