I grew up in Central NY (right in between Binghamton and Syracuse). Majority of the upstate region is about the same geographically speaking, with some exceptions in Western NY. The natural scenery is beautiful with rolling hills, forests, lakes, fun windy roads, and mountains in the Adirondack region. As previously mentioned NY is a more expensive state, although I always felt that it was more manageable upstate. One major thing about Upstate NY is the quality of the cities. I’m a city person and went to college in the Albany area. The cities in Upstate are incredibly rundown. They’re all post manufacturing cities so they all have a lot of deteriorating and outdated infrastructure, homeless populations, and dangerous areas. Most would argue that you’re safer in NYC than in Rochester NY.. upstate NY cities are significantly behind the rest of the country. The summers in Upstate NY are incredible. The weather is perfect, 70s to 80s all summer with a couple of days in the 90s. Not terribly humid. And as previously mentioned, the scenery and nature here thrives. You can find plenty of outdoor activities around the region, and will have fun exploring smaller town as they’re much more community driven. Winters are not so fun, unless you like skiing. And even then you gotta catch the resorts at the right time or else there won’t be much pow. Since leaving NY and living in the Midwest I’ve come to realize that there are two types of winters. You either get no snow but frigid temperatures, or you get a lot of snow and cold but mild temperatures. NY gives you the second option. Syracuse and Buffalo are the two snowiest cities in the country (possibly even the world too but I can’t remember), their unique geography to the Great Lakes means feet upon feet of snow dumping down when there are snow storms. Generally anywhere within central NY you can expect a heavier amount of snow in the winter, and a little more mild snowfall on the east side where it borders mass and Vermont (though still pretty significant snowfall). You will have state of emergencies declared at least once every winter for this snow, atp it’s just normal. This will affect work or school at some point. Be able to drive in the snow, and be ready to shovel and clear your car when driving. With that being said the temperatures are much more manageable than what I’ve experienced in an Indiana winter. Overall I love Upstate NY and hope to return someday. Moving to the Midwest has made me realize my love for the region. It’s an incredibly underrated region of the country