Cities, Towns, Villages, Hamlets and Postal Zones in New York State New York State is divided into counties. All counties are divided into cities, towns and Indian reservations. City A city is a unique governmental entity with its own special charter. Cities are not sub-divided, except into neighborhoods which are informal geographic areas. Town A town is a municipal corporation and encompasses all territory within the state except that within cities or Indian reservations.
Towns can be sub-divided into villages and hamlets.
Village A village is a general purpose municipal corporation formed voluntarily by the residents of an area in one or more towns to provide themselves with municipal services. The pattern of village organization is similar to those of a city. A village is divided into neighborhoods, which are informal geographic areas. A hamlet is divided into neighborhoods, which are informal geographic areas. Thus, postal zone location does not always determine city, village or hamlet location.