I have lived in and visited both places, and I prefer the city.
I could not live in a place where the city literally shuts down after 9 pm..
I need to be in a place where there is something to do any any hour, on any given night..
I also need to be in a place where on any given day, I can talk to someone from the other side of the planet.. if not, then at least get some good food from the restaurants that represent these countries..
I cannot be in a place that is so quiet that I can hear myself think.
I also love being able to look out my window and seeing the city..
That is why I love N.Y.C. so much.
I've yet to find a city that can compare to it.
I also love that Upstate NY has a lot of the natural scenery that I like, and so I can always take a train up north if I want to see it.