New York, city (1990 pop. 7,322,564), land area 309 sq mi (801 sq km), SE N.Y., largest city in the United States and one of the largest in the world, on New York Bay at the mouth of the Hudson River. It comprises five boroughs, each coextensive with a county: Manhattan (New York co.), the heart of the city, an island; the Bronx (Bronx co.), on the mainland, NE of Manhattan and separated from it by the Harlem River; Queens (Queens co.), on Long Island, E of Manhattan across the East River; Brooklyn (Kings co.), also on Long Island, on the East River adjoining Queens and on New York Bay; and Staten Island (Richmond co.), on Staten Island, SW of Manhattan and separated from it by the Upper Bay. The metropolitan area (1990 est. pop. 18,087,000) encompasses parts of SE New York state, NE New Jersey, and SW Connecticut. The port of New York (which is now centered on the New Jersey side of the Hudson River) remains one of the world's leading ports. New York was active in the colonial opposition to British measures after trouble in 1765 over the Stamp Act. As revolutionary sentiments increased, the New York Sons of Liberty forced (1775) Gov. William Tryon and the British colonial government from the city. Although many New Yorkers were Loyalists, Continental forces commanded by George Washington tried to defend the city. After the patriot defeat in the battle of Long Island (see Long Island, battle of) and the succeeding actions at Harlem Heights and White Plains, Washington gave up New York, and the British occupied the city until the end of the war for independence. Under the British occupation two mysterious fires (1776 and 1778) destroyed a large part of the city. After the Revolution New York was briefly (1785–90) the first capital of the United States and was the state capital until 1797. President Washington was inaugurated (Apr. 30, 1789) at Federal Hall. New development was marked by such events as the founding (1784) of the Bank of New York under Alexander Hamilton and the beginning of the stock exchange around 1790. By 1790 New York was the largest city in the United States, with over 33,000 inhabitants; by 1800 the number had risen to 60,515. In 1811 plans were adopted for the laying out of most of Manhattan on a grid pattern. The opening of the Erie Canal (1825), ardently supported by former Mayor De Witt Clinton, made New York City the seaboard gateway for the Great Lakes region, ushering in another era of commercial expansion. The New York and Harlem RR was built in 1832. In 1834 the mayor of New York became an elective office. In the next year a massive fire destroyed much of Lower Manhattan, but it brought about new building laws and the construction of the Croton water system.

Manufacturing accounts for a large but declining share of employment which include garments, chemicals, processed foods, and furniture. New York City has a vibrant economy and is often called the media capital of the world with more than 200 newspapers and 350 consumer magazines. It is also home to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. The New York Stock Exchange is the largest stock exchange by dollar volume in the world and the NASDAQ is the largest by number of listings. New York City is the national headquarters of the four major American broadcast television networks, ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Affordability of apartments for rent depends on the proximity to New York City which has the highest housing costs.

New York, known as the Empire State, has been at the center of American politics, finance, industry, transportation and culture since its creation by the Dutch in the 17th century. The northern upstate area consists of a handful of small and medium-sized cities, with vast rural areas. The Catskill Mountains and the Adirondack Mountains are located in New York as well as many rivers and lakes. New York City is the largest city in the United States and consists of The Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island. New York City is host of the United Nations and also home to 105 consulates. New York City has been a major point of entry for immigrants and some estimate that as many as one out of every four Americans trace their ancestry roots back to New York City. New York City attracts people from all over the world who come for the economic opportunity, culture and cosmopolitan lifestyle. For those looking for apartments to rent in New York City expect to pay premium prices.

Millions of visitors from around the world are attracted to New York each year. The Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, the Baseball Hall of Fame, the United Nations, Broadway productions, many world famous museums, and parks are popular destinations. New York is home to major league sports teams such as the New York Yankees, the Mets, Giants, Jets, and Buffalo Bills. To enjoy all that New York has to offer look into renting an apartment.

Education in New York is provided by a vast number of public and private institutions. New York has the most post-graduate life sciences degrees awarded annually in the United States. Syracuse University has an impressive permanent art collection of over 45,000 objects from such famous artists as Picasso and Rembrandt. United States Military Academy, also known as West Point, is a United States Army fort and oldest military academy in the United States. Students are referred to as cadets. It is one of the largest school campuses in the world. Vassar College is a well known coeducational liberal arts college. The Juilliard School is recognized as one of the best performing arts conservatories in the world. Columbia University and Cornell University are memebers of the Ivy League. Take advantage of one of the colleges or universities that New York offers and look into renting an apartment.