New York at a Glance
From the iconic, tower-studded skyline of Manhattan to the farmlands of rural upstate, New York is the big city and so much more. The state has a rich and complex history, playing a pivotal role in wave after wave of immigration to the nation. The Statue of Liberty, completed in 1886, is perhaps the most recognizable symbol of American culture. Along with the Ellis Island immigration center, it welcomed millions of immigrants to the land of opportunity. New York City is saturated with quintessentially American landmarks, from Central Park to Times Square, but the rest of the state is dotted with cultural attractions as well. The roaring majesty of Niagara Falls, the expansive beauty of the Adirondacks, and the postcard-worthy Finger Lakes rank among the state’s top natural wonders. The George Eastman mansion and museum in Rochester stands as a tribute to the legacy of world-class photographers throughout history. Upstate New York is renowned for its festivals, including Taste of the Catskills, the Saratoga Wine and Food Festival, and the Naples Grape Festival. No matter where in the state you may find yourself, there is no shortage of culture and entertainment.
Top Cities in New York
Why You’ll Love Living in New York
Economically, consumer confidence for New York State is the highest it’s been since 2007. Currently, the economy is booming in the city while it’s a bit more sluggish upstate. New York City’s primary economic powerhouse is the financial sector centered on Wall Street, followed by the tech sector known as “Silicon Alley.” Elsewhere in the state, the hardware and digital electronics components of the technology industry are significant employers. This includes companies like IBM and Samsung. Tourism is another major industry, with Broadway alone generating millions in revenue. The grape and wine industry, based largely in the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes regions, employs about 25,000 people statewide; New York is the second-biggest wine production state in the US behind California. Statewide, the largest private-sector employers include Columbia University, Home Depot, and Chase Bank. The median household income for the state is $56,000. The wealthiest localities in New York include New York County, Westchester, and Nassau.
New York notoriously has some of the most expensive real estate markets in the nation. Westport, located on the Long Island Sound, has a median list price of just over a million dollars. Real estate analysts predict that Pacific Street in Brooklyn will be the hottest new market for luxury housing, while the market for Manhattan condos in excess of $10 million may tend toward stagnation. However, there is plenty of affordable housing to be found throughout the state – even near the city. According to Urban Edge, the NYC neighborhoods offering the best value for your real estate buck include Greenpoint in North Brooklyn, Jackson Heights in Queens, and Riverdale in the Bronx. Buffalo is one of the most affordable cities, not just in New York State, but in the nation, with a median list price of about $67,000 for a single-family home. The state median is $295,000.
