I live an hour (by train) from NYC and visit often. I have a number of friends who live in the city and many more who have lived there in the past.

I totally understand what Sinclair Sexsmith is talking about. NYC can be an overwhelming, difficult, frustrating place to live. It can also be the most wonderful place in the world to live (and even better to visit, IMO). I think it depends on the people you know, your phase of life, your goals/ambitions/ambiti ousness - and how successful you are at realizing what you want.

Personally, I'm glad I live close to NYC - but not in it. It's nice to appreciate her gritty charms on my own terms.