New York is the 11th state of the United States of America and is ranked 27th largest in terms of area. It is also ranked 3rd largest in terms of population. Located in the north eastern area of the country, New York borders Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There is also a water border with Rhode Island. New York also borders the great lakes and Canada. It is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. The state capital of New York is Albany although New York City is the largest city. Other major cities within the state of New York include Buffalo and Rochester.

New York often sees long cold winters and most of the state has cooler summers. New York City and Long Island tend to have the warmest summers although temperatures average 25 to 30 degrees across the state.

New York – Employment

New York has a very successful and strong economy, with tourism, agriculture and manufacturing among the main industries. Tourism in particular is strong in New York City, so there are always work opportunities in hotels, restaurants and shops, although there is a lot of competition for these jobs. The manufacturing industry produces electrical equipment and chemical products and exports a great deal to other nations, so there are opportunities here for both skilled and unskilled workers.

New York City has a large finance sector, with many international banks based in the city. These banks normally have schemes where workers in other nations can spend some time in the US on an internal transfer scheme, which can be an easy way to make a move to the US and makes it easier to get work permits and visas. The state’s unemployment rate is just under 9%, which is around average.

New York – Property

The city of Buffalo is one of the most well-known in New York State and there are many areas suitable for new residents to settle in. The Allentown district, for example, is similar to Greenwich Village in NYC. It is an historic quarter of the city and has many period properties. However, this means that the prices are higher than average and the area is much sought after. The district is close to the theatres and other cultural areas. The Downtown area has been renovated and there are many old buildings which are now home to converted apartments. This has forced property prices in the district upwards and many trendy shops and eateries have moved into the area.

The Buffalo Theatre district is famed for its nightlife. Properties here are mainly apartments which appeal to the young professional and the area is filled with theatres, clubs, bars and restaurants. Prices are high due to the demand for property. North Buffalo is a very affluent area, with large houses and high prices to match. The area has good schools and shops as well as leisure facilities to suit all the family. The Lovejoy neighbourhood is home to a number of historic attractions and is becoming increasingly popular as a residential area. It is just east of the centre of the city and prices are still quite reasonable there.

New York City is often the first port of call for expats moving to the state, but many areas are very expensive and properties sell very quickly. Greenwich Village is attractive for those who like a bohemian way of life and is filled with ethnic shops, restaurants and galleries. The area does not follow the grid pattern that most other districts do so can be difficult to navigate your way around. Property prices are rising in this part of the city although there are many apartments here that are available to rent. The Chelsea district is home to many artists and musicians as well as a large gay community. This area is similar to Greenwich in that prices are rising. There are mostly apartments in the area and many are available to rent.

The Brighton Beach district of Brooklyn is a community of expats, with residents living there from all over the world. The area has restaurants and shops that reflect all the cultures and has all the amenities needed for everyday life. Property prices are on a par with the regional average.