I live in NY and can't buy any crypto there are no atms (all shutdown) all exchanges block me the only way I can think is by person but that's kinda risky unless I know them irl. Any suggestions?
You can try exchanges like Gemini, and Coinbase to purchase Bitcoin in New York city. I'm not sure about other crypto-exchanges, but you can at least purchase Bitcoin by using those two exchanges, and I'm sure that falls into category of legal actions. They are available for the residents of the New York city and anyone could purchase crypto-currencies from those exchanges.
If you're unable to access those exchanges then you should contact your internet service provider and ask them the reason that why you aren't able t access those exchanges even these two are legally selling crypto-currencies in the city and have proper licenses to work in that particular region.
You should also elaborate that what problems are you facing while visiting those exchanges? Once we know your problems then we will try our best to help you. I recommend you to try those exchanges first and if they don't work for you then you should let me and others know so that we could help you as much as we possibly can.