The people make the place. You're one of the people. I want to move back sometimes but am scared to especially with young children. I'm confident there's a way to live happy in NYC - maybe not me and my family. Work the problem and keep your humor. Shop owners have different values than the rest of us. You have to find a way to live with them. This is a good place to rant.

BTW: Not all suburbs are faceless. I live outside of Boston and commuted for a while this summer to Newton, 17 miles. My little town is like Mayberry RFD and everyone knows everyone. It's kinda nice but sometimes I just wanna be anonymous.

Make NYC strong, they need you.