Moving to New York: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
9 min read

Planning a move to New York? You’re in good company. The Empire State attracts people from all walks of life—whether you crave the lively energy of New York City or the peaceful vibe of its small towns, you’ll find your ideal place here.

New York has a lot to offer, but before you jump into buying a home and moving, take some time to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about moving to New York so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the New York information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to NY
Top car shippers to NY
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in New York

Relocating to New York has its advantages, but there are a few challenges you’ll want to consider as well.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Empire State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in New York

✓Natural beauty
✓Arts
✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities
✓Distinct seasons

Cons of living in New York

✖High tax burden
✖Rough winter weather
✖High cost of living
✖Poor quality healthcare
✖Populous

Things to do in New York

Whether you’re moving to New York for work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, New York has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can check out these spots with your family, or use them as a great way to meet new people if you’re flying solo. With so many options, you’re bound to find something that fits your vibe and helps you feel right at home.

Popular Attractions in New York

Times Square
Statue of Liberty
Niagara Falls
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Central Park
Hudson Valley
Letchworth State Park
Adirondack Mountains
Thousand Islands
Finger Lakes

Museums in New York

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
The Strong National Museum of Play
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
New York State Museum
Erie Canal Museum
Brooklyn Museum
Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Boldt Castle and Yacht House
USS Slater DE-766

Parks in New York

Brooklyn Bridge Park
Central Park
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Gantry Plaza State Park
Robert Moses State Park
Prospect Park
Mohonk Preserve
Caumsett State Park
Cunningham Park
Seneca Lake State Park

Fun facts about New York

Every state has a unique vibe, shaped by its history, culture, and the people living there. Discovering local quirks and traditions gives you a true feel for what life’s really like in each place.

Discovering these fun facts about New York gives you a glimpse into what makes the state special—and might just inspire you to move there, too.

The first people arrived in New York around 10,000 B.C.
New York City is the most populous city in the United States and the New York metropolitan area is one of the most populous in the world. Buffalo is the second-largest city in the state after the New York City while Mechanicville is the smallest (by area) of all.
The “Statue of Liberty” is in New York. The statue is a symbol of the United States and its ideals of opportunity, democracy, and freedom. The “Statue of Liberty” was a gift to the United States from France.
The seven spikes on the crown of the Statue of Liberty represent the seven oceans and the seven continents of the world, indicating the universal concept of liberty. In 1886, it was the tallest iron structure ever built.
On April 30, 1789, George Washington was sworn in as the president of the United States at Federal Hall in New York City, New York.
Until 1960, New York State lead other states in the U.S. in terms of total population, culture and economic indexes. And then it was overtaken by California due to enormous growth that the later state witnessed.
The Hudson River is named after the sailor Henry Hudson, who sailed into the state in 1609, on his ship the Half Moon.
Adirondack park in New York is larger than any other national park in the U.S. (outside of Alaska). The park covers an area of 28 million acres.
New York state was called New Amsterdam initially when it was discovered and settled by the Dutch. However, it was later conquered by the British and its name was changed in the honor of England’s Duke of York.
New York State has had four constitutions. They were adopted in 1777, 1821, 1846, 1894. The Constitution of 1894, revised in 1938 and amended over 200 times, remains in place today.

New York population and demographics

Thinking about moving to New York? Go beyond the numbers and discover what life in the Empire State really feels like.

Opting for a state with a larger population usually means more job opportunities, entertainment choices, and stronger infrastructure. On the other hand, less populated states tend to offer a quieter lifestyle and a tighter sense of community.

Looking at average education levels can help you gauge job prospects in an area and how easy it is to access schools or colleges. On the other hand, a state’s political makeup often highlights its core values and priorities.

Getting to know who lives in New York, what their day-to-day looks like, and what they value can help you decide if it’s a place where you’ll fit in and feel at home.

