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.

Side note: 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 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.

You’ll Love the Cost of Living

LookyLOO Reviews of 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 ‘case’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 of 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. 

We highly recommend visiting Syracuse and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for living among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our [partnership with Expedia](https://expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ) as well.


Go Team!

Lifestyle 

Technically, a “C+” is a passing grade, right? Unfortunately, when your kid comes home with one on their report card, you don’t 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 

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

**baconring**
9mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I don't live directly next to Syracuse, I love 30 minutes north but I am constantly there for work. It's not bad really at all. There's tons of outdoor activities, within 30 minutes of the city. Good food. Mountains am hour away. The finger lakes wine region which is right up there with their quality with Europe and California. Lake Ontario, science museums, live music constantly. And the amount of upgrading the city continues all the time. A 200 million dollar upgrade of route 81 is in the process right now that will create a better city. The state fair is massive. One of the biggest in the u.s. there's something for everyone. It's not super expensive. We also have a huge microchip factory coming. The whole rust belt in ny is about to not be the rust belt. It's about to be shined back to a beautiful sheen. Have loved her my 50 years of life and continue to find new things to do. Winters aren't that bad anymore and I love in the snow belt. I shoveled my driveway 4 time's last winter.

For more reviews of what living in Syracuse is like from locals, check out [The Reviews](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/syracuse/reviews).

Reviews of Syracuse from Locals

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

**baconring**
9mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I don't live directly next to Syracuse, I love 30 minutes north but I am constantly there for work. It's not bad really at all. There's tons of outdoor activities, within 30 minutes of the city. Good food. Mountains am hour away. The finger lakes wine region which is right up there with their quality with Europe and California. Lake Ontario, science museums, live music constantly. And the amount of upgrading the city continues all the time. A 200 million dollar upgrade of route 81 is in the process right now that will create a better city. The state fair is massive. One of the biggest in the u.s. there's something for everyone. It's not super expensive. We also have a huge microchip factory coming. The whole rust belt in ny is about to not be the rust belt. It's about to be shined back to a beautiful sheen. Have loved her my 50 years of life and continue to find new things to do. Winters aren't that bad anymore and I love in the snow belt. I shoveled my driveway 4 time's last winter.

**boston_bat**
9mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

It’s genuinely nice. A lot of great food, bars, and breweries. SU and Syracuse Mets games are fun (they’ve done an amazing job with that park compared to what it was 10-15 years ago). Tons of parks and outdoor stuff to do. The amphitheater brings in a lot of great concerts. The State Fair is always a blast. People rail on the mall, but it does have a fair amount of good shopping, and a lot of entertainment options. And super easy access to Skaneatles, the Adirondacks, Oneida Lake, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and so much more.

There’s a lot of in between the lines stuff like schools, politics, taxes, nuances between different areas of the city and surrounding suburbs, etc. to consider too, but those are such individualized experiences and people’s thoughts will vary.

I grew up an hour away but was there a lot as a kid and teenager, worked and lived there for years, still have family there, my wife is from there and her family still lives there, still have a ton of friends there, etc. I still spend probably 1-2 months a year there cumulatively, and during Covid it was easily 3-6. If I wasn’t someone who prefers major cities, I’d probably still live there.

**Carthonn**
9mo ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I’ve lived in the area and worked in Syracuse for about 10 years. I absolutely love it. The food, outdoor activities and live music opportunities are really great. There are so many day trips close by that you’ll never be bored. The winters are getting milder which has its pros and cons. The winters in Syracuse are the hardest part. From my experience the toughest time is January through March. March can bring some crazy snow just when you think you’re out of it.

So my only complaint would be that you’re going to need to really focus on finding fun things to do in the Winter. The Spring through Fall will be absolutely packed with stuff to do.

Invest in LookyLoo for as little as $100

Syracuse, New York

The Salt City

Looklyloo Score: 88

Reviews

What's it like to live in Syracuse?