FIOS is a great alternative if available. Been trying to get it for my parents' house in Queens for 2 years, no status. I've even contacted the deployment team, and they don't even have a guesstimate. While my friend 4-5 blocks away has been enjoying it for past 2+ years.
Maybe when Comcast starts to convert TW NYC things will get better... or at least fuel some competition and instill some urgency for Verizon.