Syracuse has seen its fair share of tough breaks. In 1855, the establishment of the Erie Canal unleashed a river of possibilities for the small city. Trade became exponentially easier, and Syracuse earned its nickname “The Salt City.” It’s hard to believe that at one time, all salt consumed in the U.S. originated here, but it’s true. This monopoly was short-lived, however. The invention of the refrigerator in 1913 ultimately decimated the salt industry, leaving Syracuse in a precarious position economically. Other industries came to town but left again by the 1960s or so. Massive layoffs led to mass migration to other cities for work, dwindling the city’s population to the rough 140,000 it is today – almost 100,000 fewer than it was in its prime.

Why are we telling you this? Because, if it's fair to say, yesterday’s sorrows are today’s possibilities. Today the city is experiencing an uptick in population size and economic growth, buoyed in part by the city’s namesake university, Syracuse University. The city’s difficult economic past translates to a current cost of living that is markedly more affordable than other U.S. cities of its size. Somewhat mitigated by the area’s higher taxes and utility costs, you can live a relatively comfortable life on a lower income than you’d think coming from other parts of the state or country.


You’ll Love the Cost of Living

 The Best Thing About Syracuse?

Here’s the truth: [**crime in Syracuse**](https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/syracuse-onondaga-ny/crime-safety/) is above the national average. The city’s history of economic troubles is still felt today in the form of below-average wages and above-average unemployment rates. We aren’t saying this is the cause, but there’s certainly a correlation. Like all cities, you can expect a patchwork of safe pockets and rougher parts. It is noteworthy, however, that despite Niche.com’s “D+” crime rating, the majority of residents polled by the site said “they feel safe in this area” and that “law enforcement is effective and visible here.” This issue of reputation outpacing the feelings of locals is true for many cities in the U.S. 

What is not a reputation issue is the snow and its impact on the roads in Syracuse. On average, the city gets about 130 inches per year. You may not know this, but snow = potholes. When driving within the city or on the major freeways like 81 or 695, expect to experience that gut-wrenching sound of a pothole taking a year or two off your tire. It’s a well-known issue and the government has had plans “in motion” for years to fix it, but unfortunately, many residents are still having to white knuckle their steering wheels on the way to the grocery store.


A Reputation for Crime & for Real Snow

The Worst Thing About Syracuse?

If you’ve heard of Syracuse, we bet it's because of the city’s namesake university. More than 22,000 students call the Syracuse University campus home each year. On the weekends, you can expect to see them enjoying “the ‘cuse’s” surprisingly good (for its size) scene of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. But the real excitement in Syracuse is the sports culture. 

Syracuse University is most celebrated for its football, basketball, and lacrosse teams, known as the Syracuse Orange (yes, we love that their mascot is an orange too). The school’s athletics in addition to the city’s other DI college, professional baseball team, and professional hockey team means there’s excitement for sports fans year ‘round. 

If team sports aren’t your thing, maybe you’ll love the nightlife and events that Syracuse provides. Locals like to gather at some of the historic squares, like the red-bricked [**Armory Square**](https://www.visitsyracuse.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods-towns/armory-square/), to drink, enjoy live music and get a bite to eat. You might be surprised to find two nationally recognized food spots in a small city like Syracuse, but they’re here. First, chomp down on the best burger in New York State at Ale ‘n’ Angus http://alenanguspub.com/. Next, head over to [**Pastabilities**](http://www.pastabilities.com/) and order the infamous “wicky-wicky chicken riggies.” The dish is native to nearby Utica and frankly, you haven’t experienced Syracuse until you’ve tried it. 

When the snow melts and the overcast winter clears, residents can finally trade in their vitamin D supplements for the real thing. Within a couple hours, you can get to some famous outdoorsy places like the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, Thousand Islands, Catskills, and Poconos. As for other cities, you’ve got Rochester 1.5 hours away, Albany 2.5 hours away, and NYC 4.5 hours away with good traffic. 


Go Team!

