Welcome! I was 39 1/2 when I quit (it will be two years on Feb 21) and it was the absolute best thing I have ever done in my life - and I would have had about a year, 18 mo to live if I hadn't quit, which I finally HEARD from my dr.
Life can be absolutely different - and while Atlanta is not as big as NYC, it is certainly an eating and drinking out town, especially when you're an alcoholic. That perspective can definitely change as you get sober and live in recovery, and I have found SO many things to enjoy here that were not about drinking in any way.
My program is AA - there are others people can share their success with - and I'll say what I always do, that a plan of action is the central thing those of us in any length of recovery have in common.
The best things that have ever happened in my life have been since 2/21/16.
Best to you.