New York City Elevation
As a New York City local, I get a lot of questions about the city's elevation. Most people realize it's right on the water because they see photos of the bridges and islands. In this post I explore the elevation facts of New York City. In short, New York City is perched just 33 feet above sea level. Yet this iconic metropolis blends towering skyscrapers with coastal landscapes, offering one of the most dynamic urban environments on Earth.
Table of Contents
Where is New York City?
- Location: Located in southeastern New York State, New York City rests at the mouth of the Hudson River along the Atlantic Coast.
City Profile
- Nicknames: Known as The Big Apple, The City That Never Sleeps, and Gotham.
- Fame: Globally renowned for its finance, media, fashion, culture, and landmarks.
- Population: Over 8.6 million residents in the city, with more than 20 million in the metro area.
- Size rank: The largest city in the United States, spanning more than 460 square miles.
Elevation Basics
- City elevation: New York City has a low elevation of just 33 feet (10 m) above sea level.
- State comparison: New York State’s mean elevation is 1,000 feet (300 m), placing NYC significantly below average.
- City founding: Originated as New Amsterdam, founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century.
- Name origin: Renamed New York after the Duke of York under English rule.
- Growth story: Evolved into a national and global center for commerce and immigration.
- Modern evolution: Today, NYC stands as the cultural and financial capital of the world.
Must-Know Elevation Facts
- Local contrast: Though home to high-rises, New York City’s natural elevation is minimal.
- Highest natural point: Todt Hill on Staten Island – 401 feet (122 m), highest point in the Atlantic coastal plain.
- Highest in state: Mount Marcy – 5,343 feet (1,629 m), located in the Adirondacks.
- Lowest point in state: The Atlantic Ocean – 0 feet (0 m)
- Other NY cities comparison:
64 feet (20 m)- Albany:
- Other NY cities comparison:
- Buffalo: 600 feet (183 m)
- Rochester: 505 feet (154 m)
Climate and Tourism
- Climate type: New York City has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons.
- Rainfall: Receives around 50 inches of precipitation annually, evenly spread throughout the year.
- Winter: Cold and damp, with snowfall common in December through February.
- Summer: Warm and humid, with July being the hottest month.
- Entertainment: A global hub for live shows, museums, concerts, and nightlife.
- Landmarks: Includes the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, and Empire State Building.
- Activities: Enjoy jogging, cycling, kayaking, or strolling the High Line, Brooklyn Bridge, or museums across all five boroughs.
Conclusion
Planning a trip to NYC? Join me as I explore the best Things to Do in Manhattan, NYC and Brooklyn.
Need a quick place to stay?
Check out the AAA Five Diamond Award Pierre, the 5-star Plaza hotel near Central park and the 5-star 1 Hotel in Brooklyn.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
