I had this problem – near 24/7 noise – but moved 20 miles west to a suburb that has speed bumps and significantly less through traffic. The average dBs outside went from ~65 to ~45. Maybe in the US, at least, the issue is that the quiet urban/suburban places are much more expensive than the loud places and so are relatively inaccessible?
Though, now that I think about it, the depths of New York City will be both very expensive and very loud.
Though, now that I think about it, the depths of New York City will be both very expensive and very loud.