Where is New York Located in the United States?

New York is located in the northeastern region of the United States, known for its vibrant cities, picturesque countryside, and diverse geography that ranges from coastal areas to mountains. The state is a global economic and cultural hub, with New York City serving as a major center for finance, media, and arts. Beyond its urban areas, New York features beautiful landscapes such as the Adirondack Mountains, the Finger Lakes, and Niagara Falls.

State Name: New York
Postal Abbreviation: NY
Population: 19.8 million (2023 estimate)
Area: 54,556 square miles
Capital: Albany
Largest City: New York City
Statehood Year: 1788 (11th state)
Time Zones: Eastern Time Zone

Bordering States of New York

New Jersey

To the south and southwest, New York shares a border with New Jersey. The Hudson River and the New York Harbor separate parts of the two states, especially between New York City and cities in northeastern New Jersey like Jersey City and Newark. Major transportation infrastructure, such as the Holland Tunnel and George Washington Bridge, connects the two states, fostering a close economic and commuter relationship. Many people living in New Jersey commute to work in New York City, while New Jersey’s suburbs provide a more residential environment for many who work in the city. Economically, both states benefit from the shared metropolitan area, including financial, transportation, and trade industries.

Pennsylvania

New York’s western and southern borders meet Pennsylvania, a boundary defined by both land and river features, such as the Delaware River along parts of the southeastern border. Cities like Binghamton and Elmira in New York have close ties with Pennsylvania due to their proximity. The two states share similar cultural and economic ties, especially in industries such as manufacturing, education, and health care. In the southern tier of New York, much of the culture is influenced by Pennsylvania’s proximity, with shared regional characteristics, such as rural landscapes and smaller cities.

Connecticut

New York’s eastern boundary touches Connecticut in the southern part of the state. The two states are part of the greater New York City metropolitan area, and like New Jersey, many residents of Fairfield County, Connecticut, commute into New York City for work. This area features affluent suburban communities like Greenwich and Stamford that are connected to the city via the Metro-North Railroad. New York’s proximity to Connecticut fosters economic ties, particularly in finance, insurance, and corporate industries, with many companies maintaining offices in both states.

Massachusetts

To the east, New York shares a border with Massachusetts, located in the Berkshire Mountain region. The states are connected by major highways, including Interstate 90, which links Albany to Boston. The two states share cultural and historical ties dating back to colonial times. Western Massachusetts and eastern New York share similarities in geography, including rolling hills and agricultural lands. Many people from Massachusetts visit New York’s Hudson Valley and Catskills for leisure activities, while cultural and educational exchanges also occur between the two states.

Vermont

New York’s northeastern boundary is shared with Vermont, separated in part by Lake Champlain. The border region is characterized by the Adirondack Mountains on the New York side and the Green Mountains on the Vermont side. This area is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and boating. Lake Champlain serves as a natural and cultural connection between the two states. Both states share a focus on agriculture, particularly dairy farming, as well as a commitment to environmental conservation and tourism.

Canadian Provinces: Quebec and Ontario

To the north, New York borders the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario form natural boundaries, with major border crossings at places like Niagara Falls and Alexandria Bay. The Thousand Islands region, shared by New York and Ontario, is a popular tourist destination. New York’s economic relationship with Canada is crucial, with significant trade occurring through the Great Lakes and by land crossings.

GPS Coordinates of New York

New York covers a diverse geographical range, with its general GPS coordinates approximately 43.0° N latitude and 75.0° W longitude. The state is part of the northeastern United States, situated within the Eastern Time Zone.

• Northern Coordinates: The northernmost point of New York is located near Rouses Point, a village on Lake Champlain, at approximately 45.0054° N. This area is close to the U.S.-Canada border and serves as a crossing point into the Canadian province of Quebec. The surrounding region is known for its scenic beauty, with access to both the Adirondack Mountains and the lake.
• Southern Coordinates: The southernmost point in New York is located at Staten Island, one of New York City’s boroughs, near 40.4961° N latitude. Staten Island is part of the New York metropolitan area and is connected to New Jersey by the Outerbridge Crossing. This area is heavily urbanized and is a key part of the region’s transportation and shipping infrastructure.
• Eastern Coordinates: The easternmost point of New York is on Fishers Island, located at 72.0310° W, which lies off the coast of Long Island and is closer to Connecticut than it is to mainland New York. Fishers Island is known for its upscale residential communities and maritime activities.
• Western Coordinates: New York’s westernmost point is near the city of Ripley, located along Lake Erie at approximately 79.7626° W. This part of New York lies near the Pennsylvania border and is part of the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, known for its rural landscapes and access to outdoor recreation, including boating and fishing on Lake Erie.

New York’s wide latitude and longitude range encompasses a diverse set of environments, from the urban metropolis of New York City to the rural countryside and mountains of upstate New York. The state’s positioning in the northeastern U.S. also plays a key role in its climate, which ranges from the humid continental climate in the north to the more temperate zones along the coast.

Levels of Elevation in New York

New York’s elevation varies widely, reflecting the state’s diverse topography, which includes coastal plains, mountains, and valleys.

• Highest Elevation: The highest point in New York is Mount Marcy, located in the Adirondack Mountains in Essex County. Mount Marcy reaches an elevation of 5,344 feet (1,629 meters), making it the tallest mountain in the state. It is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views of the Adirondack wilderness from its summit.
• Lowest Elevation: The lowest point in New York is at sea level, along the Atlantic coast. New York City, Long Island, and other coastal areas are at or near sea level, with extensive shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean. These regions are vulnerable to storm surges and flooding, especially during extreme weather events such as hurricanes.
• Average Elevation: The average elevation of New York is around 1,000 feet (305 meters) above sea level. Much of the state, particularly upstate New York, consists of rolling hills and valleys, with the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains adding higher elevations. The Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes regions, though not as high in elevation, feature gentle slopes and scenic views of lakes and rivers.

