New York and New York City are often used interchangeably, but they are far from the same place. So what is the difference between New York vs New York City? New York is one of the most populous stated in the northeastern region of the United States bordered by Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and the Canadian province of Quebec, while New York City is the largest city located in the state of New York.
New York City, which is often referred to as NYC, is composed of five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Additionally, Manhattan is often referred to as New York City, especially because Manhattan is called ‘The City’ by locals, which is also not the same thing. Manhattan is located within New York City, which is in the state of New York.
While New York City is the largest city in New York State, the capital of New York State happens to be Albany.
New York has a total area of 54,555 square miles and a population of over 19 million, while New York City covers only 472 square miles and has a population of approximately 8.4 million.
Table of Contents
Geography of New York and New York City
Location
New York state is located in northeastern region of the United States, while New York City is located on the coast of the Northeastern United States at the mouth of the Hudson River in southeastern New York state. It is located in the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary, the centerpiece of which is the New York Harbor, whose deep waters and sheltered bays helped the city grow in significance as a trading city. In fact, what is called the East River in Manhattan is actually a salt water estuary. NYC encompasses is also situated on several islands, including Manhattan, Staten Island, and parts of Long Island.
Size
New York state has a total area of 54,555 square miles while NYC has a total area of only 472 square miles. The city is densely populated, with a population of over 8 million people.
Boroughs and Boundaries
New York City is a bustling metropolis with distinct boroughs, New York State is a mix of urban and rural areas with vast stretches of wilderness and farmland.
New York City is divided into five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Each borough has its own unique character and culture. Manhattan, the most densely populated borough, is considered the commercial and financial capital of the city. Brooklyn, on the other hand, is known for its artsy and hipster vibe. Queens is home to a diverse population and has a mix of residential and commercial areas. The Bronx is known for its rich cultural heritage, while Staten Island is a more suburban area with a relaxed atmosphere.
New York State, on the other hand, is characterized by a mix of urban and rural areas. The state has a total area of 54,555 square miles, making it the 27th largest state in the country. It shares borders with Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario. The state is home to several large cities, including Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse, but it also has vast stretches of wilderness and farmland.
History
Origins
New York State has a rich and complex history that dates back thousands of years. The first people to settle in what is now New York were Native Americans, who arrived in the area around 10,000 B.C. These early inhabitants were nomadic hunters who lived in caves and hunted large game, including mammoths and giant bison. Over time, different cultures and tribes developed, including the Iroquoian and Algonquian peoples, who were the dominant cultures in the region by 1100 A.D.
New York City as we know it today was formed in 1898 through a consolidation of the five boroughs. In fact, Brooklyn voted to become a part of NYC with under 300 votes. And Staten Island was called the borough of Richmond till it was renamed in 1975.
Manhattan was originally called “Manhatta,” meaning “island of many hills” by the Lenape people, a Native American tribe who inhabited the island. It was renamed “New Amsterdam” in 1609 by the Dutch explorer Henry Hudson who arrived in the harbor and claimed the island for the Dutch. The Dutch West India Company actually purchased Manhattan Island from the Lenape people for 60 guilders, which is around $24 today, in what is considered the best real estate deal in history.
The city was later renamed New York in honor of the Duke of York, who captured the city from the Dutch in 1664. The city served as the capital of the United States from 1785 to 1790 under the Articles of Confederation, and as the capital of the newly formed United States from 1789 to 1790.
Development
During the 19th and 20th centuries, New York City became a major center of commerce, finance, and culture. The city’s population grew rapidly, fueled by immigration from Europe and other parts of the world. New York City played a major role in the American Civil War, with the city’s ports serving as a vital supply line for the Union Army. In the early 20th century, the city became a center of the arts, with the Harlem Renaissance and the birth of modern jazz.
Today, New York City is the crossroads of the world as one of the world’s leading financial and cultural centers.
Population
New York State Population
According to the 2020 Census, the population of New York State was 19.6 million. New York State has a diverse population, with 20% of foreign born residents.
New York City boroughs and their population
New York City is the most populous city in the United States and is home to over 8.3 million people, of which 36% are foreign born. This roughly translates to 1 in 38 people in the US living in NYC! The city is divided into five boroughs: Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Here is a breakdown of the population of each borough as of 2023:
| Borough | Population |
| Brooklyn | 2,648,771 |
| Queens | 2,358,582 |
| Manhattan | 1,628,701 |
| The Bronx | 1,472,654 |
| Staten Island | 224,292 |
Density
With a population density of 29,938 people per square mile, New York City is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city has a total land area of 468 square miles, and the high population density is due to the city’s vertical growth and high-rise buildings.
Diversity
New York City is known for its diversity, with people from all over the world living and working in the city. In fact, over 36% of the city’s population is foreign-born, with the largest immigrant groups coming from the Dominican Republic, China, and Mexico. The city’s diversity is reflected in its neighborhoods, which have distinct cultures and cuisines.
There are an estimated 700 – 800 languages spoken in NYC, some of which are spoken by just one person and on the verge of being lost forever.
State vs. City Jurisdiction
New York City is part of the state of New York, and is subject to the laws and regulations of the state government. However, the city has its own mayor and government that manages the city, while New York is managed by the Governor and the state government.
The state government has jurisdiction over certain issues, such as education, transportation, and environmental regulation. The city government has jurisdiction over issues such as zoning, land use, and public safety.
