I am flying to NYC for a trip this fall, first time since 2010's. (is NYC dying?)

I live in Seattle, and am flying to NYC for a trip this fall. I have not been to NYC since the early 2010's, so its a big deal for me. I remember when I first flew into NYC during the 2010's, there was always this excitement. The excitement was described like I was going into one of the biggest most popular places in the USA, like the coolest party in town feeling. NYC was popular, it had the energy, and even all the big stars were flocking to this city, the nightlife was popping with celebrities and stars. NYC and LA were the two giants of this time. The big skyline, the energy, the crowds, the superstar atmosphere, NYC felt like an excitement I was looking forward too on my flight there. A long cross country 6 hour flight to NYC was well worth it.

Fast forward to today, its 2026, and I don't know if the city changed or if it's just me. I don't feel that same excitement I had to fly into NYC like it was in the 2010s. Part of me feels like its because of what I am constantly seeing and hearing about NYC today. On the news/social media, all I ever hear about is "NYC exodus, Mandani is ruining NYC, socialism is ruining NYC, comedian flees the people's republic of NYC, antisemitism on the rise in NYC, NYC is dying, rich people's taxes will make millionaries flee nyc, miami is the new wallstreet, nyc people fleeing to miami for better life, constant miami reels, constant miami beach lifestyles being pushed, constat miami energy being pushed". This is all I hear and see, that its depressing in a way because it makes it feel like miami has stolen the spot for coolest party in town, and NYC is just a joke to everyone now.

What is going on?! I want to enjoy my trip to NYC, but I feel like it is hard for me to know the truth about what is going on. Why is everyone so negative about NYC? is NYC dying? is the news/social media spreading lies about NYC? this is depressing because the NYC I remember in the 90s was the coolest place in America. How come now, I don't know where the coolest place in America is, and why is miami keep popping up in my head? my goodness even the new GTA popular game is in miami (used to be LA and NYC). I feel totally lost. I need some perspective here.