it really makes the difference. i am on IJ side here, I don't go out that much for the same reasons jonny provided. where I live there are 5,5 k ppl, there is nothing to do. it has become impossible to go out of the village, and have a few drinks somewhere else, such as Taormina or Catania. not that easy when you know that you have to drink and drive. all the friends are married and so on.
being in NY is different anyway, then your right in saying that it is un-acceptable to give in ones life at home. at my door step there's nothing to have fun with. as I said b4 I have to move, but then again I have to come back too. easy to think hard to do.
lucky man you live in NY