Upstate New York has seen a huge influx of new residents in the past few years from places as nearby as New York City and as far as Texas and California. With the introduction of remote work and some notable natural disasters in other areas of the country, people are looking to our region for the often quaint lifestyles and climate haven benefits. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t expect to have to adapt to some differences. Here’s what you need to know when moving to Upstate New York.
Regional Variety
Upstate New York isn’t one uniform region. There are many regions throughout the state, each with its own culture and challenges. For example, some New York State agencies classify Upstate as the following regions: Mid-Hudson, Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Central NY, North Country, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Western NY. Even within this group, there’s much disagreement about where “Upstate” starts, which is to say that there is a lot of variation throughout the state.
Consider what’s important to you in a community when choosing your new home. If visiting nearby metro areas like New York City, Boston, or Montreal is going to be a priority, you’ll want to choose an area with easy access to a train line. Keep in mind that moving upstate, especially from a major metropolitan area, can be a big adjustment. Think about whether it's important to you to be able to walk to or have a short drive to local restaurants and businesses when choosing where to live.
Adapting to Weather
Possibly the most important thing to consider regionally when you’re moving Upstate is the weather. Snow in Western NY varies wildly from snow in the Hudson Valley. Additionally, population density could make a large difference, as some areas of the Adirondacks can become very remote, so you’ll need to be pretty self-reliant. Preparing accordingly is going to make all the difference in how you adapt to the climate in your new home.
Whether you’re moving up from New York City or from an entirely different state, your new home will likely come with a new maintenance to-do list. Keeping your gutters clear of leaves after our famously picturesque autumns, for example, should be a priority on your annual checklist. Knowing how to safely remove snow and ice, how to maintain your home in the winter, and what to look for with related flooding will protect the costlier areas of your home, like your foundation and roof.
If you’re not used to driving in winter weather, learning the rules before you hit the road is critical. Knowing how to safely break, clear your car off thoroughly, and maneuver with other drivers on the road in snowy or icy conditions is important for your own safety as well as other drivers’. Additionally, winter car maintenance like snow tires and checking your heating systems will improve your experience.
Entertainment
Activities Upstate can vary greatly based on location, but you can always depend on some of the best outdoor adventuring and agriculture. Our region is primed for hiking, skiing, biking, and swimming, so finding an active outdoor hobby you enjoy can greatly improve your experience of adapting to your new home. If you find yourself wrapped up in new regional activities that require a vehicle, like taking the boat out on the lake or snowmobiling through the mountains all winter, check in with your insurance representative to protect your new hobby.
Many weekends for Hudson Valley and Capital Region residents consist of farmers' markets, picking fruits, and visiting the many wine regions and art scenes. Many communities boast their own music venues and museums, so make sure you take advantage of the cultural experiences throughout!
There’s no one-size-fits-all experience for moving to Upstate New York. The best way you can create an easy transition is by preparing for what unique challenges your new community will bring, as well as what makes it special. As community insurance agents, MetzWood has a great perspective for what you should consider when making your big move, and we’re here to protect your special moments along the way.
Reach out to the MetzWood team to explore coverage options in the Hudson Valley and Capital Region.