From multicultural cuisines to state-of-the-art buildings and international scenes, it comes as no surprise New York attracts over 60 million travelers every year.
There is no doubt that New York is one of the most thrilling, unique, and adventurous places in the United States and in the world.
Despite its popularity, many people still do not know whether or not New York is a state or city.
In this article, I dig deep into the details to answer some of the most common questions about New York:
- What State Is New York In?
- Is New York a City or a State?
- Where Is New York on a Map?
- What Are the New York State Regions?
- What Are the New York City Boroughs?
- What Is the Weather Like in New York?
- What Are Some Famous Places in New York?
Is New York a City or a State?
New York is typically referred to as a city and a state, depending on which one you are talking about.
It is known by two names: The State of New York and New York City. The State of New York is the 27th largest state by area and the fourth-largest state by population in the United States.
Among the cities in the State of New York is New York City or NYC. New York City is the most populated city in New York State and the United States, with a population of almost 8.5 million.
So to answer the questions “Is New York City a state?” and “What state is New York City located in?” – No, New York City is not a state. It is a city located in the State of New York.
Where Is New York on a Map?
New York is located in the northeastern part of the United States. It is near New England and is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Among the bodies of water surrounding some areas of New York are Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the Atlantic Ocean.
(Image by TUBS via Wikimedia Commons)
To get a clearer picture of the differences between the State of New York and New York City, here is a map of New York.
What Are the New York State Regions?
The State of New York has 10 economic regions as shown in the map below:
- Western New York
- Finger Lakes
- Southern Tier
- Central New York
- North Country
- Mohawk Valley
- Capital District
- Hudson Valley
- New York City
- Long Island
(Image by Vmanjr via Wikimedia Commons)
Western New York
In the Western end of New York State lies Western New York, one of the best places to admire nature including Niagara Falls and Lake Erie.
From affordable housing to top educational institutions, it is no wonder it has attracted many residents. Among its key industries are agribusiness, tourism, and bio and life sciences.
Finger Lakes
Finger Lakes is home to approximately 1.2 million residents, a group of lakes, and beautiful glaciers.
It has 11 lakes from west to east, including Conesus Lake, Hemlock Lake, Canadice Lake, Honeoye Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Owasco Lake, Skaneateles Lake, and Otisco Lake. Its economy heavily relies on its agricultural industry and higher educational institutions.
Southern Tier
Located in Upstate New York, Southern Tier holds eight counties including Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Delaware, Steuben, and Tioga.
Its economy is powered by industrial manufacturing, agricultural industry, and government services. Southern Tier is also often referred to as a ski county for having ski towns such as Ellicottville.
Central New York
Central New York has one of the most diverse businesses in New York. Among its key industries are homeland and cybersecurity, agribusiness, biotech and life sciences, and cleantech and renewable energy.
It includes five counties: Cayuga County, Cortland County, Madison County, Onondaga County, and Oswego County.
North Country
In the northern part of New York is North Country, a region for small towns and rural areas. It contains seven counties: Clinton County, Essex County, Franklin County, Hamilton County, Jefferson County, Lewis County, and St. Lawrence County.
Thanks to its convenient location near Quebec and Eastern Ontario, North Country has become a hub for business opportunities and tourism.
Mohawk Valley
Mohawk Valley has a population of 478,942 residents across its six counties including Schoharie, Montgomery, Fulton, Herkimer, Oneida, and Otsego.
It is nestled between the Catskill Mountains and the Adirondack Mountains. Despite being a suburban region, it has diverse opportunities with its neighboring cities such as Rome and Utica.
Capital District
Also known as the Tri-City Area and Capitaland, the Capital District has a competitive business climate due to its strategic location. It has become the center for technology and electronics, which is why it is home to Tech Valley.
The economy of the Capital District is fueled by several industries including government services, education, and health care.
Hudson Valley
The Hudson Valley region has a population of 2,323,346 residents with a population density of 320 per sq mi. Among its major economic industries are agriculture, winemaking and grape-growing, and technology.
It is separated into three areas including Lower Hudson, Mid-Hudson, and Upper Hudson.
New York City
New York City is presumably the most famous city in the State of New York with so many must-see attractions. It goes by many nicknames, including the Big Apple and the City that Never Sleeps.
Fortune 500 companies, Wall Street, and several top industries including real estate, tech, and tourism are some of the reasons why New York City has a thriving economy.
Long Island
Long Island is both an urban and suburban region in New York that is home to about 8 million people. The region is considered a peninsula and not an island by the Supreme Court.
It includes four counties: Kings County, Queens County, Nassau County, and Suffolk County.
What Are the New York City Boroughs?
The five counties and boroughs of New York City are Bronx (The Bronx), Kings (Brooklyn), New York (Manhattan), Queens (Queens), and Richmond (Staten Island).
The largest borough by area is Queens with an area of 109 sq mi, while the largest borough by population is Brooklyn with a population of approximately 2.5 million. Moreover, Manhattan has the largest GDP among the five boroughs with a GDP of $610.4 billion.