Metric	New York
Population	19,571,216
Female	51.2%
Male	48.8%
College graduation rate	40.9%
Political leaning	Democratic 60-40
Crime index	21.51

New York weather

Weather affects daily life in a big way, so it’s wise to factor it in when deciding if New York is the place for you. Checking out the average temperatures and rainfall for each season can help you plan your outdoor time, choose the right gear, and get ready for whatever the weather throws your way.

Blazing summer heat can drive up your energy bills and have you blasting the AC nonstop, while icy winters demand a well-stocked wardrobe and dependable heating. When the snow hits, you could see anything from a light dusting to a major storm that disrupts your plans and daily schedule.

Whether you crave sunshine, cooler weather, or want to steer clear of snowy winters, getting to know New York’s climate will help you decide if it fits your lifestyle.

Metric	New York
Summer high	81ºF
Winter low	16ºF
Annual rain	44″
Annual snow	62″

Income and cost of living in New York

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and daily expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical—and budget-friendly—life in New York really is.

Knowing the major industries in the area helps you gauge your job opportunities and long-term career stability. Plus, since housing costs play a major role in deciding whether to rent or buy, they’re a key factor to consider when planning your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers don’t just sit there—they give you a real sense of how your lifestyle compares to what New York offers, so you can move with confidence and all the facts you need.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Finance and insurance ($309.2 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($238 billion)
Professional and business services ($218.1 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($158.7 billion)
Information ($132.6 billion)
Wholesale trade ($75.7 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($73.9 billion)
Manufacturing ($71.7 billion)
Retail trade ($71.4 billion)
Construction ($51.2 billion)

Metric	New York
Average rent cost	$1,507
Average home cost	$482,742
Average income (per capita)	$81,386
Cost of living index*	100
Unemployment rate	4.4%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	10.9%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in New York

If education is a key factor in your decision to move, a state’s academic institutions can say a lot about its career paths and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what New York has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in New York:

Cornell University
Columbia University in the City of New York
New York University
University of Rochester
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
Syracuse University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Fordham University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Stony Brook University
The New School
University at Albany, State University of New York
Binghamton University, State University of New York
Bard College
Pace University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to New York

After looking at 2,756 moving companies—including 127 right here in New York—we teamed up with real people to pinpoint the very best movers nationwide.

If you’re getting ready to move to the Empire State, check out the top moving companies that can get your stuff safely to your new place—no matter where you’re moving from.

Cost of moving to New York

Before you head to New York, it’s a good idea to budget for your moving costs. On average, you’ll pay about $136 per hour for professional movers. The total price depends on how much stuff you’re moving and how far you’re going—long-distance moves will cost more than quick hops within the state.

How you choose to move plays a big role in how much you’ll spend.

If you’re looking to save money on your move, consider using one of the top moving container companies. You handle the packing and loading on your own schedule, while the company manages all the driving—giving you a perfect mix of flexibility and cost savings without going fully DIY or hiring a pricey full-service crew.

Want to save money? Getting a moving truck rental is your most affordable option. You’ll take care of everything yourself, from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d rather avoid the hassle of moving yourself, professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this kind of convenience can come at a higher price—so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from several companies to find the best option for your wallet and your needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to New York

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to New York.

New York car insurance requirements

To register your car in New York, you need state-issued auto liability insurance that meets minimum requirements: $10,000 for property damage, $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury/death for one person, and $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. If you don’t comply, your car registration and New York driver’s license can be suspended. Make sure you have the required coverage to stay protected.

New York drivers license requirements

New York residents need to get a state driver license within 30 days of moving there.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to New York?

Moving to New York is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if New York is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to New York?

On the cost of living index, New York has a score of 100. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in New York?

The average income in NY is $81,386, and the an unemployment rate is 4.4. Home prices are $482,742, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,507.

What is the downside of living in New York?

Like any place, New York has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Empire State include:

High tax burden
Rough winter weather
High cost of living
Poor quality healthcare
Populous

New York Moving Resources

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