New York

Things to know...

Details that are different from state to state and may make your posting just a little bit easier!

• Weather & Natural Disasters

  New York’s weather varies widely, with hot, humid summers in the 80s and cold winters that often dip below freezing, bringing snow and icy conditions. The weather in Central New York is similar to that of south-eastern Ontario and Southern Quebec, while coastal areas, including New York City, are more prone to nor’easters and heavy rain. The state also sees occasional severe thunderstorms and flooding, particularly during hurricane season. It is not impossible, for a major storm to close schools and cause power outages.  

  For more in-depth information, check out ready.gov, a national campaign aimed at educating and empowering individuals to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergencies and disasters. 

• Neighbourhoods

  New York City 

  The United Nations Headquarters is in Midtown Manhattan and serves as the main headquarters of the United Nations, hosting diplomats and staff from around the world. Since the UN Headquarters are in Midtown Manhattan CAF families may search Midtown East and Upper East Side of Manhattan for housing options. Housing necessities depends on family dynamics and needs. For some finding appropriate parking places in NYC can be quite a challenge and it is best to confirm vehicle parking entitlements before choosing how many vehicles you will be transporting to your posting in NYC.  

  The upstate regions of NY State offer countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, rich history, and proximity to several major US cities. 

  Fort Drum 

  Fort Drum is a major U.S. Army installation located near Watertown, New York. The surrounding areas, including Watertown and Black River, offer a variety of housing options. 

  • Fort Drum Spouses and dependents with valid DoD identification cards have access to Fort Drum. Fort Drum provides a variety of amenities, including a commissary, exchange system, fitness center, library, arts and crafts center, bowling alley, tennis and basketball courts, and a non-denominational chapel. 

   

  Rome (EADS) 

  The City of Rome, also known as the Copper City, is in upstate New York, in the Mohawk Valley, near the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Rome offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Other CAF families are well spread out, some living in Whitesboro, New Hartford, and Utica. 
   

  Local realtors have recommended checking out AreaVibes as a starting point for finding your ideal area.
  
  "AreaVibes Livability Score was designed to help you find the best places to live in the USA and Canada. It is created using a unique algorithm that takes into account dozens of characteristics in 9 different categories including nearby amenities, commute, cost of living, crime rates, employment, health & safety, schools, housing, and user ratings. The Livability Score is then calculated out of 100 for city, neighborhood, or address."
• Base Information & Resources

  For more detailed information about each base, including contact information and specific services offered, you can visit Military One Source and select your state followed by your installation or click the links below. 

  Spouses and dependents with valid Department of Defense (DoD) identification cards have access to these bases 

  Eastern Air Defence Sector (EADS). EADS is a military installation located at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome, New York. EADS has approximately 400 full- and part-time military and civilian personnel. This includes a Canadian Forces detachment and Army, Navy and Federal Aviation Administration liaison officers. These personnel work side-by-side with the 224th ADG and are fully integrated into every aspect of the unit. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have been contributing to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) mission at the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) in Rome alongside the New York Air National Guard. Once part of the former Griffiss Air Force Base, this area has transitioned into a hub for technology and defense operations. It is home to several defense-related contractors and government agencies, including the EADS operations. 

  There isn't a base or military installation for those posted to the Eastern Air Defense Sector (EADS) but there is access to the Defense Finance & Accounting Services Building (DFAS, Building 1) where you will find the following resources and services: 

  • The Colosseum (Gym) 

  • Post Office 

  • Maple Leaf Conference Centre 

  • Canadian Military Family Centre 

  • The Beaver Den Mess (Canadian Mess) 

  • Ted's Café 

• On-Base Medical Treatment Facilities

  There is no on-base Medical Treatment Facility at EADS in Rome, NY 

  Fort Drum, located in upstate New York, provides comprehensive medical services through its Guthrie Ambulatory Health Care Clinic 

  Eligible dependants access health care through the TRICARE network of civilian providers. To find applicable healthcare providers, use the Provider search function on the Tricare website by visiting > Tricare Website and click on “Find a doctor” 

  Tricare Prime Remote 

  A TRICARE program for active-duty service members who work greater than 50 miles away from an MTF - Foreign Military are not eligible for this program. However, an exception has been made for CAF members stationed to Rome, NY. This plan is administered by TRICARE and allows members to access primary care off-base without a referral when the closest MTF is deemed too far from the member’s post.  Members must use a provider who is registered to the TRICARE Network (TRICARE Network Provider). 

