Moving to to New York?
When most people think of New York, they think of the bustling metropolis of New York City,
with his culturally and historically rich boroughs filled with vibrant activity and nonstop excitement. But outside of
the city, one of the cultural centers of the entire world and easily one of the most desirable and awe-inspiring places,
is an entire state that is just as diverse and beautiful as the city itself.
New York state, which is one
of the largest in the country in land size, spans hundreds of miles and stretches across mountain ranges, lakes and rural
landscapes that go from Pennsylvania to Vermont and even as far north as Canada. There truly is a little something for
everyone in New York, no matter what type of living you prefer.
If you’re moving to New York, there are a
lot of things you’re going to need to know. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.
Things to Know When Moving to to New York
New York Climate
New York has a widely varying climate that differs depending on where in the vast state you are located. For example,
the mild temperatures of New York City tend to mirror those of surrounding suburban areas in New Jersey and Connecticut,
with high temperatures and high humidity in the summer months and chilly, windy weather during the winter with
scattered snowstorms. However, the upper reaches of New York State can be extremely harsh during the winter,
with areas like Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse receiving regular snowfall from October through late March sometimes.
Registering your Car
Upon your arrival in New York after moving to the state permanently, you have a total
of 30 days to update your registration and have your vehicle registered in the state before you may be
required to pay a penalty. The state of New York also has laws in place that require your vehicle to pass standard
emissions tests prior to registering your car. Also, you must provide proof of insurance that is valid in the
state of New York.
Obtaining a New York Driver's License
A New York Driver’s License can be obtained at any New York DMV location.
The state requires new New York residents to update their license from their previous state to a New York driver’s
license. You may be required to pass several tests prior to receiving your new license. Also, there is a $10
fee to update your driver’s license.
Crime Rankings
As of 2011, New York was ranked 28th out of 50 states in violent crime, with a total of less than 30
violent crimes for every 100,000 people in the state.
Industries
New York City is the financial capital of the nation, and is home to the New York Stock Exchange. The state
of New York is the leading center of finance, banking and communications and also has a major manufacturing sector as
well. New York is also among the top five in producers of dairy, apples, potatoes, onions, grapes, maple syrup and other
agricultural products, which make it a major player in the industry of agricultural production and farming.
Employment Statistics
As of early 2012, the state of New York had an unemployment rate of 8.8 percent, which is slightly
above average and higher than the national rate of 8.2.
Average Income
The median household
income in the state of New York is $55,603, while the average per capita income for the state is $48,821.
Moving and Storage
If you are looking for a moving company or storage facility to help you with anything,
you should check to make sure the company is registered with the United States Department of Transportation or
with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Real Estate
The average listing price for homes in New York is $715,566, while the median sales price is
just over $350,000. The New York Association of Realtors is the official real estate resource for the state of New York.
Major landmarks and attractions
Empire State Building; World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial; Wall Street; Chelsea
Pier; Statue of Liberty; Niagara Falls; Appalachian Trail; Lake Placid; National Baseball Hall of Fame; Central
Park; Times Square; Broadway
Largest Cities: New York City, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse
Schools
The New York public school system spends more money per student than any other public education system in the nation.
Despite recently publicized issues with the deterioration of the public school system in New York City, the majority
of New York public schooling offers many opportunities for students throughout the state. When it comes to secondary
educational institutions, New York is the only state in the country with two Ivy League colleges in Columbia
University and Cornell University. In addition, the State University of New York (SUNY) has campuses all over
the state. Other notable colleges include St. John’s University, Siena College, Iona College, Hofstra University,
the University of Albany, the University of Buffalo, Ithaca College, Syracuse University and NYU.
National Parks
Ellis Island National Monument
Niagara Falls
Saratoga National Historical Park
State park System
New York State has a vast network of parks that span the state from top to bottom and take
advantage of the natural wilderness that can be found throughout New York. The parks provide many opportunities
to appreciate the natural wonders of New York by hiking, fishing, biking and hunting.
Major Airports
John F. Kennedy International Airport
LaGuardia International Airport
Newark International Airport (NJ)
Albany International Airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport
Stewart International Airport
Plattsburgh International Airport
Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Greater Rochester International Airport