The Hudson Valley, encompassing the Catskills, has been attracting people since the 1600s. Almost all of those people had one thing in common; they were looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find a better way of life. What’s not to love about Upstate New York? Whether you’re a native who’s returning home or just relocating, the Hudson Valley and Catskills region has everything you need and more. Here are 10 reasons why you should move to Upstate New York right now!
1) The housing market is strong
Job growth in upstate is outpacing downstate, and real estate values are high. Plus, median home prices are well below other popular areas in which to live: A three-bedroom house near Lake George will cost you just $300,000—you’ll pay three times that for a similar property closer to Boston. And great deals abound for big families: If a four-bedroom or larger house is on your list, head north.
2) Average commute times are lower
Aside from avoiding rush hour in New York City, many of those who live upstate avoid long daily commutes. The average commute time for a US worker is 26.9 minutes, but in some areas it can be more than double that. In NYC and its suburbs, workers tend to have about 40-minute commutes; for example, nearly all of Westchester County's commuters travel longer than an hour and a half each way to get to work each day.
3) Jobs are plentiful
Due to recent growth in upstate cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, there are more jobs than job seekers. This is an exciting opportunity for young professionals who want to carve out a career path in a new city. There’s no better time than now to jump on board and experience professional success at its finest.
4) Local universities are improving
If you’re looking for a small-town experience with all of today’s modern conveniences, look no further than upstate New York. It has what so many cities in America lack: character and charm. Plus, there are plenty of perks to living near some of our nation’s most prestigious colleges. From vibrant student life to big-name sports teams, students and alumni can take advantage of an array of amenities that don’t exist in most other areas.
5) The arts and culture scene is expanding rapidly
From art galleries in Hudson to big-name concerts at SPAC and venues across New York, there’s a lot of culture to be had upstate. Check out local newspapers or Google what’s coming up on event calendars in your area. As you write your post, focus on why these types of things are beneficial for you and your family, not just what events are going on.
6) Wild beauty surrounds you
Despite being located near a major city, living in Upstate NY means that you can get away from it all and enjoy nature’s beauty at its finest. From Hudson Valley farmhouses to peaceful mountain hideaways, and majestic Catskills Mountains, upstate NY homes offer views that most other states can only dream of.
7) Reliable public transportation
Moving to a rural area means you’ll probably need to own a car. This can be expensive, and if you want to save money on car payments, it’s nice to know that there is reliable public transportation in your city. This might mean an easy commute by bus or train. In upstate New York, cities like Albany and Saratoga Springs are situated near major commuter train lines, making it easier for residents to get around without owning a car.
8) It’s affordable to buy a home here now
This is a huge factor for many people relocating. Homes in places like Syracuse and Rochester, particularly when bought from sellers motivated to sell, are much more affordable than they’ve been in decades. In fact, with median home values as low as $100,000, it’s never been easier to buy a home in upstate.
9) Your dollar stretches farther than you think it will
Moving to an area where living expenses are lower is a wonderful way to stretch your dollar further. That’s why you should consider moving to upstate New York. The cost of living is much lower than in other metropolitan areas and big cities, so you can save money that can go towards other important financial goals, like college tuition or retirement savings.
10) Life is good up here. Really good.
Living in a rural part of New York State opens you up to an abundance of things to do. Our area is packed with community events, trails and parks that make living in upstate NY amazing! Don’t believe us? Take a look at our top ten reasons why you should move here! We guarantee you’ll love it too.
About Duncan Avenue Studios / ALLUVION MEDIA:
We know you want to buy or sell a home. But it doesn't mean you want to live there. You want the peace and tranquility that one can only find in a world away from the distractions of the city.
That's why we pride ourselves on providing some of the best property photography in Westchester County, Putnam County, Greene County, Ulster County, Sullivan County, Columbia County, and Dutchess County (NY).
Let Alluvion Media / Duncan Avenue Studios show you what they can do to make your next property search a success.