  For CAF members without a CAC card or MTF access, you will generally be expected to get your care on the economy. However, you need to first obtain approval from the CAFMLO to access civilian resources, pay out of pocket, and then claim medical expenses through HS Det Washington, DC. Remember, as a CAF member, you do NOT have access to the PSHCP for your health needs. 

• Getting Around

  New York City: Getting around New York City is a mix of public transit and car-dependency, with the city's extensive subway, bus, and commuter rail networks offering the most efficient way to navigate. The MTA subway and bus systems are the most convenient options for getting around the boroughs, and the PATH train connects Manhattan to nearby New Jersey. Traffic can be heavy, especially in Manhattan, and parking is limited and expensive. For those who need to travel to surrounding areas like JFK or LaGuardia airports, or to Long Island, rental cars and taxis are options, though public transit is often faster. 

  Fort Drum, Rome, Rochester (Upstate New York): Getting around in upstate New York is mostly car-dependent, as public transportation options are limited. Rochester offers more public transit options through the Rochester-Genesee Regional Transit Authority (RGRTA), with bus routes covering the city, though many still rely on cars for convenience and flexibility. 

• Critters & Wildlife
  New York is home to wildlife such as venomous snakes like the Eastern Timber rattlesnake and the copperhead, as well as ticks that can carry Lyme disease, particularly in wooded and grassy areas. The state also has insects like mosquitoes, ants, and occasional encounters with black bears, especially in more rural or forested regions. Compared to Canada, New York has a wider variety of insects and reptiles due to its temperate climate, so routine pest control is recommended to manage ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests during the warmer months. 
• Education & Employment

  NYC: French American School of New York 

  French American Academy 
  International bilingual school in Jersey City offering a French-English curriculum with emphasis on global perspective and cultural awareness. Families should note it is ~60 miles from Moorestown, making daily commuting a consideration. 
  209 Third Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302 
  (201) 338-8320 
  Website: faacademy.org/

  UN International School 

  British International School (French Courses)  

  Rome: The Griffiss Institute and local employment agencies offer job search assistance and career development services for military spouses 

  It is highly recommended that you utilize your installation’s School Liaison Officer, who is available to offer valuable information on local school districts, serve as a bridge between the military community and school administrators, and provide expert consultation on educational matters.  

  To find the most updated contact information for a School Liaison Program visit Military One Source Program and Services Contacts and select School Liaison Program and your location. 

• Child Care

  Child Development Centers 

  Child Development Centers (CDCs) generally offer childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Care is available Monday through Friday, with some locations offering options such as extended hours, weekend care, and respite care. Child Development Centers vary in size, and larger installations may operate multiple facilities. Programs are certified by the Department of Defense and accredited by a national accrediting body, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children. 

  For a full list of military-operated childcare programs, including Child Development Centers, childcare programs, before- and after-school care, as well as summer and holiday camps, visit MilitaryChildCare.com. There, you can enter your location or military installation to find a comprehensive list of childcare programs, as well as submit requests for care through Child Development Centers, school-age care programs, and DOD-certified Family Child Care providers. 

  Additional Child and Development Resources 

  Visit our Family Care webpage, where you’ll find parenting and advocacy programs, development resources, toolkits, and more. 

• Automobile Registration, Plates & Licenses
  The New York Department of Motor Vehicles provides information on transferring out-of-state titles and licenses. Home | NY DMV