Photos of Life in New York City from the 1980s
New York City in the 1980s was nothing like the city we know today. Back then, the subway was covered in graffiti associated with urban ruin as well as hip-hop culture, dirty, dangerous, and poorly maintained. Times Square was a place for adults, with movie theaters and billboards flashing neon lights.
The images show kids carrying cardboard for breakdancing, teenagers with large stereos, yellow taxis cruising around town, and video rental stores.
New York City in the '80s was undergoing a profound transformation, and every place tells a story. These pictures capture a decade that began to define the city and ultimately transform it into a modern metropolis.
Times Square in 1982
This was Times Square Back in 1982.
Tower Video Store
Tower video store in New York City, 1986.
NYC Subway in the 1980s
Riding the New York City subway in the 1980s, when it was the most dangerous transit system in the world.
Orchard Street
Orchard Street, NYC, 1980.
Times Square And Cabs
Times Square and yellow cabs in the 1980s.
NYC in the '80s
What NYC was like in the 1980s.
Newspaper And Magazine Stand
Newspaper and magazine stand in New York City, 1980s.
Graffiti in the Subway
Graffiti in the New York City subway, 1980s.
Yellow Cabs
New York City, 1980s.
NYC Subway
New York City subway in the 1980s.
'80s NYC Style
New York City in the 1980s.
Dave's Restaurant
Dave's Restaurant, New York City, 1980s.
Boombox
Life before iPods, New York City, 1980s.
Kids in NYC
Kids carrying cardboard for breakdancing, New York City, 1983.
Houston Street
Houston Street between Ave C and D, 1980.
Ice Cream Vendor
Getting some ice cream, Times Square, New York City, early 1980s.
East Second Street
East Second Street, NYC, 1980.
Broadway Burlesk
Broadway Burlesk, NYC, early 1980s.
Lower Manhattan
Across the river from lower Manhattan, 1980s.
Businessman
A businessman lights a cigarette while standing in a New York City phone booth in 1980.
