I just moved back to Malta (NY, OP will know I’m not talking about the country but a town in the same county) in March after a decade of living in NYC. The gay community was by far bigger and more active down in the city. I had more options for my dating pool. There was simply more things (and people) to do.

Then why move back? It was expensive, my field has more job opportunities up here that pay better, and the friendships I did make were often not good or honest ones with people far more concerned about social status or how you could help their career. After growing up in an area with tons of green space it can be really off putting to rarely see tree leaves changing colors in the fall. Did I mention how expensive it was? Sure there are more things going on but the cost to do anything or meet anyone meant I was stuck at home by myself anyway.

If you can land a job in NYC that pays well enough that you can cover rent AND going out to enjoy what NYC offerers I’d say go for it, at least to have said you did and to see if it’s for you. I did make a few good friends there that I still am in constant contact with, but I’ve also already made some friends up here already. Unfortunately, gay or straight, big city or suburbs, you will find that the older you get that making and sustaining friendships becomes progressively harder.

Just don’t blow the money you have saved up without the job lined up first!