Lifestyle of Syracuse

Technically, a “C+” is a passing grade, right? Unfortunately, when your kid comes home with one on their report card, you don’t really see it that way. The same can be said when families moving to Syracuse see SCSD’s “C+” rating on [**Niche.com**](https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/syracuse-onondaga-ny/). The school district has lower test scores and graduation rates than families would like, but these data points don’t paint the full picture. First, there are a handful of schools that stand out more positively in the city’s mixed bag of public offerings. They include [**Nottingham High School**](https://www.syracusecityschools.com/nottingham), [**Corcoran High School**](https://corcoranhs.corcoranunified.com/) and [**Syracuse Central**](https://www.esmschools.org/chs). Next, many families choose to send their kids to SCSD schools with the philosophy that parental involvement impacts a child’s academic success more than a school’s ratings. 

If you want to send your child to public school and have the flexibility to live beyond city limits, you could consider the better-regarded districts of Skaneateles, East Syracuse Minoa, West Hill, West Genesee, Jamesville-Dewitt and Fayetteville-Manlius. Don’t make that decision though without first considering that all graduates of Syracuse City School District have the unique opportunity to apply for college scholarships through the “Say Yes Syracuse” program. 

If you have the means, there are several highly rated private schools in the area. You can look at [**Manlius Pebble Hill School**](https://www.niche.com/k12/manlius-pebble-hill-school-syracuse-ny/) (PK-12), or one of the many religiously-oriented offerings like [**Christian Brothers Academy**](https://www.cbasyracuse.org/) (7-12) or [**Bishop Ludden Junior/Senior High School**](https://www.bishopludden.org/) (7-12). 


A Passing Grade

Schools in Syracuse

After decades of high unemployment and economic stagnation, Syracuse is seeing growth in the right direction. Its unbelievably good cost of living might just be the right opportunity for the right person or family. Like with any move, it’s important to consider where a city is going as much, if not more than, where it’s been. 


Brighter Days Ahead

Why You Should Move Here Now

Franklin Square – like other squares in downtown Syracuse – provides residents easy access to quality amenities set before the backdrop of charming and historic brick buildings. The area hosts businesses, apartments, coffee shops, restaurants, and Franklin Square Park – a popular site for wedding photographers because of its signature fountain. 

Within easy walking distance are a climbing gym, schools, and [**St. Joseph’s Hospital**](https://www.sjhsyr.org/). The Onondaga Creekwalk trail winds through the neighborhood, connecting residents to the [**Destiny USA mall**](https://www.destinyusa.com/) (the 6th largest mall in the nation) as well as downtown’s array of restaurants, bars, and shops. 

On their way to work, the typical Franklin Square resident might grab a cup of coffee from [**Freedom of Espresso**](https://www.freedomofespresso.biz/) within the O.M. Edwards building, a twentieth-century manufacturing plant that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. If this sounds like your vibe, also check out apartments on or near Hanover Square, Armory Square, Clinton Square, and Columbus Circle. One-bedroom apartments in these areas are typically between $1,600 and $3,000. 


Young Professionals, DINKs

Franklin Square (Downtown Syracuse)

Wescott is home to locals, SU students, and faculty residents. Still within the city limits, you can enjoy easy access to an eclectic mix of restaurants, shops, bakeries, and bars. There’s plenty to do, even for families. Explore the 76-acre Thornden Park complete with a rose garden, pond, outdoor swimming pool, playground, athletic facilities, and beautiful network of relaxing trails. 

The sense of community in Wescott is accentuated by the community-owned grocery store, [**Syracuse Cooperative Market**](https://syracuse.coop/), and the [**Petit Branch Library**](https://www.onlib.org/locations/city-libraries/petit-branch-library) and its many events. For entertainment, residents enjoy [**The Westcott Theater’s**](https://thewestcotttheater.com/) live music shows, shopping for vintage clothing and accessories at boutiques like [**Boom Babies**](https://www.boombabies.biz/), and tasty dining options like the ever-evolving menu and wine options. As for living expenses, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 for a rental in this area.


DINKs, Students

Westcott (in the city)

A thirty-minute drive southwest of Syracuse you’ll discover the beautiful and luxurious gem of the Finger Lakes region, the village of Skaneateles. A popular place for tourists, there is also a vibrant residential and business community. Set on the edge of Skaneateles Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the country, this neighborhood offers residents an indulgent lifestyle complete with nice restaurants, specialty shops, outdoor recreation opportunities, and more expanding outward from a historic downtown. 

