I think it’s one of the great untapped regions of America, and all signs are pointing towards it booming in the future.
Proximity to major markets: excellent access to NYC, Boston, Buffalo, Philadelphia markets and more
Weather: bad, but improving with global warming and minimally negatively impacted (drought resistant, no coasts to flood)
Outdoors: Adirondacks, finger lakes, tons of gorges and waterfalls and such
Education: tons of colleges (Cornell, Colgate, SUNY, Ithaca, Hamilton, Syracuse)