We’ve all seen New York in the movies — the towering skyscrapers, the bustling crowds, the bright lights of Times Square. But there’s a whole lot more to New York than just the Big Apple.
Whether you’re looking for small town charm, natural wonders, or just some peace and quiet, the Empire State has something for everyone. Sure, the city is exciting, but don’t write off the rest of New York. Beyond the five boroughs, you’ll find quaint villages with white picket fences, stunning mountain vistas and miles of coastline dotted with lighthouses.
The diversity across the state is truly astounding. From the Adirondacks to Montauk, New York has multitudes. There’s far more to explore here than just Manhattan, so let’s dive in.
The Hustle and Bustle of New York City
New York City is the city that never sleeps — and for good reason. There is always something exciting going on, from Broadway shows to late-night dining to dancing at clubs. The energy is electric. The moment you emerge from the subway, taxi or bus into the chaos of Times Square, you feel the energy instantly. Massive electronic billboards flash ads for the latest Broadway shows, while costumed characters and ticket hawkers vie for your attention. The streets bustle with locals and tourists taking in the spectacle.
For culture seekers, NYC offers world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim and Museum of Modern Art. You could spend days exploring the collections. And of course, no trip to NYC is complete without seeing a show on Broadway. With over 40 theaters in the Theater District featuring award-winning musicals and plays, there’s something for everyone.
When night falls, the city transforms. Bars, clubs and music venues come alive with revelers. You can find almost any type of cuisine at all hours. Late-night food options include dollar pizza slices, gourmet food trucks and 24-hour diners where you can get cheeseburgers and milkshakes.
The energy, culture, food and nightlife all combine to make New York City an exciting metropolis. Whether you’re into fine dining, thought-provoking art or just people watching with a cocktail in hand, the city will keep you out late and leave you wanting more. The hustle and bustle of New York City is truly one of a kind.
Uncover New York City’s best hidden gems.
Beyond the Big Apple: Life in Upstate New York
Upstate New York is filled with small towns, rolling hills and gorgeous natural scenery. Outside the hustle and bustle of the city, life moves at a slower pace.
The Great Outdoors
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, upstate New York is paradise. You can go hiking and camping in the Adirondack Mountains, spot wildlife in the Finger Lakes or go boating on one of the many lakes and rivers. The fall foliage, especially, is stunning.
Quaint Small Towns
Dotted throughout upstate are picturesque small towns with main streets lined by family-owned shops, diners serving homestyle cooking and Victorian houses. You’ll find farmers markets, county fairs and community events bringing people together. The cost of living is lower here too, so your dollar goes further.
Four Seasons of Fun
Each season offers different activities. In winter, you can ski, snowshoe or go ice skating. Spring is perfect for visiting wineries, as the rolling hills come alive again. Summer means county fairs, outdoor concerts, swimming in freshwater lakes and roadside farm stands. And fall, with the changing leaves and apple picking, is gorgeous.
Upstate New York has natural beauty and charm in spades. The fresh air, outdoor activities, quaint towns and slower pace of life are appealing to many. If you’re looking to escape the bustle of city living, upstate just may be your paradise.
The Natural Beauty of Rural New York
Beyond the concrete jungle of New York City, the state is filled with stunning natural scenery. Upstate New York encompasses rugged mountains, rolling hills, lush forests and over 7,600 freshwater lakes.
The Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains span over six million acres, making them the largest protected area in the contiguous U.S. Massive peaks like Mount Marcy and Algonquin Peak offer challenging hikes with rewarding 360-degree views. In autumn, the landscape ignites with vibrant fall foliage. Camp under starry skies, canoe across pristine lakes and spot wildlife like black bears, otters and bald eagles in their natural habitat.
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region is dotted with deep glacial lakes surrounded by vineyards and orchards. Go boating or swimming in the summer, then sample award-winning Rieslings and ciders. Ithaca, located on Cayuga Lake, is an ideal base for exploring the area. Visit stunning gorges, catch a show at the historic State Theater, or take a tour of Cornell University.
Niagara Falls
A natural wonder of the world, Niagara Falls straddles the border between New York and Ontario, Canada. Experience the raw power of the falls on the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Open year-round, Niagara Falls attracts honeymooners and adventure seekers alike. In winter, parts of the falls may freeze, creating dramatic ice formations.
The vibrant town offers casinos, amusement parks, wineries and golf courses when you’re ready to dry off.
