And that's ok. I live in Pueblo, Colorado. Population 110,000. Our reputation isn't great, and some would rather die than live here, but it's a good fit for me. To be honest, I didn't like it here when I first moved here. It was a huge culture shock. But it grew on me and I like the pace and that it's so quiet. I love that within a half hour I can be in the mountains. In an hour and a half I can be in Denver.
The thing is, I just don't like crowds. I think I've gotten worse as I've gotten older. For a couple of decades my life was very hectic and now I'm just enjoying a calm, slow-paced, quiet life.
To be fair, I know I didn't at all get the NYC experience because our visit wasn't long. I don't think it's possible to make a real assessment of anyplace without being there for weeks or longer. I used to know someone who lived in a resort city somewhere in Mexico, and she said that the entire mood of the native population changed when a cruise ship docked. I realized that if I were ever to go to one of those places I'd want to spend a month or so there and get the REAL experience.
I'm very sorry if I gave the impression that I think NYC is a bad place. I don't at all think that.
I didn't feel at all unsafe. It's just such a crowded place and I don't feel comfortable in crowds. Maybe it's my claustrophobia. 
I do appreciate your taking the time to post, and it's obvious that you really do love New York. I bet you're an awesome tour guide when friends visit.
One never knows what life might bring. Maybe I'll give it another chance someday. There are a few other places on my list first if we ever get to go anyplace again.
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