Just a New England Boy Trying to Figure Out If HV is Upstate NY Or Not

As a Transplant from New England, I still don’t know whats going on, but here’s what i think is going on. 

The question of whether the Mid Hudson Valley is considered Upstate New York is a nuanced one, often debated among New Yorkers and Transplants like myself that are semi  familiar with the region's geography 

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 Geographically speaking, the Mid Hudson Valley sits just north of New York City and stretches from Westchester County up to Albany, encompassing counties like Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange. Despite its proximity to the city, it's generally considered part of the broader Hudson Valley region rather than Upstate New York. This distinction is not merely about distance but also about cultural and economic ties. 

 Economically, the Mid Hudson Valley shares significant connectivity with New York City. Many residents commute to the city for work, and there's a notable influence of NYC's cultural and economic dynamics on the region. This integration into the NYC metropolitan area often blurs the line between what's considered Downstate (where NYC and its suburbs dominate) and Upstate (where communities are more independent of NYC's influence). 

 From a cultural standpoint, the Mid Hudson Valley maintains its own unique identity within the larger Hudson Valley region. It's known for its scenic beauty, historical significance, and vibrant arts scene, distinct from both New York City and the more rural parts of Upstate New York beyond Albany. 

 Ultimately, while there's no strict boundary, the Mid Hudson Valley tends to be classified as Downstate due to its close ties with New York City in terms of economic interaction, cultural influence, and shared infrastructure. This classification reflects its status as part of the broader  area rather than the  less urbanized areas that define much of Upstate