I live in Raleigh and even this city feels too crowded, so I'm sure I would find NYC stifling too x) But still, it just sounds so cool and interesting to live there. 

Then you should definitely read that book, it's soooo good. Another good one by that author is Tipping the Velvet. Both of them are steamy without being pornographic and the characters and story lines are fantastic. Honestly, I'm always on the lookout for good lesbian romance too, doesn't seem like there's that much out there to choose from Dx