3-5 years is a long time relative to the span of a human life. I live in NYC; let's say that the reduction of city-life benefits in NYC is temporary, and it will be back to 2019 standards in 5 years (this is not an unbelievable assertion). Should I stick around for 5 years and wait it out? Why? 5 years is enough time for me to pay off an entire house in most parts of the country. I can always move back. I believe in the huge advantages cities provide; it's why I moved here in the first place. I don't feel any loyalty towards a geographic location though.