100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
New York (NY) lies in the northeastern United States, with the state’s economy driven by financial services, media, and technology. The capital is Albany, although by far the most famous and largest city is New York City. Top attractions in the State of New York include the Statue of Liberty, the skyscrapers Empire State Building and One World Trade Center, and Niagara Falls. The State of New York was one of the original 13 colonies that declared independence from Great Britain.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name New York Abbreviation NY Capital Albany Largest city New York (Population: 8 258 035) Current time 17:50 Time zone EST (UTC-5), the state observes Daylight Saving Time EDT (UTC-4) Population 20,202,320 (#4 most populous US state) Area 141,298 km² (#27 largest US state) Admitted to the Union July 26, 1788 (#11 state to join) ⭐ Capital of New York
The capital of the State of New York is Albany, located where Dutch colonists built Fort Nassau in 1614 for the fur trade. In 1664 the British took control of the fort and renamed it Albany in honor of the Scottish noble title, the Duke of Albany. Albany became the state capital in 1797.
🏙️ Largest City in the State of New York
The largest city in the State of New York is New York City, home to 8,258,035 people in 2023. Buffalo ranks second with 274,678 residents, and Yonkers is third with a population of 207,657.
🕒 Time in New York
The current time in New York is 17:50. The entire state follows Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) and switches to daylight time, EDT (UTC-4), from March through November.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of New York
According to 2023 data, the State of New York had 20,202,320 residents, making it the 4th most populous in the United States.
📍 Area of New York
The total area of the State of New York is 141,298 km², of which 122,057 km² is land and 19,240 km² is water. New York is the 27th largest state in the USA.
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Fun Facts about the State of New York
🧩 Which States Border New York
New York borders five U.S. states. To the east are Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, to the south is New Jersey, and to the west is Pennsylvania. To the north it also shares a border with the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Québec. The State of New York lies on the shores of two Great Lakes, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, and near the Atlantic Ocean.
📅 Date of New York Statehood
New York ratified the Constitution on July 26, 1788 as the 11th state, succeeding the Colony of New York.
📛 New York State Nickname
New York’s nickname, “The Empire State,” is very well known, and one of the world’s most famous skyscrapers was named after it.
It was likely first used in the early 19th century, when New York ranked among the nation’s economic powerhouses. The nickname cast the state as a mighty empire seen as a center of commerce, industry, and culture.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in New York
The highest mountain in New York is Mount Marcy, with a summit at 1,628.55 m above sea level, located in the Adirondack Mountains in the northeastern part of the state.
🏞️ Rivers in New York
The longest river in the State of New York is the Saint Lawrence River with a total length of 1,197 km. It is followed by the Susquehanna River (747 km), the Allegheny River (523 km), the Hudson River (507 km), and the Delaware River (484 km).
🎓 Universities in New York
The largest university in the state is New York University, founded in 1831, with around 60,000 students across its campuses today. The second most attended is Columbia University with 35,000 students, also located in New York City.
Other notable institutions include the University at Buffalo with 32,000 students and the prestigious Cornell University in Ithaca with approximately 26,000 enrolled.
✉️ ZIP Codes in New York
The State of New York is assigned ZIP code 06390 and the ranges 005xx and 100xx–149xx. You can find a specific ZIP code for any address on the USPS website, and the article ZIP Codes in the USA explains how the system works.
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Weather in New York
The best time to visit the State of New York is early fall, when temperatures are pleasant and the countryside blazes with color. Fall is ideal for outdoor activities as well as for enjoying urban attractions.
Spring in New York starts off fairly cool, with March temperatures between 2 °C and 10 °C. It gradually warms in the following weeks to May averages of 13 °C to 22 °C, while the northern mountain areas run cooler and can keep snow cover into April. Rain is very common in spring.
Summer in New York is hot and crowded with tourists, and the humidity is high. Average temperatures in New York City from June through August range from 18 °C to 29 °C, with frequent thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rain.
Fall in New York brings a drop in temperatures and precipitation, which makes it an ideal season to visit both cities and nature. Temperatures gradually fall from September’s 16 °C to 24 °C to a cooler 5 °C to 12 °C in November. In bustling New York City you still need to expect crowds, although fewer than in summer.
