The beauty of nature, cultural diversity, and a vibrant college scene are good reasons to consider moving to Syracuse, NY.
With a population of approximately 146,000 people, the city of Syracuse has great potential for the future.
A low cost of living makes this city attractive to young professionals and college grads ready to kickstart their careers.
If Syracuse is on your radar, it’s best to get to know the ins and outs of the city first before moving in.
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Pros of Living in Syracuse, NY
Relocating to a new place is hard when you don’t know what to expect.
That’s why you need to explore the pros and cons of your prospective new home BEFORE you commit.
Here are some favorable aspects of moving to Syracuse, NY:
1. Affordable Living
Unlike the Big Apple or other metro areas in the state, Syracuse is a fairly affordable place to live.
Low housing prices and rentals help contribute to the city’s lower cost of living.
Nice homes can be bought for as little as $100,000 and apartment rentals start as low as $900.
Food, healthcare, utilities, and transportation costs are also reasonable to keep the cost of living down.
Affordable living is one reason young professionals are attracted to this region.
Syracuse offers a comfortable lifestyle without having to deal with exorbitant costs.
2. Solid Job Market
The Syracuse job market is bouncing back after a severe decline during the pandemic.
Industries like healthcare, engineering, education, and technology are steadily on the rise.
Amazon, Syracuse University, the Upstate University Health System, and Crouse Hospital are some of the city’s main employers.
Although the market is competitive, there are high-paying positions to be found.
Syracuse is also a great place for entrepreneurs to launch a new start-up, especially in the tech industry.
3. Proximity to Nature
Syracuse is surrounded by the beauties of nature which can be enjoyed year-round.
State parks, lakes, and forests abound for those who love the great outdoors.
The city’s proximity to the Finger Lakes region puts activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and wine tasting at your fingertips.
Summer’s a great time to hit the trails of Chittenango Falls State Park and visit the waterfalls.
In winter, you can take to the slopes of Greek Peak Mountain for a day of skiing or snowboarding.
Green Lakes State Park, Jamesville Beach Park, and Onondaga Lake Park are some favorite hotspots you won’t want to miss.
4. Culinary Experience
Syracuse is a culturally diverse city offering culinary experiences that aren’t readily available in other towns.
In place of chain grocery stores, you’ll find fresh markets offering international spices and cuisines.
American classics aren’t the only delicacies offered in Syracuse restaurants and eateries.
You can also enjoy Mexican, Italian, French, Ethiopian, and other exotic cuisines.
Downtown is where you can visit such top restaurants as Pastabilities, Salt City Soup, and Eva’s European Treats.
5. College Community
Syracuse is a college community with Syracuse University being its pride and joy.
The Whitman School of Management and Newhouse School of Communication are two of the university’s most outstanding schools.
There are a total of seven colleges/universities in Syracuse among which are Le Moyne College, Suny Upstate Medical University, and Onondaga Community College.
Syracuse residents benefit from in-state tuition costs to help offset the cost of their university studies.
6. Cultural Diversity
Unique cultural experiences are yet another boon of living in Syracuse.
The Everson Museum of Art, designed by I.M. Pei, is but one of many galleries where you can enjoy beautiful works of art.
The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology is a must-see for the science buffs in the family.
You can learn more about the history of Syracuse at the Erie Canal Museum.
Opera enthusiasts can catch amazing performances at the Syracuse Opera at the Oncenter Civic Center.
Syracuse’s cultural attractions are educational, and entertaining and keep residents connected to their local community.
7. Upscale Shopping
Syracuse is home to Destiny USA – the largest shopping mall in the state!
Here you’ll find such “big box stores” as Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, Burlington, Old Navy, Forever 21, TJ Maxx, and more!
There are also countless boutiques to explore such as Armani, American Eagle, and Banana Republic, among others.
Destiny USA also houses a comedy club, an IMAX theater, a science amusement park, and an indoor go-kart racetrack for your entertainment pleasure.
End your day with a delicious meal at PF Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, or any one of the mall’s delectable restaurants and eateries.
8. Central Location
From Syracuse, you can easily launch out to visit nearby cities like Buffalo, NYC, Boston, Philly, and Toronto.
Many of these places are within 4–5 hours of driving distance.
Old Forge is less than 45 minutes away while the racetrack at Saratoga Springs is a mere two-hour trip.
Fancy a visit to Finger Lakes wine country? A one-hour car trip!
And within four hours you can be in Lake Placid for the start of your ski cation.
Cons of Living in Syracuse, NY
Needless to say, there are also challenges to living in Syracuse that newcomers should be wary of.
Some of the things you have to contend with include:
1. Severe Winters
The change of seasons is quite pronounced in Syracuse, NY, particularly in winter.
Summers are warm with temperatures reaching into the high 80s.
Winters are long (October through February), harsh, and cold, with below-freezing temperatures the norm.
The city’s closeness to the Adirondack Mountains and Great Lakes puts it squarely in the path of snow – and lots of it!
Syracuse averages over 120 inches of snow annually!
Fortunately, the city has ample experience removing the snow to facilitate winter travel for its residents.
