Do I Live In Upstate New York Or Not?

As a transplant from New England, I’m still figuring out where exactly I landed in New York, but here’s what I’ve pieced together so far:

Is the Mid-Hudson Valley considered “Upstate New York”?

It’s one of those endless debates that locals and out-of-towners like myself can’t seem to agree on.

Geographically, the Mid-Hudson Valley stretches from Westchester County up to Albany, covering spots like Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties.

It’s just far enough away from the hustle of New York City to have its vibe but close enough that many residents still hop on a train to the city for work. Many people argue that the Mid-Hudson Valley is its own thing, separate from Upstate and Downstate New York.

From an economic standpoint, NYC has fingerprints all over the Mid-Hudson Valley. Commuter trains and constant traffic make it feel like an extension of the city. It’s part of the greater NYC metro area, which puts it more in the Downstate category—at least according to those who think proximity to the city is the deciding factor.

But then, the Mid-Hudson Valley has its own unique identity too. With its rolling hills, quirky towns, and a local arts scene that attracts everyone from painters to poets, it’s not quite the city and not quite the countryside. It’s a blend of the two, which is why this debate will probably never get settled.

So, where does that leave us? While the Mid-Hudson Valley may technically be considered Downstate because of its NYC ties, it’s definitely a region that marches to the beat of its own drum.

If anything, it’s simply “the Hudson Valley”—and that’s perfectly fine by me.