Why does my MacBook think I'm in New York?

Can depend on your ISP. Many DNS are set automatically by your ISP. Satellite connection seems especially vulnerable to to the point location problems

Test your DNS server using Network Utility on Mac - Apple Support

You can log into your router and see the DNS settings and IP address.

You can use a Network tool like SpeedGuide.net :: Broadband Tweaks, Tools and Info entering your IP address for more info and map.

Notes:

Computers connected to a network are assigned a unique number known as Internet Protocol (IP) Address.

IP (version 4) addresses consist of four numbers in the range 0-255 separated by periods (i.e. 127.0.0.1).

A computer may have either a permanent (static) IP address, or one that is dynamically assigned/leased to it.

Most IP addresses can be mapped to host/domain names (i.e. www.speedguide.net).

Resolution between domain names and IP addresses is handled by Domain Name Servers (DNS).

Yeah - that happens. Whenever I need to do the two-factor authentication it comes up as coming from a city 6 miles from where I live. And the automatic guesses of my location for retail websites are often pointing to a place 25 miles away. As Limnos said, it's really dependent on your internet connection and where those servers are located. I've used public/hotel WiFi or wired internet, and various tools such as Speedtest.net say that my location can be in another part of the country because it's being routed through a corporate server.

Here's a tool that will show you your IP address and the service provider. It should also give an approximate location that's assigned to the IP number.

What Is My IP? Shows your real IP - IPv4 - IPv6 - WhatIsMyIP.com®

The large national service providers have IP addresses for thousands of different locations.

It uses your wi-fi connection as location information and your service provider may have corporate headquarters in NY.