2. High Taxes
Tax rates are high in New York and Syracuse isn’t exempted.
Syracuse residents pay income taxes, property taxes (if they own a home), sales taxes, school taxes, and county taxes.
In total, you could pay up to 39% of your annual income in taxes!
A high tax rate is one reason why more residents rent than own their own homes.
If you move to this area, be prepared to add taxes to your budget.
3. Crime!
Crime is another big drawback to moving to Syracuse, NY.
The crime rate in this region is 56% higher than the U.S. average.
Syracuse has a major problem with both violent and property crime.
Part of the problem stems from a dividing highway that separates the affluent from impoverished sections of the city.
Tension between the two sectors often leads to criminal acts that impact the city as a whole.
It doesn’t help that over 30% of the city’s population is either impoverished or homeless.
4. Poverty
Out of a population of approximately 146,000 people, about 30% live in poverty.
Syracuse’s poverty rate is 116% higher than the U.S. average.
The typical Syracuse household makes about $39,000 annually, which isn’t near enough to support a family.
It’s estimated that 1 in 8 households in the city are living on less than $10,000 annually.
Addiction and homelessness are often direct consequences of having a high poverty level.
5. Poorly Rated Schools
Due to a struggling economy, Syracuse hasn’t been able to properly finance their public schools.
As a result, the public school system suffers from a lack of resources, maintenance, and care.
The schools’ low budgets can’t support the upgrades needed to keep students safe or provide them with a quality education.
This is an ongoing problem that the city government is striving to correct.
6. Dirty Environment
Due to environmental neglect, Syracuse suffers from a dirty, trashy environment.
Trash is readily visible on the city streets, detracting from the city’s esthetic appeal.
Trash can attract rats and other pests that threaten public health.
There are also over 7,000 abandoned houses and buildings throughout the city which are too costly to renovate.
These pose a safety and health risk to local residents.
7. Unreliable Public Transport
Syracuse isn’t known for being a walkable city.
And the public transit system isn’t exactly up to par.
Therefore, the best mode of transportation is to have your own car.
Many find the Centro bus system slow and unreliable in meeting the city’s transportation needs.
Having your own vehicle makes for safer, smoother travel, both in the city and out.
8. Ethnic Inequality
The population of Syracuse is predominantly white (49%), followed by 27.5% Blacks and 6.99% Asians (the 2nd and 3rd largest ethnic groups in the city).
Despite years of demographic change, the city remains a segregated community – separated by ethnicity and economic status.
In a recent study by LendingTree, Syracuse placed 2nd on the list of cities where African Americans flourished the LEAST financially.
Academically, Syracuse ranked 2nd to the bottom, having only 14% of its Black population completing a Bachelor’s degree.
Pros and Cons of Living in Syracuse, NY – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Syracuse, NY | Cons of Living in Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|
| 1. Affordable Living | 1. Severe Winters |
| 2. Solid Job Market | 2. High Taxes |
| 3. Proximity to Nature | 3. Crime! |
| 4. Culinary Experience | 4. Poverty |
| 5. College Community | 5. Poorly Rated Schools |
| 6. Cultural Diversity | 6. Dirty Environment |
| 7. Upscale Shopping | 7. Unreliable Public Transport |
| 8. Central Location | 8. Ethnic Inequality |
Syracuse Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Syracuse Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What can a person see and do in Syracuse, NY?
There’s something for everyone to enjoy in Syracuse.
Families will love the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology and Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
Adults will enjoy dining out or sharing cocktails with friends in Armory Square.
There are also national parks, lakes, art galleries, theaters, and festivals that people can attend throughout the year.
What’s the weather like in Syracuse, NY?
You can expect pleasant weather in spring and summer – perfect for spending time outdoors.
Winters can be quite severe with lots and lots of snow!
Fortunately, the city is quick to respond by clearing the roads for winter travel.
What is Syracuse, NY known for?
Syracuse is known for its prestigious colleges, Syracuse University in particular.
It’s also known for hosting the New York State Fair.
During winter, Syracuse receives more snow than any other city in the country.
Are sports a big deal in Syracuse, NY?
The city is fanatic over collegiate sports from Syracuse University, affectionately termed the Syracuse Orange.
University basketball, lacrosse, and football games are highly attended.
The city also has a professional hockey (Syracuse Crunch), baseball (Syracuse Mets), and soccer (Syracuse FC) team.
Can I manage without a car in Syracuse, NY?
The only public transport in the city is the Centro bus, which isn’t very reliable.
The best way to get around is by car, preferably your own.
Commute times average around 20 minutes with little time wasted in congested traffic.
Syracuse, NY offers affordable living, a solid job market, proximity to nature, diverse culinary experiences, a college community with cultural diversity and upscale shopping; however, severe winters, high taxes, crime rates and poorly rated schools are some drawbacks.
Really insightful article on living in Syracuse! As someone who’s been considering a move there, the detailed pros and cons are super helpful. I’m drawn to the affordable living and the nature trails, but the high taxes and winter weather are definitely points to ponder. It’s great to get a realistic picture of what life in Syracuse could be like.