When worked in Manhattan 30 years ago, that was true. I walked from the station to my office almost every day. If the weather was unusually bad, I took the subway.
However, I have needed to go into Manhattan with my wife a number of times in the last few months, and we have needed to take a cab more times than in the previous 30 years.
(Manhattan subways and many of the streets are now "No Country for Old Men (and Women)")
That’s not the same thing as living in Manhattan and mostly having what you need around the corner.
And most stuff can easily be delivered.
If you’re in a doorman building, no ned to be there either.
(Or just have a good super.)