The population of the Northeast is most concentrated in urban centers, where major cities offer economic and cultural opportunities.

With the majority of the people living in big cities and metropolitan areas, the Northeastern part of the United States is heavily urbanized. Millions of people live in cities like New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, which are centers of culture, education, and economic activity. These metropolitan areas are the main drivers of the region's population expansion since they provide a wide range of housing, employment opportunities, and amenities. The urban attraction is further enhanced by the large concentration of industries, such as technology, healthcare, and finance. Because of this, most people in the Northeast reside in cities rather than in rural areas or national parks.