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LIFE IN SYRACUSE, NY

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If you are thinking about relocating to Syracuse then you are probably already aware of its long winters and love for college basketball. As the fifth most populous city in the state of New York, Syracuse will certainly offer you more than you bargained for. Located in the central part of the state, Syracuse is only a four-hour drive to New York City and an hour and a half drive away from Rochester. Considered to be one of the best places to live in New York State, the city of Syracuse is most famous for its snowfall, affordability, high quality of life, and lower crime rates.

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Nicknamed “Salt City,” due to its many salt springs that were located near the southern side of Onondaga Lake, Syracuse today provides the perfect balanced mix of urban and suburban living to its residents. Not to mention, the abundance of safe and sought-after neighborhoods in the area is attracting young professionals and families to the city. In fact, Syracuse was rated as one of the top places in the nation to raise a family. Since moving to Syracuse is such a big decision, this moving guide was created to help you learn more about the city. By providing you with the pros and cons of Syracuse as well as highlighting any cool places to visit, you will be able to figure out whether or not if Syracuse is for you. 

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Cost of Living

The cost of living in Syracuse is well below the national average and more affordable than similar metropolitan areas in the United States. In fact, the cost of living in Syracuse is 42.8% lower than the cost of living in New York City. Due to this affordability, Syracuse has become a hotspot for families and retirees. In order to maintain a comfortable standard of living, the recommended annual salary should be at least $34,301. Unfortunately, even though the city may be affordable, 31% of residents are living in poverty or are struggling to land a job. The property taxes, sales taxes, and income tax rates are also higher than the national average.

Job Market

The job market in Syracuse has made it to the middle of a list of the hottest job markets in the country. Sadly, after the onslaught of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Syracuse and the rest of New York State took a major economic hit due to business closures and restrictions. With a current unemployment rate of 5.4%, Syracuse has been slow to recover. Luckily, there are plenty of job opportunities available for those that are looking in the right places. As of right now, the healthcare, service, engineering, technology, and education sectors are employing the most residents.

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While the market may be tough, succeeding in Syracuse is not as competitive as living in New York City or other large areas. The biggest employers in Syracuse right now are Amazon, Upstate University Health System, Syracuse University, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, and Wegmans. As long as you are looking in the right places, it is possible to find a great job easily when living in Syracuse. With that being said, it might be a good idea to ensure that you have a job before moving to the area.

Weather

Known for its humid continental climate and high snowfall, Syracuse has warm and partly cloudy summers alongside freezing and snowy winters. Receiving more than 120 inches of snow per year, Syracuse gets more snow than any other large city in the United States on average. The residents are so sick of snow that snowfall was actually officially outlawed in 1992 which has become a running joke among the locals.

So why does it snow so much? Due to its location near the Great Lakes and the Adirondack Mountains, Syracuse is no stranger to receiving more than 10 feet of snow annually. These long winters and cold temperatures generally start at the end of October and last until the beginning of March. The coldest and least comfortable months of the year are in January and February where the average low temperature is 15 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are going to move to Syracuse then it is important to know how to drive in snow and to weatherize your car beforehand. Keep in mind that a heavy-duty snowbrush and snow shovel can go a long way.

Culture

Even though Syracuse is such a big city, residents find ways to celebrate its history and culture in order to stay connected with the community. Since Syracuse appeals to all interests and cultural backgrounds, residents value the importance of the cities many museums, galleries, and performing arts venues. Whether you love listening to the local opera, attending a sporting event, or discovering a new artist at a local gallery, there are many ways to make this big city feel just a little bit smaller.

 

Check out these cultural experiences in Syracuse, NY:

  • The Everson Museum of Art: Found in downtown Syracuse, this art museum focuses on American art and features over 10,000 pieces of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and graphics. 

  • Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology: With over 35,000 square feet of exhibits, an IMAX theatre, and a planetarium, this is a must-visit for families and kids of all ages. 

  • Syracuse University Art Museum: Located at Syracuse University, this art museum is open to the general public and is a cool place to view American art through beautiful exhibitions. 

  • Syracuse Opera: This opera was founded in 1974 and performs at The Oncenter Civic Center Theatres. This is the only year-round professional opera company in all of central New York. 

  • Erie Canal Museum: Founded in 1962, this historical museum is dedicated to the foundation of the Erie Canal and the history of the city of Syracuse. Make sure to take a tour and admire the many original artifacts on display.

Education

It's no secret that Syracuse values a good education. Since it is home to many top-rated colleges and universities, Syracuse has become a leader in academic excellence. Thanks to its wide range of state, public and private institutions, Syracuse is a desirable location for students looking to excel and succeed. No matter what path you may want to take after high school, Syracuse is a great place to explore higher education opportunities. Not to mention, in-state tuition can come in handy when applying to the top-rated schools that are available in the city.

 

Plus, for families moving with school-aged children, the public school systems in Syracuse are some of the best in the country and can set up your children for a bright future. 

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The top colleges and universities in Syracuse include: 

Food

The local restaurant scene is seriously something to talk about. From five-star restaurants to cozy cafes, Syracuse has a wide variety of dining options to choose from. The restaurant Pastabilities in town was even featured in the popular Food Network show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” with Guy Fieri.

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Make sure to check out these restaurants in Syracuse, NY!

Parks + Rec

Syracuse is home to over 900,000 tree varieties and is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural wonders that central New York has to offer. Just steps away from the hustle and bustle of city life lie beautiful outdoor spaces, hiking trails, parks, and walking paths.

Make sure to check out these outdoor spots in Syracuse, NY:

  • Highland Forest: This stunning forest features over 20 miles of hiking trails and is a cool place to walk the dog or go horseback riding. 

  • Green Lakes State Park: Featuring two lakes, an 18 hole golf course, and 15 miles of hiking trails. 

  • The Onondaga Creekwalk: This hiking path next to the Onondaga Creek is 2.6 miles long and runs through downtown Syracuse. 

  • Tinker Falls: Located just south of Syracuse in the Labrador Hollow State Preserve is this 80-foot tall waterfall. Requiring just a short hike to the water, Tinker Falls is considered to be the most picturesque waterfall in Central New York.

  • Onondaga Lake Park: Featuring a 7.5-mile long greenway and is the home to The Salt Museum.

  • Rosamond Gifford Zoo:  A great place to bring the kids and learn about animal conservation. There are more than 700 animals on 43 acres to learn about and discover. 

  • Clinton Square: Located downtown, this square has plenty of local shops and is a gathering place for local events and festivals. There is even a skating rink during the winter. 

  • Thornden Park Amphitheatre: Have a picnic, watch Shakespeare in the park, or listen to local bands perform at this popular amphitheater.

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