From the rugged Catskills to the rolling sand dunes of Long Island, New York’s natural landscapes are as diverse as its people. Venture off the beaten path to discover the wild beauty in your own backyard. The Empire State hides many secrets beneath its concrete facade.
Quaint Small Towns Scattered Across the State
New York isn’t all towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. Outside of the major cities, charming small towns dot the map, each with a character all their own.
The Finger Lakes Region
In the central part of the state, the Finger Lakes region is home to picturesque towns like Skaneateles, Geneva, and Hammondsport. With stunning natural scenery, wineries and lakeside breezes, these towns move at a slower pace. Stroll down main street, pop into a café for coffee and pie or go boating and swimming in the summer. The fall foliage surrounding the lakes is a sight to behold.
The Catskills
For mountain living, head to the Catskill Mountains and towns like Woodstock, Phoenicia, and Roxbury. Woodstock is iconic for the 1969 music festival, but today is better known for its vibrant arts scene, healing centers, and farm-to-table cuisine. Phoenicia, set along Esopus Creek, is a mecca for tubing, fly fishing and rustic lodges. And Roxbury, nestled in a valley, entices with antique shops, farmsteads and its signature red barns.
The North Country
Up north, near the Canadian border, you’ll find the Adirondack Mountains and towns with a rustic vibe like Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Old Forge. Lake Placid hosted the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics and still buzzes with world-class skiing and winter sports. Saranac Lake, in a wilderness setting, is all about outdoor recreation and wellness. And Old Forge, dubbed the “Adirondack Base Camp,” is the gateway to recreational lakes, hiking and camping in the forest.
New York has no shortage of charming small towns where life moves a little bit slower. Each region offers a chance to connect with nature, support local businesses and simply unwind. No matter the season, these towns showcase the diversity and beauty found throughout the state.
Want to explore more outdoors near New York? Be sure to check out our National Parks of the Northeast guide.
New York City FAQs: Answering Common Questions About the Big Apple
New York state is diverse. The city is big, busy and filled with towering skyscrapers, honking taxis, and the hustle and bustle of over eight million people. Meanwhile, the outlying landscape is much more tranquil and spread out. Here are some of the most often asked questions about the Empire State.
Is Public Transit Easy to Use?
New York City has an extensive public transit system, including the subway, busses and ferries. The subway is a quick and affordable way to get around Manhattan and the outer boroughs. Study the subway map ahead of time and you’ll be riding the rails in no time.
Do I Need a Car?
Depending on where in New York you live, you may be able to get by without a car. In larger cities like New York City, Rochester and Albany, public transit and ride-sharing options are plentiful. However, much of the state has limited public transit, so you’ll likely need a vehicle if living outside of a major metro area. If you do have a car, be prepared for higher costs — New York ranks among the most expensive states for car insurance and gas.
How Are the Schools?
New York has some of the top-ranked public schools in the U.S., especially in suburban areas outside New York City. However, quality can vary significantly by district. Do your research on school ratings and you may wish to consider private schools, especially for high school. The state university system also offers high-quality, affordable higher education options across New York.
What’s the Weather Like?
New York has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer highs average in the mid 70s F, while winter lows can drop below freezing. The state gets heavy lake-effect snow, especially in western and central New York. Be prepared for very different weather depending on where in the state you are. Fall can also be short, so enjoy the autumn colors while you can.
What Taxes Do Residents Pay?
New York state has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 4% to 8.82%*. Residents also pay a statewide sales tax of 4%, with additional local taxes bringing the total to over 8% in some areas. Property taxes vary significantly but tend to be higher than average, especially in downstate suburbs. Estate and inheritance taxes are also higher than in most other states. While taxes are a downside, they do fund New York’s high-quality schools, healthcare and other public services.
Moving to New York from anywhere in the country? Let United Van Lines, America’s #1 Mover®, ease your transition. Our long-distance movers specialize in helping you move to the Empire State smoothly from any location in the U.S. Whether it’s packing, unpacking, storage, car shipping or debris pick-up, we’ve got all aspects of your move taken care of. Get a quote today!
Ready to start planning your move? Dive into our blog for a wealth of useful resources, including comprehensive moving checklists, expert packing guides and insider tips to help you settle seamlessly into your new home.
(*) We are not tax experts and are not offering tax advice, other than you should consider obtaining additional information and counsel from your legal and/or financial advisers who are fully aware of your individual circumstances.
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