That's not my experience on Long Island. It's built up so there's less habitat for critters (and more for people) - but we go for a walk at dawn, we occasionally see deer. In a suburb.
Just because you see them out of their natural habitat and in yours, does not mean there are more of them. I use to see them in western NY walking down our village streets....their habitat is being asborbed. Deer, however, may be an exception to the lack of animals situation. But then again...it might just be that there seems to be more since they are now living in the neigborhoods....and are just seen more.