Syracuse, New York

The Salt City

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Franklin Square (Downtown Syracuse)

Young Professionals, DINKs

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. The Onondaga Creekwalk trail winds through the neighborhood, connecting residents to the Destiny USA mall (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 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.

Westcott (in the city)

DINKs, Students

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, and the Petit Branch Library and its many events. For entertainment, residents enjoy The Westcott Theater’s live music shows, shopping for vintage clothing and accessories at boutiques like Boom Babies, 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.

Skaneateles (outside the city)

Families

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 is one of the top-rated in the area. Niche.com awards the city an “A” rating, 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.