I had the same thoughts as you tens years ago. Kept doing the calculations and renting worked out so much cheaper but I struggled into the market and purchased a house after a year of searching and low balling.

What you are missing is: - They are not creating new land in New York. New York has reached a critical mass and will continue to grow - Part of your mortgage payment goes towards principle. That's your money.. you are paying yourself back. - A mortgage is the cheapest interest rate you will ever get

If you can pull it off a house in New York I would say go for it. Apartments can have better locations and can be cheaper but it's riskier. A house with land will not go down if at all for long.