The Insider Community for Upstate New York
Build meaningful connections, join regional meetups, and explore everything that makes Upstate great—from real estate deals to hiking trails.
What Is Upstate Community?
The Insider Community for Building Meaningful Connections and Finding Fun Stuff To Do in Upstate New York.
Whether you’re planning a move to the Hudson Valley, working in the Capital Region, or retiring in the Finger Lakes, Upstate Community is where locals, transplants, and retirees join interactive conversations, monthly challenges, and events all tailored toward building a meaningful life in Upstate NY.
If you’re tired of feeling isolated and want to find fun people and things to do in your corner of Upstate NY, this is the place for you. Inside the community, you’ll get direct access to Gab and dozens of other Upstate NY residents, monthly challenges to push you out of your comfort zone, and a great mix of in-person events to get you out of the house.
What are you waiting for? Join the insider community designed to help you build a fulfilling life in beautiful Upstate New York.
March is the Upstate Brewery Challenge!
New York State is home to over 500 craft breweries, and there’s no better way to celebrate the warmer weather than by exploring the fan favorites and hidden gems across Upstate. Plus, we’ll have group meetups and events along the way so you can meet other members!
Here’s how it works: First, you’ll pick a bingo card for your region: Hudson Valley 
, Capital Region
, Central NY
, or Western NY
. Then, visit 5 breweries to complete a row on your bingo card. Post a pic in the community from each brewery you’ve visited and you’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to your favorite brewery!
Don’t drink? No worries! Most spots have amazing non-alcoholic options and great food. Remember: Be safe and don’t drink and drive!
Who Is Upstate Community For?
Dreamers & Transplants
If you’re planning to move or have recently arrived, skip the trial and error and unlock the secrets of Upstate from people who know it best.
Long-Time Locals
Share your knowledge with people who are new to the region and connect with other locals who are helping to building a bright future in Upstate NY.
Upstate Retirees
Build community with a network of other retirees across Upstate that share your passion for local nature, farm fresh food, and social events.
Stay Wild,
Live Upstate.
Here's What You Get When You Join
Exclusive In-Person & Virtual Events
From curated dinner parties and group hikes to digital workshops and casual happy hours, our calendar is designed to connect people and make Upstate feel a little more like home.
Behind-the-Scenes Resources
Get access to the “Vault”…including uncut interviews with local experts (like Richard’s raw homesteading truth) and deep-dive content I don’t release on YouTube.
Downloadable Guides
Get instant access to an evolving library of digital guides and resource kits built specifically to help you navigate Upstate logistics and build a build a sustainable lifestyle—all on your own time and at your own pace.
Live Sessions with Gab
Join live sessions where we discuss how we can improve the future of Upstate and the community, get your specific questions answered, and hear from guest speakers from across the region.
March Brewery Bingo Card
You’ll be automatically entered to join Upstate Community’s March Brewery Challenge. Select a bingo card for your region and we’ll mail it to you!
*You must join by no later than February 28 to join in on the fun!
What Members Are Saying
“I have some friends, but socializing is a lot trickier than it was 10 years ago. I love having more fun things to do at local places with awesome people.”
– Albany, NY Resident
“The overarching narrative surrounding Upstate NY skews negative. This community is improving that while helping me find fun stuff to do on a weeknight.”
– Member from Rochester, NY
“I just want to feel like I belong in a place. This community is already helping me explore the beauty and abundance of Upstate NY and meet interesting people.”
– Future Central NY Resident
Join Upstate Community!
No long-term commitment. Cancel any time.
Member
- Full access to the private community platform and forums.
- All-access pass to virtual and in-person event invites.
- The Vault: Uncut interviews and BTS content.
- Direct input on the community’s growth and roadmap.
- Lifetime Price Guarantee (Your rate never goes up).
- BONUS: Free Participation in the March Brewery Challenge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to currently live in Upstate New York to join the Upstate Community?
Absolutely not! We have many members who are still planning their move to Upstate New York and just want to begin meeting new people and building community before they arrive. Many join meetups when they are in town visiting before their big move, but that’s up to you.
Where in Upstate New York are the events hosted?
All over the place! We strive to keep everyone exploring all over the state, and we have members from all over the place: the Hudson Valley, Albany, Rochester, the Finger Lakes, you name it.
I’m not sure if I want to join in-person events. Can I still join Upstate Community?
Definitely! Joining in-person events and meetups is completely optional. Your level of involvement is completely up to you. Joining basically gets you access to a private social media network of people who all love Upstate New York.
I am retiring in Upstate New York. Do you have other retirees in the community?
Yes, we do. Upstate New York’s affordability makes it a super popular place among retirees, and this community is a great place to connect with other retirees who have similar hobbies and interests as you do.
Can I bring a friend or partner to the Brewery Challenge?
Absolutely! When you sign up, you’ll have the option to get an additional Brewery Challenge Pass for an additional fee. They’ll get their own bingo card mailed to them and can participate in all March challenge activities (but won’t be an official part of the community unless they sign up themselves).
About Me
If you’ve watched my videos, you might think I’m obsessed with Upstate New York. But it wasn’t always that way. I grew up in Saratoga Springs and, like many, couldn’t wait to leave. After going to college in South Carolina and then spending years in San Diego working a high-stress corporate marketing job, I felt so unfulfilled that I quit my job to travel the world on my meager savings.
And then…a global pandemic. I returned to Upstate NY in 2020 at my “rock bottom.” Starting from scratch, I began to see my home through fresh eyes. I realized that the nature, affordability, and community I had traveled the world looking for were right here in my backyard.
Today, I live in a “house-hacked” multifamily fixer-upper in Troy with my husband, Tim. My extensive background in corporate marketing taught me how to build brands. Now, I’m passionate about using those same skills to elevate Upstate New York and build a community with people who want to do the same.
