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You will be taken aback by some things--the price of a drink in a bar, the higher cost of food in the market--but there are ways to overcome those prices and get by.
you'll be astounded by the number of homeless and the small quarters that people live in-- the dirt, the population, etc, etc
BUT you'll relive every time you step out your door the exhilirating feeling of being there. It's cliche but NYC DOES have an energy and it's exciting and unbelieveable how much can be seen and had.
Manhatten is expensive but manageable for someone who is level-headed as you seem to be. I agree with all others who have posted GO FOR IT!!