This matches my thoughts very accurately, but I disagree with the position you take in your last sentence: yes, cities are inherently noisy. That doesn't mean we should excuse inconsiderate city dwellers who make the city even more noisy, whether because they don't know or because they don't care.
My biggest complaints: in-car subwoofers and garden parties that run till deep in the night. Both caused by people that seem to think that just because they enjoy their music, the entire neighborhood should.
I love having access to an international airport, but hate the noisy planes.
I love having local restaurants only a moments walk away but hate the late night loud chatter.
I love all the walking and transit infrastructure but hate the construction noise.
Sorry, but cities are just noisy, even absent cars, power tools. Either live with it or find somewhere else better suited.