Why are there many laundromat shops in New York and so few European cities?

This is not entirely accurate. There are many laundromat shops in European cities, including cities like London, Paris, and Berlin. The number of laundromat shops in New York City and European cities may vary due to a combination of factors, including cultural differences, population density, housing arrangements, and the availability of alternative laundry services.

However, it's important to note that the number of laundromat shops in a city does not necessarily reflect the frequency or necessity of doing laundry. Many European households have washing machines in their homes or in shared laundry facilities within their apartment buildings. This reduces the need for commercial laundromat shops compared to cities where a higher proportion of people live in shared or transient housing.

Additionally, cultural differences may play a role in laundry habits. In some European countries, there may be a stronger preference for washing clothes at home, using shared facilities or hand-washing, which reduces the demand for laundromat services.

In summary, while there may be a higher concentration of laundromat shops in New York City compared to some European cities, the availability of laundromat services varies depending on a variety of factors, including housing arrangements, cultural preferences, and the presence of alternative laundry options.