Returning back to New York in this job market?

I was born and raised in a NYC suburb, but I interned and have been working full-time in another large city (LA/SF/CHI) for a year. I enjoy it, but I realize I would like to return to NY after my next lease period ends next summer for family reasons. Anyone else from the NY area who didn't start their career easily transition back to NY? How long did it take to find a new position? How was it managing timing with the lease? Will it be harder to find a position, as employers will see I'm not in NYC? I can certainly make the move right away and live at my parents' home at first, if needed.