Winters in New York are cold, with temperatures usually between -3 °C and 7 °C. Snow is common, with heavier accumulations traditionally in the state’s northern and western regions.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in New York
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What to See in New York
1️⃣ Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was gifted to Americans by the French to mark the anniversary of U.S. independence, and it was raised on Liberty Island on October 28, 1886. One of the most recognizable symbols of the United States is accessible by Statue City Cruises ferry, and visitors can climb to the crown for a panoramic view over all of New York. Tickets sell out far in advance, so reserve well ahead.
2️⃣ Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is one of the world’s best-known skyscrapers, offering stunning views of New York from observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floors. The building stands 381 m tall, was completed in 1931, and remained the world’s tallest skyscraper until 1971.
It was built in the Art Deco architectural style and takes its name from the state’s nickname. Observation deck tickets often sell out quickly, so it is best to buy in advance.
3️⃣ Helicopter Tour over New York
Seeing Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square, and other famous New York landmarks from above is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Several companies offer helicopter sightseeing flights, with differences in price, flight time, and route.
The shortest flights last about 12 minutes. Sunset flights are the most in demand, and some operators charge a surcharge due to high demand. For the best photos, aim to fly between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
4️⃣ Central Park
Central Park is a vast green oasis in the heart of Manhattan that at 3.41 km² is larger than the Vatican (0.49 km²) and Monaco (2.02 km²) combined. The park offers a wide range of activities, including walks, picnics, and exploring historic sites.
Inside the park you will find a small zoo and the famous Bow Bridge from 1862. In winter the park opens a traditional ice rink, while summers bring concerts and other cultural events.
5️⃣ Times Square
Times Square is one of the most famous squares in the world, famed for its immense concentration of billboards and glowing neon. The square is always busy, filled with street performers and eccentric characters that shape its atmosphere.
For the best experience, visit during the day and after dark when it is fully lit. Times Square and the surrounding area are full of shops, restaurants, and theaters staging world-renowned shows. The New Year’s Eve celebration is famous too, with a giant ball counting down the final seconds of the year for the first time in 1907.
6️⃣ Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock Observation Deck
Rockefeller Center on Manhattan consists of 19 commercial buildings constructed between 1930 and 1939. The skyscrapers are known for modern architecture blended with Art Deco style.
In winter the plaza opens a famous ice rink beside a decorated tree that has become a Christmas symbol in New York. The 30 Rockefeller Plaza building features an observation deck with a fine city view.
7️⃣ Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden is one of the world’s best-known sports arenas, located in the heart of Manhattan above Pennsylvania Station. The NHL’s New York Rangers play their home games here, as do the NBA’s New York Knicks.
For the biggest thrill, buy NHL tickets or NBA tickets and catch a game. On non-game days you can take a behind-the-scenes tour to explore the arena’s history and operations.
8️⃣ Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls straddles the border between New York State and Canada, about 671 km by car from Manhattan. One of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, it consists of three main sections: American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
The largest and most impressive are the Horseshoe Falls, with a total height of 57 m including the Canadian side. One of the top experiences is the Maid of the Mist boat ride right up to the falls, which are illuminated in color every evening after dark.
9️⃣ One World Observatory
The skyscraper One World Trade Center opened in November 2014 on the site of the former World Trade Center. The memorial and museum of September 11 commemorate one of the most tragic days in American history, and the building’s symbolic height of 1,776 feet (541.32 meters) reflects the year the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
The One World Observatory spans floors 100 to 102 and delivers a 360° view of New York.
🔟 The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (commonly known as The Met) sits on the famed 5th Avenue along the edge of Central Park. The largest art museum in the United States presents a collection that spans more than 5,000 years of human history. Among the best-known artists on display are Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Caravaggio, Johannes Vermeer, and others. If art interests you even a little, a visit to The Met is a must.
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Largest Cities in New York
The table lists the ten largest cities in the State of New York in 2023. The data source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary task is the national census.
