My folks grew up in NYC in the 50’s and 60’s. They remember it fondly. But when I came along in the 90’s they fled to Pennsylvania, precisely to protect me from the atmosphere in NY.
Mom said it was like living in a sitcom (specifically, Green Acres). They will never completely adjust, but they have no regrets.
Now and then I think about moving to another state but I really love it here. You just have to stay out of Philadelphia, and hold your nose in the college towns.
Taxes are low, guns are ordinary as flashlights and duct tape. Most people support Trump. We almost never suffer hurricanes, earthquakes, drought, fire ants, scorpions, alligators. Taxes and crime are comparatively low.
But it is a long ride to the beach.