Any city that's home to a major university becomes synonymous with its educational institution, to the extent that outsiders know little about the city aside from its association with the university. That's certainly the case with Syracuse, New York. Located in the center of New York State, within a 350 radius of every metropolitan region in the Northeast, Syracuse is at the heart of one of the nation's most historic and picturesque regions. And yet, we know little about this city.

In addition to Syracuse University, Syracuse's major employers include Lockheed-Martin, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Carrier, Niagra Mohawk and Cidtec. Downtown Syracuse is undergoing active development, particularly in the commercial sector. A $1 billion reclamation and redevelopment of some 800 acres (which run across the boundary between downtown Syracuse and adjacent Onondaga Lake) has been initiated by Lakefront Development Corporation. Downtown also is home to University Hill, a major contributor to the pulse of the city, and comprised of numerous businesses, medical and educational centers, churches and cultural organizations. Residential growth is taking place downtown, as well, particularly in Armory Square and Presidential Plaza districts. The mix of residents in these areas is extremely diverse, ranging from aging boomers to students.

While Syracuse is very much a city in size and stature, it exudes a village atmosphere in many respects, hanging on to such traditions as Winterfest, its annual festival of indoor and outdoor winter sports; its annual hot air balloon festival; farmer's market; and Golden Harvest Festival, which features the works of local artists, a petting zoo, magicians, live music, and a fruit- and vegetable-carving contest. LaFayette Apple Festival in nearby LaFayette takes place each October and is the nation's second-largest apple harvest. Each holiday season from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, Syracuse is illuminated in lights during the annual "Lights on the Lake" festival. The city is adorned with large-scale animals, toys and other decorations that put passers-by on foot and in cars in the holiday spirit.

At the same time, the presence of the university gives Syracuse a cosmopolitan flair. The city is home to numerous art galleries and museums, including the Everson Museum of Art, designed by legendary architect I.M. Pei. One of the city's most unique museums is the Open Hand Theater International Hand and Puppet Museum, housed in a late 19th century castle. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum houses the Open Hand Theater, which entertains patrons with performances told entirely by oversized puppets.

If you're new to Syracuse, you'll soon discover that this city excels in music. One of the advantages of being a college town is, of course, having access to a wealth of cultural opportunities through university. But Syracuse has plenty of cultural offerings outside the campus walls, because its local population is receptive to such events. One of the city's annual highlights is the Syracuse Jazz Fest, dubbed the "Northeast's Largest Free Jazz Festival." Some 50,000 music-lovers flock to downtown Syracuse each year to hear a week's worth of performances from domestic and internationally renowned jazz artists. Ranging in styles from big band to contemporary, the festival features a variety of formats, from lunchtime sessions on Hanover Square to after-work performances and jazz brunches, as well as day-long weekend concerts.

And where there's jazz, blues won't be far behind. The annual NYS Budweiser Blues Festival also is among the Northeast's largest. Its format is much like the jazz festival, featuring multiple performances in several different venues throughout downtown Syracuse and its environs. On the classical side, Syracuse plays host to the Skaneateles Festival, an annual series of 12 chamber music performances given on the banks of Skaneateles Lake; and holds a summer series of concerts by the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra and Syracuse Pops.

Syracuse's residential real estate offers everything from apartments and condos to subdivisions, gated communities, golf communities and retirement areas. The city's inventory is comprised of historic bungalows and larger single-family residences in addition to new construction. Architectural styles run the gamut - Colonial, Cape Cod-style, contemporary, ranch-style, Tudor, split-level ... you'll be hard-pressed not to find a home that suits your taste in Syracuse. In downtown Syracuse, historic brick buildings have been converted into hip lofts ranging anywhere from the mid-$100s to $500,000 and more. Prices for single-family homes accommodate the city's diverse population. You're just as likely to find a nicely kept home priced under $100,000 as you are a sprawling lakefront residence for $550,000. Many of the city's older residences offer architecturally desirable features such as wood floors, large basements and mudrooms.

By virtue of its natural beauty, cultural abundance, strong and diverse economy and varied housing inventory, Syracuse has much to offer its residence. Located in the center of the Northeast, Syracuse offers its residents easy access to a wealth of geographical wonders and metropolitan excitement. And yet, many locals find little reason to stray from a city that offers a seemingly idyllic blend of history and modern development, small-town touches and urban revitalization.

Published: August 28, 2000

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