NYC exhausts me.

When I was in my 20’s I had visions of living in NYC. Drawn, like many, to the “big city” culture and the deep job pool.

Now that I’m in my 30’s, NYC (specifically Manhattan) is exhausting and claustrophobic. The stock of “affordable” housing is old and cramped. It feels like every sidewalk is crowded with loud people. The subway packs em in like sardines. Lines to get in the good restaurants. In-your-face commercialization of every space.

After a few days here, I just want to get away from everyone. I feel like when Brooks gets out of Shawshank lol.

To be clear, I intellectually understand the pros of living here, even if I personally don’t feel them.

I guess my question is, how common is my experience? Have you always been allergic to the madness of Manhattan? Did you live there and slowly grow tired of it?