SD is a mecca for medical research. San diego was actually rated as the top big city to live in within the US by CNN. Though rankings have their flaws, I would never live in NYC if given san diego as choice. SD is cleaner, has MUCH better weather, hotter girls, and friendlier people. NYC is old, run down (especially the columbia area), and filled with not the friendliest of people. Sure, nyc has it's nice elements and everyone has their own preference, but when comparing san diego to nyc, SD wins without question. SD is heaven compared to nyc. nyc is only nice if you're rich, and i'm guessing most med students are already in debt.