In some cases, the state and city governments work together to address issues that affect both the city and the state. For example, the state and city governments have worked together to address the issue of affordable housing in the city.
Overall, the governance and administration of New York City is complex and involves multiple layers of government. However, the city has a strong mayor-council system of government that allows for local control over many important issues.
FAQs about New York
What is the difference between Manhattan and New York City?
Manhattan is often referred to as New York City or simply New York, but they are far from the same thing.
Manhattan is one of the five boroughs that make up New York City. It is the most densely populated borough and is often referred to as simply “the City.” New York City, on the other hand, refers to the entire metropolitan area, which includes all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
What is the difference between New York vs New York City?
New York is a state in northeastern United States, and New York City is the largest city within the state of New York. New York City is often shortened to simply “New York” or “NYC.”
Is New York a city or a state?
New York is a State, and the largest city within it is New York City. NYC is sometimes referred to as just New York.
Is Jersey City in New York?
No, Jersey City is not in New York. It is located in the state of New Jersey, across the Hudson River from Manhattan. It is a popular alternative to living in Manhattan given it is well connected by public transportation, is more cost effective, and offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Is New York City on Long Island?
No, New York City is not on Long Island. Long Island is a separate landmass to the east of New York City. However, Brooklyn and Queens are located on the western end of Long Island, and are part of New York City.
Are Manhattan and New York City the same thing?
No, Manhattan is one of the five boroughs of New York City. While Manhattan is often used interchangeably with New York City, they are not the same thing.
Is Gotham City the same as New York?
No, Gotham City is a fictional city in the DC Comics universe. It is often portrayed as being similar to New York City, but they are not the same place.
What is the difference between New York vs New York City.
New York is both a city and a state. New York is a state in the United States, while New York City is the largest city in the state of New York.
Is New York City an Island?
No, New York City is not an island. However, parts of it are located on several islands, including Manhattan, Staten Island, and parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
Is Long Island a part of New York City?
Parts of Long Island, including Brooklyn and Queens, are part of New York City. However, the eastern end of Long Island is a separate region outside of NYC consisting of Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Do you call it New York or New York City? What is the difference?
This can be confusing as both “New York” and “New York City” are used interchangeably, even by New Yorkers. New York is a state, while New York City is the largest city within New York State.
Is Brooklyn in New York City?
Yes, Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs of New York City.
Is Manhattan in New York City?
Yes, Manhattan is one of the five boroughs of New York City.
Is Bronx in New York City?
Yes, the Bronx is one of the five boroughs of New York City.
What state is Manhattan in?
Manhattan is located in New York State.
Is Manhattan a city or state?
Manhattan is neither a city or a state. It is one of the five boroughs of New York City, which is located in New York State.
Is Staten Island in New York City?
Yes, Staten Island is one of the five boroughs of New York City.
Is Harlem in New York City?
Yes, Harlem is a neighborhood located in the borough of Manhattan, which is part of New York City.
Is New York City part of New York State?
Yes, New York City is part of the state of New York.
Is New York City a capital?
No, New York City is not a capital. The capital of the state of New York is Albany.
Is New York City a City?
Yes, New York City is the largest city in the state of New York.
Is New York City the largest city in the world?
No, New York City is not the largest city in the world. It is one of the largest cities in the world, but it is not the largest.
Is New York City the capital of New York?
No, New York City is not the capital of New York. The capital of the state of New York is Albany.
What is the capital of New York?
The capital of New York State is Albany.
Why is Albany the capital of New York?
Albany is the capital of New York based on its long history as an important city in New York State. The city was founded by the Dutch in the early 17th century and served as the capital of the colony of New Netherland, which included parts of what is now New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.
When New York became a state in 1788, Albany was chosen as the capital because of its central location and its status as a major transportation hub, with access to the Hudson River and the Erie Canal. Additionally, Albany was already an established political and cultural center, with a thriving economy and a well-educated population.
Albany is home to many inventions, including the telegraph, celluloid plastic and electric motors. The first long distance flight had its origin in Albany, as did the first passenger railroad.
Is Manhattan an island or a peninsula?
Manhattan is an island as it is surrounded on all sides by water, and you need to use a bridge or a tunnel to go in and out of Manhattan.
New York City on the other hand is not an island. New York City has 5 boroughs, of which two are islands – Manhattan and Staten Island.
Is Harlem in the Bronx or Manhattan?
Harlem is a neighborhood in Manhattan. Originally a Dutch neighborhood, it is named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands. It extends from 110th Street to 155th Street in Manhattan.
Is New York City in Manhattan?
No, New York City is not in Manhattan. New York City is comprised of 5 boroughs, of which Manhattan is one of the boroughs. Manhattan is located in New York City.
What states are near New York?
States close to New York are Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut to the east, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec to the west and north. A little known fact is that in the south, New York shares a maritime border between Block Island in Rhode Island and Long Island in New York.
Is New York close to Canada?
New York shares a border with the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
What is the New York Tri State Area?
The New York Tri State Area, or the New York Metropolitan region, encompasses New York City, Long Island, surrounding areas of New York State, as well as parts of New Jersey and Connecticut.
Where is New York City located?
New York City is located in the northeastern part of the United States. It is situated in the state of New York, which is bordered by New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Vermont.
Where is Manhattan?
Manhattan is one of New York City’s five boroughs, and is located in the southeastern part of New York State and is bordered by the Hudson River to the west, the East River to the east, and the Harlem River to the north.
