As someone who has lived in New York City my entire life AND someone who has spent 5 months traveling Australia I have experienced both. And thats the point, both are worth experiecing. The best piece of advice that I can give people is don't believe the hype. New York City is full of amazing people and shitty people, its filled with tons of remarkable things to experience and some frustrating things as well.....

Its like anyplace else... has its up and downs. But absolutely worth experiencing if you can.

By the way, I think everyone to take a trip down to your neck of the woods. Australia is an extraordinary country filled with the kindest people I have met anywhere in the world.