Lloyd; I find it interesting that no New Yorkers have yet taken up the discussion..
In any case, the description is still "up in the air".. I tend to think "Upstate" is any part of the state north and west of metropolitan NY City.
https://www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley/travel/article/where-does-upstate-new-york-begin-17459400.php There are aboutv 9 recognized specific areas., which are recognized by their unique geography. Not unique in this, since most states have varying geography and population density. For example..ANYONE should be aware that detroit and environs, bear no relationship to the UP..or to the
farm contry of Michigan.
NY State is quite varied, including thes unofficial districts..Capital, Mohawk Valley, Soputhern Tier (my area), Adirondack, Finger Lakes, North Country, Central (Leatherstocking), Long Island, Hudson Valley, and of course, that city..