New York's Poorest, Most Forgotten Region: Upstate NY (#187)

Summary

The video script documents a journey through Upstate New York, revealing a stark contrast to New York City's bustling life. Abandoned factories, boarded-up storefronts, and a declining economy are juxtaposed with the state's natural beauty. The narrator, hailing from Long Island, encounters ghost towns and a changing landscape, highlighting the area's struggle with job loss and economic stagnation. The script also touches on the impact of universities and the challenges of revitalizing communities, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the region's future.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ The script describes a stark contrast between New York City and the rest of New York State, highlighting the economic decline and abandonment in Upstate New York.
• 🛍️ The narrator encounters numerous abandoned storefronts and factories, suggesting a loss of economic activity and jobs in areas like Amsterdam and Johnson City.
• 🏡 The video mentions the presence of affordable housing in Upstate New York, with prices significantly lower than in New York City, but notes the lack of job opportunities in the area.
• 🚜 The script portrays a rural aspect of New York State, with references to dairy farms, horse farms, and even a mention of a cow pasture, different from the urban image of New York City.
• 🏭 The decline of manufacturing is a recurring theme, with the disappearance of factories that once provided employment, such as the carpet and shoe factories.
• 🏛️ The narrator visits a church turned Buddhist temple, indicating cultural shifts and the repurposing of community spaces in response to demographic changes.
• 🏘️ The video describes the transformation of old factory buildings into apartments and university facilities, suggesting a shift towards a service and education-based economy.
• 📚 The presence of Binghamton University is noted as a source of revitalization in the area, with new students and faculty potentially driving local demand and economic activity.
• 🗺️ The script touches on the vastness and diversity of Upstate New York, with some areas showing signs of recovery and others still struggling with the effects of economic decline.
• 💸 The narrator expresses concern about the high cost of education and the burden of student debt, which may affect graduates' ability to contribute to the local economy.
• 🚍 The script ends with a reflection on the differences between New York City and the rest of the state, suggesting that they might be better served as separate entities due to their distinct economic and social profiles.

Q & A

What is the general perception of Detroit mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that the area being described looks like what the speaker imagines Detroit to look like, with abandoned storefronts, suggesting a perception of urban decay and abandonment.

How does the speaker describe their experience with the Empire State Building in New York?

The speaker humorously comments on the distance of the Empire State Building from their location, stating it's 'about 200 miles away' and that they are actually in New York State, not New York City.

What is the difference between New York City and the state of New York according to the script?

The script highlights that New York City and the state of New York are two different entities; one is a city known for its competitiveness and the other is a state with a more rural landscape and different economic conditions.

What is the speaker's impression of Upstate New York compared to West Virginia?

The speaker finds similarities between Upstate New York and West Virginia in terms of rural settings and economic challenges, but notes differences in the level of friendliness and trust among people.

What was Amsterdam, New York known for in the past?

Amsterdam, New York was known as a thriving factory town where carpets were manufactured, attracting a diverse mix of immigrants for work opportunities.

What is the current state of the housing market in Amsterdam, New York according to the script?

The script mentions that the average housing price in Amsterdam, New York is now $150,000, up from $50,000 five years ago, but questions the sustainability of these prices given the lack of jobs and people fleeing the area.

What is the significance of the change of a church into a Buddhist temple in the script?

The transformation of a church into a Buddhist temple signifies cultural and religious shifts in the area, as well as the adaptation and reuse of spaces in a changing community.

How does the speaker describe their experience at the Super 8 Motel in Upstate New York?

The speaker describes their stay at the Super 8 Motel as regrettable due to the poor condition of the room, the presence of homeless individuals, and the high cost relative to the quality of accommodation.

What is the speaker's opinion on the role of universities in revitalizing areas like Johnson City?

The speaker acknowledges that universities can play a role in revitalizing areas by buying up buildings and turning them into campuses or student apartments, but expresses concern about the high cost of education and its impact on students.

What is the historical significance of the IBM facility in Endicott, New York mentioned in the script?

The IBM facility in Endicott is considered the birthplace of IBM, where significant technological advancements such as the floppy disc and hard drive were invented, highlighting the area's past importance in the tech industry.

What conclusion does the speaker reach about New York City and the rest of New York State?

The speaker concludes that New York City and the rest of New York State should be considered separate entities due to their vastly different economic and social conditions, suggesting that this would be beneficial for tax purposes and governance.