I love NY and I LOVE living in south Brooklyn. My partner grew up in Cleveland and lived in Austin, TX just before moving here and the adjustment for him was not a problem.
It is true that New Yorkers unfairly get a bad wrap - most people are willing to help anyone who is lost, or looks lost, or something to that effect. I think an important distinction is that people in New York just mind their own business (which I think is different from the south and from LA).
Also, if you value autonomy and freedom of movement I think you'd like NY. You're not bogged down by driving a car and you can do so many things in a day or just sit in the park all day.
The times that I get that "I love NY" feeling are when I'm just walking around - it is immensely freeing to walk and be outside. Don't let them fool you, there is nature in the urban all the time. You just need to learn to dress comfortably for the weather - layers are key!
The hardest part about NY is meeting people and being a part of a program is a great way to do that.
If you're interested and not afraid of a big city, then NY is a great place to live.