Why are Upstate NY Houses So Cheap?? (Rochester, Ithaca: school districts, contractors)
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I own in a major city currently. I am originally from NJ. I have been poking around on Zillow and I need to ask, why are decent houses so cheap in upstate NY? If possible, be real with me. Crime? Taxes? Drugs? Demand?COL?
Supply and demand. Age of the homes can play a part in this as well. I say this, as even the areas/school districts in high demand or that are highly regarded can still have relatively affordable housing prices, if you know where to look and in relation to comparable areas elsewhere.
By the way, what areas did you look into? That also needs to be answered, as that can play a part in terms of what you are referring to.
Supply and demand. Age of the homes can play a part in this as well. I say this, as even the areas/school districts in high demand or that are highly regarded can still have relatively affordable housing prices, if you know where to look and in relation to comparable areas elsewhere.
By the way, what areas did you look into? That also needs to be answered, as that can play a part in terms of what you are referring to.
I looked at Middletown and Ithica. But very general. Very beautiful houses but very cheap. I feel like there is something underlying that I am not seeing.
In general, it is because property taxes are too high. The greedy government always wants to get paid first, and in that the property values are stiffled. They don't realize that the property values would grow faster without the restraints.
Another reason could be because there is so much land to spread out. NYC and NJ are limited.
High taxes aside, I think most people like the property values here. There aren't the swings up and down as in other areas. And as for Rochester we do get some swings upward, but seem to retain values when other areas are declining.
I looked at Middletown and Ithica. But very general. Very beautiful houses but very cheap. I feel like there is something underlying that I am not seeing.
Interesting, as those areas are actually on the higher end for Upstate NY in terms of housing prices, yet are still relatively affordable. Both of those areas are actually growing steadily in population too. In fact, Orange County, where Middletown is located, was and may still be one of the faster growing counties in the state and has never had a decline in population in its history. Tompkins County where Ithaca is located, hasn't seen a decline in population since 1910.
Compared to Schlong Island, Queens, Westchester, and the rest of the downstate counties, of course upstate seems cheaper. There are other reasons why. Don’t get all cocked and think about running upstate to live the good life.
^Man, hotkarl...Why not? There's enough room up here(to an extent). lol
Agreed! Upstate NY is what you make of it. If you don't mind Old Man Winter overstaying his welcome, like the outdoors and outdoor sports, don't mind the inconveniences of fewer supermarkets/hospitals/vets/car mechanics/restaurants/entertainment venues/contractors and tradesmen/supply stores and home centers/etc., and don't need to rely on the area for income or a job, you could have a great life there.
Agreed! Upstate NY is what you make of it. If you don't mind Old Man Winter overstaying his welcome, like the outdoors and outdoor sports, don't mind the inconveniences of fewer supermarkets/hospitals/vets/car mechanics/restaurants/entertainment venues/contractors and tradesmen/supply stores and home centers/etc., and don't need to rely on the area for income or a job, you could have a great life there.
Even all of those things are readily available in many parts of Upstate NY. There are even computers and color TV's up here as well.
Even all of those things are readily available in many parts of Upstate NY. There are even computers and color TV's up here as well.
Even winters aren't like they used to be.
No, I'm sorry but I don't believe you. There's no way color TV's have found their way up there yet...
Amazing State, Local and County Parks too.... Ithaca has some great waterfalls, then there's Watkins Glen, Lecthworth S.P., etc. Finger Lakes has some world class wines and wineries, produces some of the best white wines, particularly rieslings, IMO.
Middletown does have alot of shopping, but that's not really true upstate NY in my opinion, more like the left flank of the Hudson Valley.
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Ithaca has some great waterfalls, then there's Watkins Glen, Lecthworth S.P., etc. Finger Lakes has some world class wines and wineries, produces some of the best white wines, particularly rieslings, IMO.
