Do you currently live in NYC? I think if you're sure about the city's influence on you, should seriously consider Parsons.
I have a friend who just graduated from there and her work is fantastic.
I also found New Haven to be pretty stifling. That was one of the reasons I chose RISD over Yale. I like RISD's relationship to Providence better. Of course, that isn't the only reason, but location is pretty important, IMHO, especially for graduate school.