$343,282Average Value$274Average Price per Sq Ft1Home For Sale
Patrons thumb through the vintage records at The Sound Garden in Downtown Syracuse.
An art-forward downtown district with bustling restaurants
Having four distinct seasons is only one of many reasons that residents are drawn to Downtown Syracuse. Part of the Finger Lakes region in Central New York, the city ushers in fall through a kaleidoscope of foliage that washes over its trees and invites winter with heavy snowfall. “The four seasons are very unique,” says Danny Liedka, President and CEO of Visit Syracuse. “It’s something you don’t experience anywhere else in the country.” But the bustling city and Downtown district is most known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse collection of shops and restaurants, and proximity to recreational opportunities. “Syracuse has something for everyone,” Liedka says. “It’s a foodie’s destination, there’s a great underground music scene, the arts are incredible and there are all kinds of things to do when it comes to recreation.” Regarding the overall community vibe, Liedka emphasizes the area’s open and inviting atmosphere. “It’s almost a Midwest feel here,” he says. “People are very welcoming, very hospitable, very friendly. People can't get over how people here go out of their way to help them and take care of them. And they're really proud of the area. So, I think it's just that warm and welcoming environment that draws people to Syracuse.”
Cultural attractions include theater, art and music
Downtown Syracuse offers a tapestry of arts and culture, from Broadway shows to local music and renowned museums. “The arts are definitely central to downtown,” says Syracuse native and Real Estate Associate Broker Susan Li. “The area is actually very vibrant because there’s a lot of cultural activity.” American paintings, drawings and sculptures adorn the halls of the Everson Museum of Art, while visitors of the Museum of Science and Technology explore fossils and space. Theaters like Redhouse Arts Center, and Syracuse Stage showcase a range of talents, from plays to musicals. “We have an unbelievable lineup of Broadway Shows, like Les Mis, Wicked and Lion King,” Liedka says. Li shares the enthusiasm: “I’ve been to Mamma Mia a few times and it’s so great.” The Landmark Theater is an especially unique attraction, standing as the city’s only surviving example of 1920s theater. Copper stars of notable celebrities with Syracuse roots – including Tom Cruise and Jerry Stiller – embellish the sidewalk in front of the theater. Downtown’s venues also feature a variety of musical performances. “The music scene here is really, really good,” Liedka says. “There’s live music seven days a week. I don’t want to call it a poor man’s Nashville, but we’re not far off.”
The MOST, or Museum of Science and Technology, is the most popular museum in Downtown Syracuse.
The Landmark Theater is a well known old landmark in Downtown Syracuse that still has plays.
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Rich dining and shopping scene in the heart of Syracuse
Walkability and easy access to the district’s many amenities, most notably its many shops and restaurants, appeal to residents here. The historic Armory Square district within Downtown is a particularly charming area for its tree-lined, cobblestone streets and an array of restaurants and shops. Elevated eateries mingle alongside casual breweries and bars, offering a mix of tastes and experiences. Pastabilities is a Downtown staple that has been serving made-from-scratch pasta and sauces for over 40 years. Lemon Grass Restaurant dishes upscale Thai cuisine in an art-clad dining room, while pubs like Limerick Pub and Taphouse on Walton offer more laidback atmospheres. Local boutiques and gift shops are scattered in between eateries, and residents may also shop at the nearby Destina USA mall, which houses big-box retailers and department stores like Macy’s. Grocery options include Save A Lot and Wegmans.
Prefer to have a disc instead of digital? Come to Voltage Video Games in Downtown Syracuse.
Patrons enjoy their drinks at The Hops Spot in Downtown Syracuse.
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Events at Clinton Square
Liedka says that the city’s diversity is celebrated by the Downtown’s robust calendar of community events. “I think as more people move here, Syracuse is like a melting pot,” he says. “Every nationality is represented.” Many of these events take place at Clinton Square. “They do a lot of ethnic festivals and music festivals there, and the farmers market is held there seasonally,” Liedka says. The Syracuse Jazz Festival is one of the most anticipated in the city. “It’s the largest free jazz festival in the northeast and brings in really top-shelf talent at the end of every June,” Liedka says. Crowds of festivalgoers gather in Clinton Square for a diverse line-up of musicians and performers, spanning from classic jazz to funk. Other notable city-wide events include the Syracuse Film Festival and the New York State Fair.
Come browse the locally made goods at the Art Mart Event in Downtown Syracuse.
At the Syracuse Crawfish Festival, you can find many food trucks serving fresh food.
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Pocket parks, various recreation within reach
Pocket parks scattered across the downtown district offer patches of green space, covered by an established canopy of maple trees that turn to bright red and glowing yellow hues in the fall months. When Clinton Square is not hosting an event, the plaza serves as a quiet respite from the otherwise bustling city streets. The square’s stately monuments offer a historical backdrop to the trickling waters of its fountain, which turns into an ice-skating rink from mid-November to mid-January. Other pockets of green in Downtown include Firefighter’s Memorial Park, Columbus Circle and Perseverance Park. Locals can soak up waterside views on the Onondaga Creek trail, a 4.8-mile paved pathway that hugs the creek. Part of the Empire State Trail, which stretches in its entirety from New York City to Canada, also snakes through Downtown Syracuse.