City County Population 1 New York Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond 8,258,035 Map of New York 2 Buffalo Erie 274,678 Map of Buffalo 3 Yonkers Westchester 207,657 Map of Yonkers 4 Rochester Monroe 207,274 Map of Rochester 5 Syracuse Onondaga 145,560 Map of Syracuse 6 Albany Albany 101,228 Map of Albany 7 New Rochelle Westchester 83,742 Map of New Rochelle 8 Mount Vernon Westchester 71,168 Map of Mount Vernon 9 Schenectady Schenectady 68,544 Map of Schenectady 10 Utica Oneida 63,607 Map of Utica -
Sports Teams in the State of New York
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
Three teams from the State of New York play in the NHL, all in the Eastern Conference.
The oldest team is the New York Rangers, founded in 1926 and part of the Metropolitan Division. The club colors are royal blue, red, and white, and the team plays at the legendary Madison Square Garden.
The second-oldest franchise is the Buffalo Sabres, whose history began in 1970. The club belongs to the Atlantic Division and plays home games at KeyBank Center in Buffalo. Its colors are royal blue, gold, and white.
The third-oldest team is the New York Islanders of the Metropolitan Division, founded in 1972. The Islanders play home games at UBS Arena in Elmont on Long Island, and their colors are blue, orange, and white.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
The only New York State team in the NFL is the Buffalo Bills, who play in the AFC’s East Division. The club’s home stadium is Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. The Bills joined the NFL for the 1970 season, and their colors are royal blue, red, gray, white, and navy.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
New York State has two NBA teams, both in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.
The New York Knicks are one of the NBA’s founding teams and have played continuously since the 1946 season. Their home arena is Madison Square Garden, and the team colors are royal blue, orange, silver, black, and white.
The second NBA club is the Brooklyn Nets, who joined in the 1976 season. Their colors are black, white, and gray, and they play home games at Barclays Center.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
New York State fields two teams in Major League Baseball.
The New York Yankees entered the league for the 1903 season and now compete in the American League East Division. The team plays home games at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. The club colors are navy blue and white.
The New York Mets have competed in the National League since the 1962 season, where they are in the East Division. The club colors are blue, orange, and white. The Mets play home games at Citi Field in Flushing Meadows.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
In Major League Soccer, New York State is represented by New York City FC, a team in the Eastern Conference that joined in 2015. The club colors are sky blue, obsidian blue, and orange, and the team plays home matches primarily at Yankee Stadium, a baseball venue.
There is also a team named the New York Red Bulls, although it plays its home games in Harrison, New Jersey.
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New York State Symbols
This article lists only some of the symbols officially recognized by New York’s code of laws.
Flag of the State of New York
The current flag has been in use since April 2020, when the previous version’s colors were slightly modified and the official slogan “E Pluribus Unum” was added. The design features the symbol of the State of New York on a dark blue field.
Seal of the State of New York
New York adopted its first seal in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War. Although it has undergone several changes since then, the motif remains the same. It depicts the figure of Liberty on the left representing freedom and Justice on the right symbolizing fairness. In the center they hold a shield with a ship on the Hudson River.
State Insect
Since 1989 the state insect has been the nine-spotted lady beetle (Coccinella novemnotata). Students helped lead the campaign for its adoption. The ladybug is seen as a gardener’s friend because it feeds on aphids and other pests.
State Mammal
Since 1975 the official state mammal has been the North American beaver (Castor canadensis), regarded as a symbol of ingenuity and hard work. An average New York beaver weighs around 19 kg, and the fur trade once had a major impact on the state’s economy.
State Tree
A 1956 law recognized the sugar maple (Acer saccharum) as New York’s official tree. It was chosen for its abundance across the state and economic importance, since maple syrup ranked among New York’s notable products at the time.
State Flower
The rose was proclaimed the state flower in 1955. It grows throughout New York and is regarded as a symbol of beauty and love.
State Bird
Since 1970 the official bird has been the eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis), which is common in the state. It was chosen for its colorful appearance, meant to represent the diversity and beauty of New York’s nature.
State Gem
Since 1969 the state gem has been garnet, which is abundant in the Adirondack Mountains near the Canadian border. Garnets from New York are considered among the finest in the world.
State Reptile
In 2006 the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) joined the roster of state symbols. This turtle can reach a total length of up to 80 cm and is commonly found in local wetlands and marshes.
State Fruit
Since 1976 the state fruit has been the apple, a crop that has been central to the region’s agriculture for centuries. Extensive orchards have traditionally been found in the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes areas.
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