What is Downstate in New York?

The term ldquo;downstaterdquo; is a rarely used but significant identifier in New York, often contrasting with ldquo;upstate.rdquo; Despite its infrequent use, it plays a crucial role in local geography, politics, and even sports. This article delves into the definition of downstate and its various uses, along with associated facilities and leagues that utilize the term.

Definition of Downstate

The definition of ldquo;downstaterdquo; can vary depending on the context and who is using the term. Generally, it encompasses all of New York City and its surrounding areas. However, there is no clear, universally accepted definition. For some, downstate includes:

New York City Westchester County Rockland County Putnam County Ulster County Sullivan County Dutchess County Orange County Nassau County (part of Long Island) Suffolk County (part of Long Island)

Interestingly, certain parts of New York Governors have declined to attempt to define the precise delineation between upstate and downstate, highlighting the ambiguity of the term.

Usage in Facilities and Organizations

Despite the ambiguity, the term ldquo;downstaterdquo; is used in several official contexts:

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT): This organization defines downstate as including all the counties listed above. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University: This university and its affiliated hospitals and family practices have a presence in Brooklyn, which is considered downstate. Downstate Correctional Facility: Located in Duchess County, this prison is another example of how downstate is utilized. Downstate Juniors Volleyball: This league includes Westchester, Ulster, Putnam, and Duchess Counties, but excludes New York City.

Downstate vs. Upstate

While downstate is less common than the term ldquo;upstate,rdquo; it is often used for contrasting purposes. Upstate typically refers to everything north of New York City, except for Long Island:

New York City and Long Island are not considered upstate. Upstate includes counties like: Catskill Schenectady Tompkins Cortland Albany

Some residents in New York City and its surrounding areas might use ldquo;downstaterdquo; in a tongue-in-cheek manner, sometimes even including parts of the five boroughs as part of upstate.

Conclusion

The term ldquo;downstaterdquo; is not as widely used as ldquo;upstate,rdquo; yet it holds a significant place in the local vernacular and various institutional contexts. Its definition remains somewhat flexible and context-dependent, reflecting the complex nature of regional identities and boundaries in New York State.