Living in Syracuse
Syracuse is in the geographic center of New York state and ESF is on University Hill, right across from Syracuse University and down the street from SUNY Upstate Medical University. It is a vibrant and diverse academic corner in downtown Syracuse, close to restaurants, coffee shops, art, festivals, and more. ESF also has the privilege of residing within the original territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Here, you will experience four beautiful seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 70°F to 90°F (32.2°C) and in the winter can plunge to -10°F (-24.4°C). We get plenty of snow – so be sure to pack winter boots!
For more than a century, Syracuse was the center for salt production in the United States, hence its nickname The Salt City. Since that time, Syracuse has expanded its reputation into industry, manufacturing, engineering, and the arts. Syracuse is a vibrant multi-cultural community featuring many city neighborhoods with distinct personalities and styles. The Westcott neighborhood – located 1 mile from campus – is home to restaurants, coffee shops, the Westcott Theatre, and an annual fall festival.
Westcott Street Cultural Fair
Explore
You’ll always be able to find something to do in Syracuse. The home of arts, culture, music, sports, and the beautiful outdoors — there’s something for every interest. The area also has 40 golf courses and offers opportunities for boating, swimming, downhill and cross-country skiing, indoor and outdoor ice skating, and extensive trail systems. Lake Ontario and New York’s Finger Lakes are less than an hour’s drive, and the Adirondack Park is within a three-hour drive.
Outdoors
Run, walk, or ride along the Creekwalk Trail, a 2.6-mile bicycle/pedestrian pathway connecting Armory Square in downtown Syracuse to the southern shore of Onondaga Lake, where you can watch bald eagles. And don’t forget to check out one of the region’s many beautiful parks:
New York State Parks >
Onondaga County Parks >
Syracuse City Parks >
Conservation
The Rosamond Gifford Zoo is renowned for its conservation programs, the Baltimore Woods Nature Center fosters enduring stewardship, and the Onondaga Audubon is dedicated to the conservation of native birds and other wildlife.
Arts and Entertainment
Syracuse has a vibrant theater, arts, and entertainment scene. From live performances at Syracuse Stage, Landmark Theatre, and the Amp to world-class art at the Everson Museum and the interactive Museum of Science and Technology, there’s something to do year-round in Syracuse!
Dining
Grab a bite to eat at any of the neighborhood restaurants, or stop at Salt City Market to choose from any of the locally owned food vendors “offering culinary options as diverse as Syracuse itself.” Or check out the Central New York Regional Market on weekends to buy fresh local produce and products.
Sports
The city boasts festivals and sports for every season and plenty of state and local parks for you to connect with nature. Catch a hockey game with the Syracuse Crunch or a baseball game with the Syracuse Mets.
Shopping
Find boutiques in the Westcott neighborhood and Armory Square district. Shop at New York state’s largest mall, DestinyUSA, or take the bus to an open-air plaza at a nearby suburb. The Central New York Regional Market has fresh food and unique finds.
For more information, visit:
Centerstate Corporation for Economic Opportunity
Explore Major Cities
Philadelphia, Pa.
| Albany, NY | 136 mi (219 km) |
| Baltimore, MD | 299 mi (481 km) |
| Binghamton, NY | 75 mi (121 km) |
| Boston, MA | 299 mi (481 km) |
| Buffalo, NY | 147 mi (237 km) |
| Chicago, IL | 665 mi (1070 km) |
| Cleveland, OH | 330 mi (531 km) |
| Hartford, CT | 236 mi (380 km) |
| Montreal, Quebec | 248 mi (399 km) |
| New York, NY | 253 mi (407 km) |
| Niagara Falls, NY | 299 mi (481 km) |
| Philadelphia, PA | 255 mi (410 km) |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 342 mi (550 km) |
| Rochester, NY | 85 mi (137 km) |
| Toronto, Ontario | 248 mi (399 km) |
| Washington D.C. | 350 mi (563 km) |
Transportation
Syracuse is easily accessible, located at the crossroads of two major interstate highways, I-90 (east-west) and I-81 (north-south).
Hancock International Airport is served by nine major airlines. Greyhound and Trailways provide inter-city, inter-state bus service passenger service, while Amtrak provides rail passenger service from the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center.
CENTRO provides public bus service for Syracuse and Onondaga County, as well as numerous university-area shuttles. Students can ride Centro’s Connective Corridor shuttle bus without charge to art and entertainment venues and public places between Syracuse University and the Delavan Art Gallery.
