Funny, I don't know what NYC you experienced, but the one I live in has a much wider variety of people than the types you've mentioned.
I know plenty of people that go to work in jeans and a t-shirt, and no one holds it against them. Personally, I prefer to dress a little bit nicer; not to mention that (other than during the summer), the weather dictates the dress code to a large extent.
I could go on with more counter examples, but the point is, you have a very narrow view of what NYC is actually like.
* P.S., re: Coffee: Try the Ace Hotel lobby on 29th between Broadway and 5th. There is an independently-run Stumptown Coffee shop attached (best coffee in NYC) and I'm there virtually every Sunday working on my laptop. With their free wifi. Along with about 20 other people doing the same thing.
I know plenty of people that go to work in jeans and a t-shirt, and no one holds it against them. Personally, I prefer to dress a little bit nicer; not to mention that (other than during the summer), the weather dictates the dress code to a large extent.
I could go on with more counter examples, but the point is, you have a very narrow view of what NYC is actually like.
* P.S., re: Coffee: Try the Ace Hotel lobby on 29th between Broadway and 5th. There is an independently-run Stumptown Coffee shop attached (best coffee in NYC) and I'm there virtually every Sunday working on my laptop. With their free wifi. Along with about 20 other people doing the same thing.