If the alternative you've got in mind is dying in the city then I'd agree. Living somewhere else seems much preferable though.

New York City is old. Creaking floors and walls, elevators that require you to cross your fingers to rise not too fast or fall not fast. Unpleasant smells and rude comments from passersby assail you with equal frequency when walking on the streets. Restaurants are over, crowded and priced. Apartments are tough to get, expensive, old and small. Walking in the streets at night you'll frequently find yourself flanked by packs of rats. The subways are nice, at least if you are unfamiliar with European cities.