I moved to NYC from Wisconsin 10 years ago here are 5 things that still surprise me about the city

In almost 10 years of living in New York City after growing up in the Midwest, I haven't even come close to visiting all of its museums, historic landmarks, and cultural sites. I'm still amazed by how much this city has to offer.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,250 — a 30% increase from last year, according to the online rental platform Zumper.

I know I should be used to how expensive it is to live here, but I still can't get over how much it can cost per month to rent a tiny shoebox. I try not to think about the kind of home I could rent in the Midwest for what I pay for my apartment.

I came to New York City for college and have lived here since, but many of my friends who came for school or work have only stayed for a few years before moving somewhere quieter or more affordable.

It continues to surprise me when yet another person I know moves away. In the Midwest, people who moved to my hometown usually stayed put.

Anytime I run an errand in the Midwest, I end up bumping into someone I knew growing up.

New York City has a population of more than 8.8 million people, according to Census data, and Madison Square Garden holds more people than my hometown ... but I still run into people I know all the time here, too.

Recently, I was walking down the street and saw a crowd gathered at the corner. It turns out they were tending to a woman who had fallen and hit her head. Complete strangers jumped into the street to direct traffic around her, called an ambulance, and stayed to make sure she was taken care of. It's not the first time I've seen New Yorkers step up and do what needs to be done in times of need.

New Yorkers have a reputation for being a little rough around the edges. While it's true they'll often get annoyed if you walk too slowly or cut in line, they look out for each other in a way that still warms my heart.