Final answer:
NYC residents typically define Upstate New York as the area north of New York City excluding Long Island, with no strict boundaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term Upstate New York is used by NYC residents to refer to the geographical area that excludes New York City and Long Island, and often includes the regions of Westchester, Rockland, and Putnam counties. However, there's no precise boundary for Upstate New York, as its definition can vary depending on who you ask. People commonly consider areas north of New York City to be Upstate, which includes cities such as Albany, Syracuse, and Buffalo.