As someone who left NJ for eastern NC, I hated ever going into the city. I prefer my 1.3 acres, inground pool, 3000 SF house, 1000 SF woodshop and only the sound of animals at night on my outdoor patio while I drink my bourbon, smoke my cigar and watch the sox blow the game in the 9th while I cuss JR with nobody to hear me but the coyotes and deer. All for a fraction of the cost of Manhattan.
But it's really personal preference. Glad you enjoy it.