What Moving to Upstate New York is Really Like & What Towns to Consider

March 05, 2025

If you’ve been considering moving to the scenic upstate New York, it’s important to know what you’ll find here and what town might suit you best. Our region is full of different foods, diverse groups of people, big cities & small towns – and it’s all connected by our beautiful landscapes and love of the outdoors.

What to Expect:

If you’re moving from a big city, one of the biggest shifts you’ll notice in upstate NY is that we love giving each other space. It’s rare to find a crowd, and lines at the supermarket will never suffocate you. While we love our physical distance, we love connecting as well. So don’t be surprised if someone at Stewarts offers to help you fill your tires, or if your server wants to know your life’s story. We love to talk and connect!

If you’re moving from somewhere warm, don’t be too scared of our winters. We’re trained professionals at this point and making it through an upstate winter makes the summer sun feel even warmer. By the way, that summer weather is hot and humid! It’s time to practice saying the classic line, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity”. That is basically the Upstate NY motto for July.

If you’re moving away from your family & friends, you will find your community here. Moving away from people you love to a new place can be hard. Luckily Upstate NY has plenty of community driven towns, with weekly gatherings for all sorts of interests where you are sure to find your community.

Where to consider:

There are lots of towns and cities in Upstate NY, let’s find your perfect match. First, ask yourself these three questions: Do I want to be close to my neighbors or do I want more privacy? Do I need to be close to a body of water? Is it important to be close to a downtown area and be able to get around without a car all the time?

Schroon Lake – If privacy and water are more important to you than a walkable downtown, this may be the town for you. This northern town is the ultimate destination for privacy and slow living. With a beautiful clean lake and tons of open land, you’re sure to find a secluded retreat for you & yours. But don’t worry, there is a cozy downtown area where the community gathers and is closer than ever, so you’ll never feel alone.

Saratoga Springs – If you are looking for a walkable downtown and wanting to be close to your neighbors, you will love our city of Saratoga Springs! With beautiful downtown condos and historic homes in the nearby neighborhoods, this city provides you with a lively nightlife paired with scenic views. There is always something to do here, new menus to try, and new things to learn!

Glens Falls/Queensbury – If you’d like a little of everything; water access, privacy, and a downtown community – you might find your next home in the Glens Falls & Queensbury area. These neighboring towns sprawl across a large portion of Warren county, which leaves its residents with farm areas, lake access, suburban neighborhoods, and a cozy downtown complete with an artist’s market and lots of local food.

When you’re ready to make the move upstate, call Julie & Co. Realty, LLC! Our local expert Realtors know this region because they live, work, and play here. We can help find the right town, neighborhood, and home for you. We hope to see you soon!

 

 

About the Author

By: Ericka Wadleigh
Exclusive for JulieCoRealty.com