Have lived in the city for 3 decades. Never expected to leave. Raised two children there (one is still in HS, will continue as her mom is staying in the city). But no quality of life now, don't expect it to return for some time. Half of city life is outside of your (too small) apartment. Without that, there's no reason to stay unless you have to. I'll still commute in when the office re-opens (Hudson Square), but there are no immediate plans to open it.