I have nothing to say to most of this thread, NYC is a hole when it comes to individual rights.
Living Upstate is a very different experience, and I'd say I have more rights than folks in many states in some respects, and fewer than others in other respects. I can CC my handgun (took me 3 months to get the permit) in any bar, restaurant, club unless the owner specifically prohibits it, compared to many states where CC is unlawful anywhere alcohol is being served. No LEO Upstate gives a poop about my pocket or belt knife.
End of the day I'm here mostly because of close access to the Adirondacks and all the other green space, and believe it or not the public school system. The one my kids attend is in the top 200 in the nation. Most of the "more free" states have public schools of such low quality I've known several people who left with their families and actually moved back for this very reason. Once my kids have graduated I'll definitely consider leaving, mostly cause the school taxes are so high (not kidding, but right now I'm getting my $ worth and then some). Heck, I'm eligible for Irish citizenship, so I might not even stop at the border.
With the US 20 trillion + in the hole and no attempt made to rein in spending by anybody in DC, is only a matter of time before the FRN collapses.