I know - NYC and parts of NJ close to NYC are hard.
Long Island isn't a bad place to fly though. Albeit the footage wont be as majestic as opposed to a big city or somewhere tropical. But flying is still so much fun!
Use the AIRMAP app as it will show you where you can fly recreationally. If you're out the circle you're good to go. Just be careful for helicopters (as we share the same airspace) and recreational planes. Use your ears as even in places in NJ where it's ok to fly recreationally - I see and hear recreational planes and helicopters flying low all the time.
Long Island is less restrictive and I'm sure you'll find tons of places to fly. And technically there's a ban on all drones in NYC. Locally it's illegal - but federally it's legal (but that's another story).
Thanks @mikeycolon I'll check the airmap and ask around locally. :-)