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New York State has a way of capturing people’s imaginations long before they ever pack a moving truck. From its postcard-perfect fall foliage to its legendary food scene and thriving arts communities, the state offers a blend of culture, nature and history that’s hard to find anywhere else. But while the Empire State delivers plenty of charm, it also comes with practical realities, like steep property taxes and wildly varied housing costs, that newcomers should understand before making the leap. If you’re thinking about calling New York home, knowing what awaits you can make your move smoother, smarter and far more rewarding.
A financial advisor can help you with your financial planning, including being prepared for a move.
1. It’s All About Fall in New York State
New York State is famous for its fall season, and many residents will tell you it’s the best time of year to live there. As summer fades, the air turns crisp, apple orchards open for picking and small towns come alive with harvest festivals. Travelers flock to regions like the Hudson Valley, the Catskills and the Adirondacks to take in vibrant foliage that stretches for miles.
The season isn’t just scenic, it’s a cornerstone of the state’s culture. Weekend road trips, farm visits and hikes become routine for many residents looking to make the most of the short but spectacular window of color. Even in cities like Albany, Rochester and Buffalo, parks and neighborhoods fill with people soaking in the weather before winter sets in.
2. New York State Is Wine Country
While many people associate American wine with California, New York State has quietly built a reputation as one of the country’s most dynamic wine regions. Areas like the Finger Lakes, Long Island’s North Fork and the Hudson Valley produce award-winning whites, reds and sparkling varieties shaped by unique climates and soil conditions. Wineries range from small family-owned vineyards to larger estates that draw visitors year-round.
Living in New York means you’re never too far from a tasting room or wine trail, and local tourism thrives on weekend tours and seasonal events. Residents often make day trips to sample cool-climate Rieslings, Cabernet Francs and Chardonnay while enjoying scenic lakes and rolling countryside. Many vineyards also host concerts, farm-to-table dinners and festivals that make wine culture a regular part of community life.
3. It’s a Hiker’s Paradise
If you love hiking, you’ll love living in New York. You can head out in the Adirondack Mountains or the Catskills and forget you’re in one of the nation’s most densely populated states. New York is dotted with state preserves, mountains and lakes. You can even hike the Appalachian trail through New York and south into other states.
4. Historic Mansions Are Everywhere
Many of America’s wealthiest families in the 19th and 20th centuries had New York City homes and summer houses elsewhere in New York state. As a result, the state has enough historic mansions to keep history-lovers busy and delight fans of beautiful homes and gardens. Many are along the Hudson River and can be combined with trips to cute New York towns.
5. The Empire State Is Heaven for Foodies
New York State offers an impressive food scene that extends far beyond the iconic dishes found in New York City. From Buffalo’s original chicken wings to the farm-to-table restaurants of the Hudson Valley, each region brings its own flavor and culinary traditions. Small towns and major cities alike showcase local ingredients, whether it’s fresh seafood along the coast or maple products from the North Country.
The state’s diverse population makes it easy to find authentic cuisines from around the world, while its agricultural strength keeps menus rooted in locally grown produce. Farmers markets, food festivals and craft beverage trails are part of everyday life, giving residents access to quality ingredients and creative dining options. You’ll find everything from innovative fine dining to beloved mom-and-pop spots that have served communities for generations.
6. There Are Affordable Homes to Be Found
Looking for an affordable home? Despite New York State’s reputation for high housing costs, largely driven by New York City, many regions offer surprisingly affordable options. Upstate cities like Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Binghamton consistently rank among the most budget-friendly housing markets in the country, with median home prices well below the national average. Smaller towns and rural counties also provide spacious properties and lower property taxes compared to major metropolitan areas.
7. It’s Home to a Presidential Library
New York State holds a special place in presidential history as the home of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park. Established in 1941, it was the first presidential library in the nation and remains one of the most visited. The library houses FDR’s personal papers, historic photographs and thousands of artifacts that offer a detailed look at his life and presidency.
8. No One Really Knows Where “Upstate New York” Starts
Though the borders of New York City are clear, the borders of “upstate New York” are up for debate. Does it start in the lower Hudson Valley? Or only in the state’s North Country? Or is it everything that’s not the metropolitan area of New York City? You can make up your own mind after moving to New York.
Related Article: What Is the True Cost of Living in New York City?
9. It’s Still a Great Place to Be a Hippie
New York State has long been a haven for free spirits, and that legacy is alive and well today. The Catskills, where the original Woodstock festival took place, still attract artists, musicians and anyone seeking a more laid-back, countercultural lifestyle. Small towns throughout the region are filled with indie shops, holistic wellness studios and creative communities that embrace individuality and self-expression.
10. New York State’s Government Is Divided
New York state isn’t just divided between those who live in New York City and those who live outside the Big Apple. It’s also politically divided, between more conservative upstate representatives and their liberal counterparts from New York City and other left-leaning pockets. So while the state is reliably blue in gubernatorial and presidential elections, the state Senate is reliably red. That means divided government is par for the course in New York.
Check out our New York income tax calculator.
11. The Art and Theater Scenes Are World Class
From Dia:Beacon, the contemporary art museum in the Hudson Valley, to the Bethel Woods Arts Center near the Pennsylvania border, New York has a lot to offer lovers of arts and culture. One of the state’s most impressive arts venues is the Frank Gehry-designed Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Bard College.
12. Higher Education Is Everywhere
Some 200 colleges and universities are located in New York state. The State University of New York (SUNY) system provides a public option, complete with in-state tuition, and there are plenty of private options, too. In all, the state has an educated populace and many charming college towns.
13. Property Taxes Can Be Steep
One of the biggest financial adjustments newcomers face in New York State is the cost of property taxes, which are among the highest in the country. Rates vary widely by county and school district, but many homeowners, especially in suburban areas, find that taxes add a significant amount to their annual housing expenses. Even in places where home prices are relatively affordable, the property tax bill can come as a surprise.
14. Breweries and Distilleries Are Booming
It’s not just the wine scene that’s booming. New breweries and distilleries are always popping up in New York. So if you like beer and whiskey, the Empire State is a great place to live. If you’ve always dreamed of starting your own brewery or distillery, you’ll face steep competition but you’ll have a vibrant community of fellow enthusiasts to turn to for advice.
15. New York Is Full of Charming Main Streets
If you love a small town with a charming Main Street, plenty of antique stores and a welcoming vibe you could do worse than to move to New York state. You’ll find many towns meeting that description, and boasting historic architecture to boot.
Bottom Line
Moving to New York State comes with a mix of cultural richness, natural beauty and financial considerations that can shape your experience as a new resident. From vibrant fall foliage and thriving wine regions to affordable housing pockets and steep property taxes, the state offers both opportunities and trade-offs. Understanding these nuances can help you choose a community that matches your lifestyle and budget while making the most of what the Empire State has to offer.
Tips for Moving to New York State
- A financial advisor can help you navigate big life changes like a move, or just with identifying and meeting your financial goals in general. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- If you are moving to a new state, it’s a good idea to understand how the change will impact your budget. SmartAsset’s New York paycheck calculator can help you determine how living in the Empire State will impact your take-home pay.
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