Moving to New York: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025
9 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to New York, you’re not alone. The Empire State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like New York City and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about New York, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to New York to help you 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

Like any big move, relocating to New York comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the Empire State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in NY

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

Cons of living in NY

✖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 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 visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

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

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about New York, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

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

While you’re thinking about relocating to New York, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Empire State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in New York, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

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

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether New York is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if New York aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

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

Income and cost of living in New York

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in New York.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in New York and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

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 influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities 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

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the Empire State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to New York

Before you take the leap to New York, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving 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 covers at least $10,000 in property damage and $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury or death for one person, or $50,000/$100,000 for two or more people in an accident. If you don’t follow this rule, your car registration and New York driver’s license might be suspended. Make sure you have the needed coverage to stay legal and safe on the road.

New York drivers license requirements

People who move to New York need to get a state driver license within 30 days.

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

moveBuddha Migration Reports

With over 400,000 people utilizing our website to help plan their moves, we have up to date, deep insight into the most popular places people are moving to and from right now.