New York’s elevation plays a crucial role in its climate and ecosystems. The higher elevations in the Adirondacks and Catskills experience colder temperatures and more snowfall during the winter, while the lower elevations along the coast and in the Hudson Valley enjoy milder conditions.

Most Extreme Points of New York

New York’s geography extends from the dense urban environments of New York City to the remote and scenic wilderness of upstate regions. The state’s most extreme points cover a wide range of landscapes.

• Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of New York is Fishers Island, located in the Long Island Sound at approximately 72.0310° W. Fishers Island is part of Suffolk County, though geographically closer to Connecticut. It is known for its quiet, upscale communities and is accessible by ferry.
• Westernmost Point: The westernmost point is in Ripley, a small town located in Chautauqua County near the border with Pennsylvania and along Lake Erie. At approximately 79.7626° W, this area is part of New York’s wine country and offers access to outdoor activities such as boating and fishing on Lake Erie.
• Southernmost Point: The southernmost point is found in Staten Island, one of New York City’s boroughs, near 40.4961° N. Staten Island is an important residential and commercial area, and it connects New York City to New Jersey via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge.
• Northernmost Point: New York’s northernmost point is at Rouses Point, located along Lake Champlain at 45.0054° N, near the U.S.-Canada border. This area is close to the Canadian province of Quebec and offers picturesque views of the lake and nearby mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

These extreme points highlight New York’s geographic diversity, from its rural and mountainous regions in the north and west to its urban centers in the south and east. Despite its relatively compact size compared to other states, New York’s wide-ranging landscapes make it unique.

Major Mountains in New York

New York is home to several prominent mountain ranges that attract outdoor enthusiasts and offer some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the northeastern United States.

• Adirondack Mountains: The Adirondack Mountains are one of the largest mountain ranges in the state, located in upstate New York. The Adirondack Park, which encompasses the range, is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, covering over six million acres. The Adirondacks are home to Mount Marcy, the highest peak in the state, and are a popular destination for hiking, skiing, camping, and fishing. The region also has historical significance, having hosted the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
• Catskill Mountains: Located in southeastern New York, the Catskill Mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountains. This region is known for its forested peaks, waterfalls, and outdoor recreation. The Catskill Park is a popular destination for hiking, hunting, and fishing. The highest peak in the Catskills is Slide Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 4,180 feet. The area is also home to important environmental and cultural sites, including the Ashokan Reservoir and Woodstock, known for its arts and music scene.
• Shawangunk Ridge: The Shawangunk Ridge, also known as “The Gunks,” is a popular climbing and hiking destination located in southeastern New York, near the Catskills. The ridge extends for about 50 miles and is known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic views. The area attracts rock climbers from around the world, and the nearby town of New Paltz serves as a hub for outdoor activities.
• Taconic Mountains: The Taconic Mountains form part of New York’s eastern border with Massachusetts and Connecticut. This range extends through the Hudson Valley and into New England. The highest peak in the Taconics is Mount Equinox, located just across the border in Vermont, but the New York side of the range includes notable peaks like Mount Berlin. The area is known for its hiking trails, scenic vistas, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Major Rivers and Lakes in New York

New York’s rivers and lakes have shaped the state’s geography, economy, and culture. These waterways provide water for agriculture, industry, and recreation, while also serving as important transportation routes.

• Hudson River: The Hudson River is one of the most important rivers in New York, flowing for 315 miles from the Adirondack Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean at New York Harbor. The river has played a central role in New York’s history, serving as a key transportation route during colonial times and later as an industrial corridor. The Hudson Valley is known for its scenic beauty, with many parks, hiking trails, and historic sites along the river’s banks. The river also plays a crucial role in commerce, with ports and shipping terminals located in New York City and Albany.
• St. Lawrence River: The St. Lawrence River forms part of the border between New York and Canada, flowing from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean. The river is a vital waterway for international shipping, connecting the Great Lakes to the ocean through the St. Lawrence Seaway. The region around the Thousand Islands is a popular tourist destination, offering boating, fishing, and scenic cruises along the river’s many islands.
• Niagara River: The Niagara River flows between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, forming part of the border between New York and Ontario, Canada. It is most famous for Niagara Falls, one of the most iconic natural landmarks in North America. The river is an important source of hydroelectric power, with large power plants located near the falls. The river also supports tourism, as millions of visitors come to see the falls and explore the surrounding areas each year.
• Finger Lakes: The Finger Lakes region in central New York is known for its long, narrow lakes, which resemble fingers when viewed on a map. The largest of these lakes include Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, both of which are popular for boating, fishing, and wine tourism. The Finger Lakes area is also home to numerous vineyards, and the region has become a renowned center for winemaking.
• Lake Ontario: One of the five Great Lakes, Lake Ontario forms part of New York’s northern border. The lake is a major waterway for international shipping and also supports recreational activities like boating, fishing, and beach-going. Cities like Rochester and Oswego are located along its shores, and the lake plays a key role in New York’s economy, particularly in terms of trade and tourism.

New York’s waterways are not only crucial for commerce and industry but also serve as a foundation for tourism, recreation, and environmental conservation efforts across the state.