The reason we say this is a good place for families is the [**Skaneateles School District**](https://www.skanschools.org/)  is one of the top-rated in the area. Niche.com awards the city an [**“A” rating**](https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/skaneateles-onondaga-ny/), with the one major complaint being that the area lacks diversity. Being a desirable area, housing is competitive and limited. You might find a 1 bedroom condo for $345,000, or a historic 3 bedroom condo right on the lake for close to $2 million. 


Families

Skaneateles (outside the city)

Syracuse

**Would you recommend moving to Syracuse?**

2y ago
If you don’t mind living in a midsized city with midsized amenities go for it.

Syracuse has more than enough dining and entertainment to keep most people occupied.

Downtown is pretty nice and there’s a few other good city neighborhoods.

Parts of the city is like a college town and it’s still affordable. The city is slowly coming around.

Also, while crime rates are high, you’ll probably laugh at what’s considered a dangerous area if you’re from a larger city with actual crime.

Suburbs are suburbs, bland and boring with great schools.

Best part is that you’re close to the Andirondacks for skiing and hiking, the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario. If you’re into bikepacking, the new Empire Trail is becoming one of the most popular in the nation. If you’re into hiking, there’s the Finger Lakes trail which is part of the 6,000 mile North Country trail which is one of the 11 National Scenic Trails.

Obviously, you’ll probably find yourself in Buffalo, Albany or Rochester on occasion for additional entertainment, dining and nightlife options. Chances are your favorite bands will visit one of these cities.

**What is living in Syracuse like?**

2y ago
Without going down the rabbit hole of reading every single other comment, since I should be working right now...

I moved to Syracuse (the city) a year and a half ago. Most recently lived in Boston (where I grew up) and previously in NYC. I think some people are surprised to hear when I say that I love it here. It's not perfect, but nowhere is.

I'm not going to waste time sharing any negatives, because you'll undoubtedly get plenty of that on here (why do people who live in Syracuse and hate it spend so much time on the Syracuse subreddit? Beats me), and I honestly don't have that many that will really and truly affect *your* life personally. My positives instead, semi-curated to the things you've mentioned in your post:

low cost of living

tons of breweries, plenty of good restaurants

easy access to the great outdoors (hiking, biking, skiing, sipping wine on a vineyard)

inspiring amounts of small/young/minority-owned businesses making an impact on the city, and new ones opening all the time

generally good people (I was surprised by the friendliness of most people here when I first arrived)

tons of local events

decent amount of minor league sports teams (crunch for hockey, games are right downtown)

there's literally no traffic

fun fact: syracuse/cny are part of the 'hobby belt' aka a place where people have enough disposable income to really have and participate in hobbies. there are tons of things to get involved with and you'll definitely be able to meet people that way!

awesome parks

proximity to hospitals/healthcare

I hope some of that is helpful! As a New Englander, a few other small/mid-sized cities for you, that I'm not sure are great fits but maybe worth looking into: Portland, ME / Providence, RI / Worcester, MA. The only negative I'll add for Syracuse, is that I personally don't find it super central, as someone who frequently makes the 4.5-5 hr trip between Boston and Syracuse, and feels pretty far from much of New England now.

If you choose Syracuse and are looking to connect with people, feel free to reach out!! Good luck on making this exciting decision! I'm sure you'll end up wherever you're meant to be! :)

**Living in Syracuse?
Hi, I was wondering what living in Syracuse is like for a 26-year-old? I would be moving from Louisiana for a job at the University. I am a male. I enjoy hiking, sports, canoeing, chess, billiards, drinking with friends, meeting new people, and going new places.
What is the cost of living like? Would I be able to afford a one-bedroom apartment with a $45,000/yr salary?**

2y ago
You'll love it, the cold takes some getting used to but we're getting into the nice months now and won't start to really cool down again until mid to late fall. Depending on what you're looking for living in the city can be a fun time, or you can find a bit of a quieter more relaxing vibe in the suburbs. There's not many places in the county that will take you more than 20-30 minutes to get to. Lafayette and Tully are south of the city and have a bit more country vibe. $45k will be more than enough to live comfortably as a single person in their 20s. There's tons of lakes and rivers and different types of hyking all over the place. Great fishing as well! Won't find any boudin up here tho 😉.

Syracuse, New York