I lived in a medium-sized city in the middle of the US for several years (transit not viable option for 95% of trips). Now I live in NY and almost only take transit (every now and then I'll take a taxi/lyft). So I have about 5 years of experience with both lifestyles and I appreciate almost every single of aspect of NY/transit better. Sure delays suck but I just listen to my podcasts and chill, much preferable to gridlock on the interstate. "Crowds" you have to deal with either way, what do you think causes all that traffic? And, I feel I have a lot more freedom. Never have to park far away, never have to remember where I left my car, never have to pay for it or worry about it breaking down or getting broken into, never get it towed, never tempted to drive it after one too many drinks. I can go everywhere I could ever want just as easily or more.