Thanks for your advice everyone. I guess NYC would be good if I got a great opportunity, but otherwise a cool place to visit as they always say.

I've lived in Manhattan for just on 10 years and love it.
Your questions in order:

1) its easy to meet people but hard to get to know them. NYKers tend to be time-constrained and always running around. Its can be tough.

2) Manhattan is pretty safe everywhere...you do have to be reasonably careful. don't walk around in shady areas late at night and you'll be fine.

3) Manhattan is expensive to live (rents are really high and spaces are small). Everything else is pretty reasonable.

4) Off course not...the men are great (see how much advice they're giving you.

and oh yea...ill have to agree with baltinena about the men!

Well, ive lived in NY for 20+ years, and I have lived in DC for 4 years. I love them both. Alot has to do with your likes and dislikes. NY is an amazing place!!!! So much to do!!!!!!! But yes, very stressful, very hetic and very expensive. I would love to move back to DC and inshallah plan on doing so someday. A much slower pace, much cleaner and the people are wayyyyyy nicer!! As for meeting people. Yes there are more desis in NY BUT you have to look at the quality not the quantity. I like the people in DC more. I vote for DC!!! NY was ideal for me up until 23, Im done with it.

i am torn between these two cities as well, i love ny as i was born and raised here, but there is something about dc that is invigorating, i fell in love with dc while i was interning and i think that its a great place to spend the jumpstart of your career. and overall i think the men in dc/va/md are more approachable and open minded.