to choose from not too far away, NYC.

Except for a few in major metro areas who never travel, almost all of the ones worth seeing tour within the US.  So screening by geographic area is not relevant.  Instead look for those you're attracted to, who are running ads in cities close by. (For you simply NYC, NJ, Boston, Hartford.)  Then do the productive screening-- reviews & discussions here.  Lastly, be on the lookout when the scant few who aren't frauds, are your type, give good service, and have the reviews to prove it pass through your location or get close enough to go to.

If you try to save money by not paying the fee to see detailed TER reviews, you'll end up paying 100 times more than that by visiting rip-off scammers you could have avoided had you read those reviews. Remember, many providers are subtly tricky, armed with excuses, and a few outright ruthless.  Pay attention, pay the dues, know the ropes --- that's the price of pleasure.