Bronx (The Bronx)
The Bronx is located in the northern part of NYC sitting in a total area of 57 sq mi. It is famous for its Yankee Stadium and Pelham Bay Park, the largest park in NYC.
Some of its famous shopping districts are Fordham Road, Bay Plaza, and Hunts Point Cooperative Market.
Explore; Things To Do In The Bronx
Kings (Brooklyn)
At the western end of Long Island lies Brooklyn, also known as Kings County. It is well known for its many culturally diverse neighborhoods including Coney Island and Prospect Park. Moreover, it is home to New York’s third largest central business district known as Downtown Brooklyn. There are many things you can do in Brooklyn.
New York (Manhattan)
New York County has some of the most popular tourist destinations and iconic locations such as Central Park, , the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, and Wall Street, one of the most famous streets In New York City. It has some of the best views of the New York City skyline from every corner.
Moreover, it is the most densely populated county in New York City with a population density of 72,033 people per sq mi.
Queens (Queens)
Queens is situated on the east of Brooklyn on Long Island. It holds one of the busiest airports in the city including John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.
Moreover, it is the second borough with the largest economy that is powered by several industries such as retail, manufacturing, health care, transportation, and education.
Richmond (Staten Island)
The most suburban area in New York is Staten Island, located in the southwestern portion of New York City. It has a total area of 102.5 sq mi with 495,747 residents.
People can come to Staten Island via bridges including the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge from Brooklyn or the free Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan.
What Is the Weather Like in New York?
Generally, New York has a continental climate, so you can expect spring, summer, autumn, and winter seasons. It is warm and humid during the summer season, ranging from 25°C to 28°C.
In the winter seasons, it tends to be windy, extremely cold, and snowy with a temperature of −25°C in the northern regions and −15°C in the southwestern regions. Snow is common in more than 60% of New York’s area.
What Are Some Famous Places in New York?
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038
The Brooklyn Bridge, which stretches 1,833.7 meters in length, is one of the most iconic attractions in the borough. It was opened in 1883 and is used to connect to Manhattan.
The bridge is best for walking, biking, and seeing the breathtaking views of the city skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the harbor.
Central Park
14 East 60th St., New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-310-6600
There are many public parks in New York City, but Central Park is known for its superb landscape design sitting on 843-acre land.
It is an excellent location to appreciate several buildings of Manhattan. Moreover, it is the fifth-largest park in New York and is among the largest in the world.
Coney Island
Southern Brooklyn, NY
Email: info@allianceforconeyisland.org
Its public beaches, piers, and amusement parks make Coney Island one of Brooklyn’s most popular neighborhoods.
The Wonder Wheel, B&B Carousell, and Coney Island Cyclone are three city landmark rides that are worth visiting. Visit the park in Poseidon Playground and Abe Stark Skating Rink if you’re looking for fun activities to do.
Empire State Building
20 W 34th St, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-736-3100
The Empire State Building ranks seventh among the tallest buildings in New York City and is the 43rd-tallest skyscraper in the world, soaring at a height of 1,250 feet.
It is one of the most visited and most photographed buildings in New York that was built in 1931 in just one year and 45 days. The cheapest adult ticket is $44, depending on the floors and inclusions.
One World Trade Center
285 Fulton St, New York, NY 10007
Phone: 844-696-1776
Also known as One WTC and Freedom Tower, the One World Trade Center is the tallest building in New York City and the seventh-tallest building in the world, measuring 1,776 feet tall or 541 meters high.
Freedom Tower was built in memory of 9/11 victims. It opened in 2014 and currently has 104 floors and 73 elevators.
Roosevelt Island Tram
E 59th St & 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-756-8739
If you want to get the best city skyline views in the house, Roosevelt Island Tram takes you above the grounds between 59th street and 2nd Avenue. Visitors can ride the tram from Sunday to Thursday between 6 am and 2 pm, or from Friday to Saturday between 6 am and 3:30 am.
Statue of Liberty
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212-363-3200
Built in 1884 as a gift from France, the Statue of Liberty stands tall at 151 ft or 46 m. It is made from layers of copper sheets that are approximately 3 mm thick, which gives its patina green color as a result of oxidation. Ticket prices start at $23.80 for adults to see the top at the crown section.
Staten Island Ferry
1 Bay Street Staten Island NY 10301
Email: siferrypics@hotmail.com
With the ferry running every 25 minutes, you can see the skyline in daylight and at night.
There are many sights to see during the cruise, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Hudson, and the Battery. Staten Island Ferry is a great way to enjoy free rides and views of the Manhattan skyline.
The Bottom Line
In a nutshell, New York City is a city in the State of New York situated in the northeastern part of the United States.
New York State contains 10 economic regions and five boroughs and counties. Moreover, you can experience four seasons in the state, so don’t forget to check the weather if you are visiting to pack the right set of clothes.
Now that you know the difference between New York State and New York City, check out some of the famous places in New York to have a memorable trip.
If you know some fun facts about New York, share them below in the comments section. I would love to read about your comments too!
