Moving to New York: A Relocation Guide
Thinking about moving to New York? Here's a practical starting point for newcomers.
Key facts
- Capital: Albany
- Largest city: New York City
- Population: 20,201,249 (2020 census)
- Nickname: The Empire State
- Region: Northeast
What should you consider before moving to New York?
- Where to live: Major cities include New York City and the state capital Albany. See our New York state guide and city guides for details.
- Cost of living: Compare housing, utilities and taxes carefully — costs vary significantly across the state.
- Lifestyle: New York's northeast location shapes daily life, from climate to recreation. Explore the top things to do to get a feel for the state.
- Jobs & schools: Research local employers and school districts in your target city before committing.
City guides: Albany, New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse.
Frequently asked questions
What are the largest cities in New York?
The largest city in New York is New York City, and the capital is Albany. See the city guides for local detail.
What is the population of New York?
The 2020 census population of New York is 20,201,249 (2020 census).
What should I research before moving to New York?
Compare housing, utilities, taxes, jobs and school districts in your target city. The moving guide above and the New York state guide are a good starting point — verify current costs with local sources.
Next steps
This guide is a starting point — Red Rock Daily is building detailed, city-level relocation coverage across the country. For now, combine this overview with the New York state guide and local city pages.
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau (2020 census population figures); official state records. Cost-of-living details should be verified with current local data.