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Trying the top The Largest Cities In New York cities on US State Largest Cities – Choose State & Number? Here are the top 10 to get you started.
1. New York, NY (Population: 8,258,035)
New York City, the largest city in the United States, is a global hub for finance, culture, fashion, and media. Composed of five boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island—NYC offers a blend of iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods. From the Statue of Liberty and Times Square to Central Park and Broadway, the city is filled with world-famous attractions. New York is home to Wall Street, the United Nations headquarters, and some of the most influential museums and universities in the world. It’s a place where nearly 200 languages are spoken, making it one of the most diverse urban centers on the planet.
Interesting Fact: The New York City Subway is one of the world’s largest, with 472 stations across the system.
2. Buffalo, NY (Population: 274,678)
Buffalo, located on the shores of Lake Erie near Niagara Falls, is known for its industrial history and cultural resurgence. Once a manufacturing powerhouse, the city has revitalized its waterfront and downtown, attracting investment, arts, and culinary growth. Buffalo is home to the Buffalo Bills NFL team and the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, giving the city a strong sports culture. Architectural gems by Frank Lloyd Wright and a growing medical corridor add to its appeal. Its universities, such as the University at Buffalo, play a key role in research and education.
Interesting Fact: Buffalo is the birthplace of the world-famous Buffalo chicken wings, first created at the Anchor Bar in 1964.
3. Yonkers, NY (Population: 207,657)
Yonkers, located just north of the Bronx, is the fourth-largest city in New York State. It has a diverse population and a mix of suburban and urban character. Yonkers offers access to the Hudson River waterfront, where revitalization projects have added parks, housing, and cultural attractions. It has a strong education system and historic sites like Untermyer Gardens. The city’s proximity to Manhattan makes it a popular home for commuters while maintaining its own local industries and shopping districts.
Interesting Fact: Yonkers is where the first Otis safety elevator was installed in 1854, revolutionizing tall building construction worldwide.
4. Rochester, NY (Population: 207,274)
Rochester, situated on Lake Ontario, is known for its innovation and history in imaging and optics. Companies like Kodak, Xerox, and Bausch & Lomb were founded here, shaping the city’s reputation as a hub of technology. Today, Rochester remains strong in education and research, anchored by the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology. The city also has a vibrant music and festival culture, including the world-famous Lilac Festival. Affordable living, cultural institutions, and lakefront access continue to make Rochester an appealing place.
Interesting Fact: Rochester is home to the world’s largest collection of George Eastman’s photography legacy at the George Eastman Museum.
5. Syracuse, NY (Population: 145,560)
Syracuse, located in central New York, is best known for Syracuse University and its strong basketball tradition. Historically an industrial and salt production hub, Syracuse has transitioned into a regional center for education, health care, and technology. The city hosts the annual Great New York State Fair, one of the largest and oldest in the country. Syracuse’s central location makes it a crossroads for commerce and travel in upstate New York. The community combines university energy with cultural and economic revitalization.
Interesting Fact: Syracuse is one of the snowiest cities in the U.S., averaging more than 120 inches of snow annually.
6. Albany, NY (Population: 101,228)
Albany, the capital of New York State, sits along the Hudson River and is one of the oldest surviving European settlements in the country. As the center of state government, Albany is home to the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza. The city has a rich architectural heritage, with Dutch, colonial, and modern influences. Albany is also a hub for higher education, technology, and healthcare. Its location in the Capital District connects it closely with Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs.
Interesting Fact: Albany was the first city in the world to have permanent public water mains, installed in 1796.
7. New Rochelle, NY (Population: 83,742)
New Rochelle, located in Westchester County, is a suburban city with a vibrant cultural scene. Known for its waterfront along Long Island Sound, New Rochelle offers beaches, marinas, and parks. The city has a rich artistic heritage, once serving as home to many artists and illustrators, including Norman Rockwell. With excellent schools and access to New York City, it has become a desirable place for families and commuters alike.
Interesting Fact: New Rochelle was a major center for early 20th-century artists, inspiring the nickname “The Home Town of America.”
8. Mount Vernon, NY (Population: 71,168)
Mount Vernon, just north of the Bronx, combines dense urban neighborhoods with suburban residential areas. Known for its strong cultural diversity, the city has been shaped by waves of immigration and migration. Mount Vernon’s history includes early industrial growth, particularly in manufacturing. Today, it continues to serve as a key residential community with easy access to Manhattan and the greater New York City metro area.
Interesting Fact: Mount Vernon has been home to many famous musicians, including the pioneering hip-hop artist Heavy D.
9. Schenectady, NY (Population: 68,544)
Schenectady, part of New York’s Capital District, is historically known as the birthplace of General Electric. The city was once a major hub of innovation and industry, earning the nickname “The City that Lights and Hauls the World.” While its economy shifted after manufacturing declined, Schenectady has revitalized its downtown with arts, dining, and entertainment. It is home to Union College and the Proctors Theatre, contributing to its cultural life.
Interesting Fact: The television network CBS began its first broadcast in Schenectady in 1928.
10. Utica, NY (Population: 63,607)
Utica, located in the Mohawk Valley, has a long history as a gateway for immigrants, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries. It became an important manufacturing and textile center, but later experienced economic decline. In recent years, Utica has been revitalized by new waves of immigrants, including large refugee populations that have brought cultural diversity and economic renewal. Utica also offers affordable housing, strong community bonds, and access to Adirondack recreational areas.
Interesting Fact: Utica is known for its signature dish, Utica greens, made with escarole, peppers, and breadcrumbs.
