Living in nyc is very different than visiting. If you have a place and your friends and have learned the ebb and flow of people/commute traffic, you get to know when to go where and really optimize having every part of the day be fun, meaningful, and productive. You also get to be anonymous in the neighborhood 2 blocks away while knowing the shop keepers on your street by name and waving to neighbors in the street. 

 But I think the biggest plus for me is how random everyone you meet is. It gives this impression of limitless opportunities right around every corner, whether it’s in work or personal relationships— and that’s a huge motivation to get out of bed every morning.