Brutal winters, high property taxes, zero nightlife scene…these are just a few of the cons of life in Upstate NY. If you’re seriously considering moving to the area, they are common complaints that you’ve probably heard again and again. But so long as you can get past those things and learn to embrace all there is to love about Upstate, you can build a life that is 10x more fulfilling (and affordable) than you could in any big city. I promise.
As someone who lived in sunny San Diego, California for years before relocating to Troy, NY, I am intimately familiar with all the ways that life in Upstate NY can be challenging. But I’ve seen both sides of the fence and I can say that without a doubt I wouldn’t trade my life here for anything. World-class hiking and outdoor activities, affordable multifamily homes to build financial freedom, and genuinely down-to-earth people that form close communities are just a few of the things that I love most about living here.
Upstate New York is more than just a place on a map… it’s a lifestyle where community is king, the outdoors are your backyard, and the cost of living actually lets you breathe. But if you’re planning on moving here in 2026, there are a few things that you definitely need to know so you can avoid the culture shock and arrive fully prepared.
In this article, my goal is to outline absolutely everything you need to know about moving to Upstate NY in 2026. But if you’d prefer a pretty PDF guide instead, you can feel free to download the full relocation guide here.
Okay, let’s get started with a very hard-hitting question…
What exactly is Upstate New York?
One of the most hilarious and common arguments you will encounter is that nobody can agree on what Upstate New York actually is. Some people say it’s the Adirondacks, others say it’s further west where the NYC relocators dwindle. But in reality, Upstate NY is the areas of the state that are more affordable and have way more breathing room.
Here’s my definition: Upstate is everywhere in New York State except for NYC, Long Island, and Westchester County.
Yes, this is a massive state and so geographically this definition of Upstate NY encompasses the vast majority of the state. But to keep things simple, let’s break things down into 6 main regions: Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Adirondacks, Central New York, Finger Lakes, and Western New York. Each region has its own culture and pros and cons of living there, which I’ll get more into later.
But hey, if you want a good conversation starter when you arrive, ask a local what they think Upstate New York is. I guarantee you will get wildly different answers depending on who you’re asking.
Is Upstate NY a good place to live?
The short answer is yes! Upstate New York offers great quality of life defined by its affordable cost of living, tight-knit community, and unparalleled outdoor access. With a central location and lower cost of living than many Northeast cities, locals enjoy world-class hiking and skiing, a stable job market, and unique real estate opportunities, with a high concentration of historic multifamily homes.
Plus, many cities in Upstate New York are being classified as a “climate refuge” amid severe weather occurrences, like hurricanes and wildfires, in many other parts of the country.
Why Upstate? The Three Best Parts of Living Here
People move to Upstate New York for a lot of reasons. Some come for the government jobs in the state capitol of Albany, others come for the world-class outdoors or to find affordable housing amid a massive country-wide housing crisis.
But the common thread is a search for three things: less financial stress, more time outside, and a deeper sense of community.
The Shocking Affordability
Upstate is situated in the heart of the Northeast Corridor, a region notorious for draining bank accounts. Yet, living here costs a fraction of what you’d pay in Boston or Manhattan. In many Upstate cities, you can buy a sprawling historic home for half the price of a shoebox studio downstate.
Cost of Living: The Upstate Advantage
| Big City Average Rent |
Upstate Match Average Rent |
Why They’re Similar | Annual Rent Savings On Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC $3,397 |
Buffalo $1,320 |
The Big City Feel: Professional sports, world-class architecture, and a gritty, resilient community. | $24,924 |
| Washington D.C. $2,362 |
Albany $1,477 |
The Power Centers: Government-driven job market, historic state buildings, and a stable economy. | $10,620 |
| Boston, MA $3,200 |
Rochester $1,365 |
The Innovation Hubs: Built around elite research universities, tech legacy, and arts culture. | $22,020 |
| Jersey City $3,050 |
Utica $1,100 |
The Up-and-Comers: Former industrial centers with incredible food, diversity, and fair rent. | $23,400 |
| Philadelphia $1,723 |
Syracuse $1,065 |
The Down-to-Earth Hubs: Centrally located with historic brick neighborhoods and major college sports pride. | $7,896 |
Source: 2025 Market Data blended from Zillow Rental Manager and Apartment List Median Rent Reports
The “20-Minute” Nature Rule
No matter which region you choose, you are rarely more than 20 minutes away from a world-class trail, lake, or mountain. From the Adirondacks (which is larger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Glacier combined) to the turquoise waters of Green Lakes State Park, nature is a daily reality here, not a weekend luxury.
Building Community
If you’re tired of living in a place where material possessions are too highly valued, look no further than Upstate NY. The people here are extremely down to earth, so you won’t be tempted to “keep up with the Joneses.” The fashion culture here has always been more practical.
But if you ask me, feeling a strong sense of community is one of the most important parts of living a fulfilling life. And the tight-knit communities here are incredibly welcoming to newcomers. In recent years, there have been a ton of transplants to Upstate cities so you’ll find your tribe no matter what you’re into.
