hmm:
let's see: most of the trains we rode on had graffiti on them (and not the artsy type) but the "I'm angry I pay too god damn much rent for this piece of crap sublet-to live in this city-type); there were rats running down the track lines; in London (and I go there once a year) at least the tube is well organised and electronic boards on tracks to announce how and when the tube/train arrives; nothing like that in NYC;

people are rude and there's no reason for it; we were told specifically not to engage people in conversation and not to say "hello" to anyone; greetings were not expected nor were they returned;

Parks, oh yeah! Right next to Union Square we got hit with the most horrific smell I have ever come across; it came from a park, a dog park, I believe, and it stank of baked dog poop, and rancid animal urine (in the middle of Manhattan); I love animals, but that was too much, you could smell the stench for blocks; we walked as fast as we could away from the park only to get to an alley where, the smell again, this time human urine; it was disgusting; I just wanted to go home.

NYC more reasonable?
Hold on: I can get a room an executive room at the Sutton or the Grand for about $ 200/night; what 4 star or 5 star hotel can I get in Manhattan for that price?

Again, I find the city tired, overpriced and overated.