like some nitwit politico once opined...."can't define it - but I know it when I see it"
"Upstate" for city dwellers is pretty much anything north of 242nd Street (last stop on the 1/9 train). Most are convinced that making the "crossing" from the Bronx to Yonkers requires a PassPort.
As one travels north on the Thruway the upstate/downstate question is pretty much cut and dried. If you're traveling north and haven't reached your house yet, you are an "upstater" relative to all those "downstaters" that get off at an exit with a lower number than yours.
It's when you hit Albany that the orderly and easily understood process takes a dive. (Many would say those are probably the kindest words anyone could conjure up for Albany<g>).
Anyway, the Thruway, which had been I87 from NYC to Albany, suddenly decides to become I90 and take a sharp left toward Buffalo - or does it?
I87 keeps going north but goes incognito as the Northway as it marches toward Montreal passing through some of the most beautiful countryside on the planet.
The general premise that those living on the higher number exits of the Northway are MORE upstate than their exit numeral challenged "downstate" brethren is pretty much accepted.
It's that westbound portion of the Thruway that runs from Albany to Buffalo that causes the most confusion though.
From NYC to Montreal it's simple.....the further you drive the more of a true "upstater" you are....both geographically and with regard to bragging rights. Poughkeepsie residents look upon the "downstaters" of Newburg with a certain aplomb. Saratoga residents just snicker at both. Those residing in Champlain consider the entire 19,230,826 beings that don't live there "downstaters" since they would drive "down" (south) to visit any of them (if they could figure out a reason why they would want to).
Simple so far.....ah....but that Albany-Buffalo portion of the Thruway.....running basically due west from Albany - there's the rub.
It was so simple when the further you traveled away from NYC heading North the more "upstate" you were.
It's less clear though heading west.....yes, you're further away from NYC which ought to garner points in the "upstate" colum....but not really any further North ("up")....so does it really count?
Albany is 2 1/2 hours "upstate" (due North...no question)
Buffalo is another 5 hours due west but no further "up" (at least as far as the lines of latitude are concerned.
Ergo, Saratogians (3 hrs) would consider Buffalonians (7 1/2 hrs) downstaters.
Probably the reason so many people decide to live in the big Apple is that it's just SO much simpler.......all you have to remember is ANYBODY past Yankee Stadium is an "upstater".
Hope that helps clear it up for you <g>