Realtor Lori Harrington says new residents of Syracuse are surprised by how much recreation is available just a short drive away. “There are so many things you can do outside of Syracuse, whether it’s skiing in the Adirondacks or swimming in a lake or golfing,” she says. “If you live here, you have to enjoy going outside and doing things.” The closest ski resorts are less than an hour away, the Finger Lakes are easily accessible for recreation and larger state parks are also close by. “Outdoor enthusiasts especially love the area,” Liedka says. “Whether it’s recreation or outdoor sports, you have ice skating, fishing, skiing, golfing and more.”
Come take a bike ride in Clinton Square park in Downtown Syracuse.
A colorful Syracuse mural can be found in M Lemp Park in Downtown Syracuse.
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Converted and modernized condos
A mix of postwar mid-rise and modern high-rise buildings line Downtown’s gridded streets. Condos comprise a majority of the district’s housing inventory, typically ranging from studio units to two-bedroom units. “They are now converting a lot of the old buildings into condos and apartments, and modernizing the whole thing,” Li says, adding that young professionals are especially attracted to the district’s activity because it's more accessible. “There’s a lot more accommodation because the downtown area has been redeveloped. Now, young people are inclined to stay because they like the urban atmosphere.” Prices can range from $225,000 to $600,000, with monthly HOA fees from $200 to over $500.
Downtown Syracuse, being a business district, has apartments and condos but no houses.
Colorful mixed-use buildings adorn the streets of Downtown Syracuse.
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Strong schools and IB program, Syracuse University
Students are part of the Syracuse City School District, which serves over 18,000 students. Dr. Weeks Elementary School serves prekindergarten through fifth grade and earns a C-minus grade from Niche. Kids may attend C-rated Grant Middle School before advancing to Corcoran High School, which earns a B-minus. The high school offers college preparatory courses and programs, including a rigorous International Baccalaureate program. Syracuse University, a private research institution, is located just minutes from Downtown.
Many students from around the Downtown Syracuse area will go to Corcoran High School.
Dr Weeks Elementary School has a large and modern campus.
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The main Centro Transit Hub is located right in the heart of Downtown Syracuse.
Central location in Central New York
Downtown Syracuse is a highly walkable community, and the Centro bus system bus stops in the area. Major New York State thoroughfares pass through the region, making East Syracuse a central hub for highway travel via the New York Thruway and Interstate 81. Smaller highways and routes connect the downtown area in all four directions, including interstates 481, 690, Route 20, and more. Syracuse Hancock International Airport is a 10-mile drive via I-690 and I-81.
Homebuying considerations
Chip manufacturer Micron is set to break ground for a new plant in Clay, just minutes from Downtown Syracuse. These plans are slated to have major impacts on the city. “With Micron we’re going to see our population increase by at least a quarter of a million people,” Liedka says. “It’s transformational for the city for the largest microchip manufacturer in the world to have their headquarters be here in Syracuse. So, we’re going to see a massive population increase – so much so that we’ll probably surpass Rochester.”
Downtown Syracuse receives a 10 out of 10 CAP Index Crime Score, which is significantly higher than the national average of 4. The mayor's office initiated a plan in 2023 to reduce gun violence, primarily through outreach organizations and under the coordination of the mayor's office.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Teddy Lewandowski,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Columbus Circle
Picnic Area
Clinton Square
Ice Skating Rink
M. Lemp Park
Firefighter's Memorial Park
Picnic Area
Perseverance Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Onondaga Creekwalk
Trails
Hanover Square
Transit
Airport
Syracuse Hancock International
12 min drive
Bus
E Willow St & N Warren St
Bus
N Franklin St & W Willow St
Bus
S State St & Madison St
Bus
E Washington St & Market St
Bus
E Washington St & S Warren St
Bus
Harrison St & S Townsend St
Bus
Niagara Mohawk Downtown
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Syracuse
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
10
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
10
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Syracuse, Syracuse sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Syracuse, Syracuse over the last 12 months is $347,425, down 12% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This top floor condo is a spacious 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom unit which is the perfect blend of style and comfort! This condo features beautiful hardwood floors throughout, vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, and outdoor living. The expansive dining and entertaining area is ideal for gatherings, and the outdoor space with a hot tub is perfect for relaxation. Enjoy the luxury of two assigned parking
Once home to Bell Atlantic, this historic building has been reimagined as Central New York’s premier luxury residence. Completed in 2021, the developer’s vision was to bring the essence of “New York City-style living” to Syracuse. Washington Place boasts an exceptional array of amenities, including expansive communal areas, private balconies, outdoor common spaces, a state-of-the-art fitness
1-story 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom apt with lots of exposed brick available at the Whitlock Building. This unit has luxury vinyl tile floor, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Standing at the building entrance you are looking at a grocery store, 10 food vendors, coffee shop, bar, fire pit, and tons of outdoor/indoor seating. A full renovation of the building was completed in 2023 to
Celebrate the art of city living. Experience the pulse of urban Syracuse-it's nightclubs, restaurants, boutiques, stage shows, museums, galleries, outdoor concerts, street markets-all within walking distance of your front door. Pike Block is the epitome of city life, with all the energy and excitement that contemporary urban living provides.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Teddy Lewandowski,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,438
Median Age
34
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$45,338
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,331
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
87.4%
College Graduates
55%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
49.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
82''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
73/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
93/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
60/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
