kdawg:
Unfortunately, I don't know much about NYU's program, though the PhD program is well-ranked, and that has to be a good sign. But it really is true that how the program fits you is the most important thing.
I finished my Master's a few years ago, and have been working in a semi-related industry field since then. I wanted to take a few years off from academic pursuits to make absolutely sure that I wanted to go the PhD route. Turns out that I am! (I think!)
StudyMom:
Woo, good luck with UGA. I know someone in the PhD program there who is loving it, according to our advisor. (She got her MA at the same program as me, a year ahead of my cohort.)