🌆New York City's global financial center and port city status attracted immigrants and fueled rapid population growth.
🏞️The harsher climate and historical settlement patterns in Upstate New York deterred early settlers and limited population growth.
🌊The St Lawrence River, serving as a natural border, diverted development away from Upstate New York.
🌆New York City's economic power and job opportunities continue to attract new residents.
⚖️The uneven distribution of population in New York state creates economic, social, and political disparities between New York City and Upstate New York.