The Cons of Living in Upstate NY
I love this place, but I’m not crazy. Upstate is far from perfect. If you’re moving here, you’re going to have to make trade-offs. After all, this region has been economically depressed for a long time. Many of the post-industrial rust-belt cities (like Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo) are still struggling to make comebacks so there’s going to be good areas and bad areas.
Winter is a massive psychological shift
It doesn’t just last from December to February, it usually runs from November into April. If you don’t learn to tolerate (or even love) the snow, you’ll be miserable for five months of the year. At least one snow storm in April is pretty much a given when you live in Upstate NY!
The good news is that winter sports can make things a lot more enjoyable. Whether you’re into skiing, winter hiking, or ice skating, there’s something for everyone.
The Job Market is highly specialized
Outside of “Eds, Meds, and Government,” the market isn’t as robust as major global hubs. It is definitely harder to find a good-paying job here than it is in a big city like New York City or Boston.
However, if you’re able to find a remote job, that is the golden ticket. Remote work is the ultimate “cheat code” for living here comfortably. And there are definitely plenty of coworking spaces and coffee shops to reflect the growing remote workforce here.
The Property Tax Headache
You save a ton on the purchase price of your home, but New York has some of the highest property taxes in the country. These taxes fund our high-ranking school districts, so in many ways, you are “buying a seat in a classroom”.
So you might be wondering…what are the property tax rates in Upstate New York? This New York State Property Tax Map breaks down the counties with the highest and lowest property tax rates:
As you can see, it is possible to find a spot with a lower property tax burden. The rates tend to vary a lot from county to county, so if you’re retiring or on a budget I would recommend paying very close attention to the county property tax rates.
Ready to see the full data? This article is just a snapshot of life in Upstate NY. Download my full 80-Page Relocation Guide for deep dives into the most livable Upstate cities, my favorite hidden gem hiking trails, and so much more.
Choosing Your Region: Where Do You Fit?
Upstate is a massive, diverse area. Here is a quick breakdown of the six main regions:
- The Hudson Valley (The Chic Getaway): Best for NYC commuters and artsy vibes. It has the highest cost of living but unbeatable access to the Catskills and Manhattan.
- The Capital Region (Government & Growth): Centered around Albany, Troy, and Schenectady. It’s incredibly stable and perfectly located for road trips to Boston or Montreal.
- The Adirondacks (Deep Wilderness): For those who want to be off-the-grid. Stunningly beautiful, but be prepared for brutal winters and a remote lifestyle.
- Finger Lakes (Wineries & Ivy Education): Think Ithaca and Skaneateles. A hub for sustainability, world-class Riesling, and stunning gorges.
- Western NY (Sports & Grit): Buffalo and Rochester. The best housing value in the Northeast, but also the undisputed King of Lake Effect Snow.
- Central NY (The Industrial Heartland): Anchored by Syracuse. True affordability and a vibrant college atmosphere.
The Housing Market: Character vs. Cost
The Upstate housing market is dominated by historic homes. You’ll find grand Victorians, classic Colonials, and brick rowhouses for prices that seem fake, but they often need a pretty sizable renovation budget.
Pro-Tip: House Hacking. Cities like Albany, Buffalo, and Rochester have a very high concentration of multifamily homes (mostly duplexes, but there are plenty of 3 and 4-unit buildings too). By living in one and renting the other(s), you can often cover a huge percentage of your mortgage and lower your living expenses a ton. More on this in my guide to house-hacking in Upstate NY.
Here’s a video I did with a tour of my duplex in Troy, NY that I live on the bottom floor and rent out the top unit. Make sure you watch till the end for the full financial breakdown of my monthly costs!
Education and Healthcare
New York consistently ranks high in education spending. After all, that’s where those sky-high property taxes come from! If you have kids and you’re looking for areas that have especially strong public schools, a few of the best school districts to look at are: Pittsford (Rochester), Fayetteville-Manlius (Syracuse), or Saratoga Springs (Capital Region).
For healthcare, the “medical meccas” are Rochester (Strong Memorial) and Albany (Albany Med). So long as you’re relatively close to a mid-sized city, chances are you’ll have relatively good access to healthcare. But if you choose to live in a rural area, be aware that many of these areas have zero resident OBGYNs or pediatricians. You’ll be forced to drive hours to get specialized care.
Final Thoughts: Is Upstate for You?
Moving here is a massive life decision. If you value room to breathe, a slower pace of life, and a community that actually knows your name, then the trade-off of a little extra snow and property tax is worth it.
Download Guide: Comprehensive Upstate NY Relocation Guide
Don’t make the move blindly. My full guide includes:
- Community Building Info: How to build a tight-knit community quickly and what to expect from the social scene
- The Retiree’s Tax Strategy: How to exempt your Social Security and the first $20k of your pension from NY taxes.
- The “Tourist vs. Local” Bucket List: The best bougie resorts and funky hidden gems.
I hope this helps!
Gab
