Most parts that aren't near Times Square, IMO, aren't very touristy. Did you live in the financial district? Do you enjoy nightlife? If not, you may not enjoy

Most parts that aren't near Times Square, IMO, aren't very touristy. Did you live in the financial district? Do you enjoy nightlife? If not, you may not enjoy the city as much. But there are frequent live music shows, good bars of all types, great late night food options (food trucks, pizza spots, Japanese izakayas), beautiful parks (I liked Prospect Park especially, but Central is gorgeous too). And if you're a single heterosexual guy in your 20s, the dating scene is pretty incredible. It seemed at least decent for other orientations too. But yeah, there are overpriced brunches too. I tended not to do that as much because I'm not really a fan either.