Grew up in Richmond. Lived in NYC for 11 years. Moved back to Richmond 2 years ago. You put up with the prices and the smells and the noise and the crowds and the taxes because you have access to some of the best museums in the world, some of the best restaurants in the world, an unparalleled nightlife scene, vast public transit, and a well-paying job market.

With that said — if there comes a point where those things are no longer your primary wants in life, then yeah it becomes less worth it.