I lived in NYC and understand what you mean. I now live in a walkable Southern city and don't own a car.
The quality and ease of life are so much better here, I wouldn't go back to NYC if you paid me $50k per year.
Ymmv of course, but I've found the "extras" of ultra-urban cities are fun when you're young and a huge source of friction when you're just trying to survive a day of work + parenting.
The quality and ease of life are so much better here, I wouldn't go back to NYC if you paid me $50k per year.
Ymmv of course, but I've found the "extras" of ultra-urban cities are fun when you're young and a huge source of friction when you're just trying to survive a day of work + parenting.