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University

University

$322,035 Average Value
$399 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

A sought-after historic neighborhood near Syracuse University

Just southeast of Downtown Syracuse , the University neighborhood unfolds along leafy residential boulevards, just blocks from Syracuse University's (SU) lively campus. "It's an eclectic neighborhood mixed with academia," says Susan Li , Syracuse native and associate broker of Coldwell Banker Prime Properties. "There are a lot of student rentals, but also older year-round residents." Steeped in the history of early twentieth-century Syracuse , the neighborhood grew alongside the expansion of its namesake university yet retains its own identity that coincides with neighboring Westcott.

The Westcott-University Historic District was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it the second-largest historic district in New York State. Arts and Crafts style bungalows intermingle with classic Colonial Revivals, parks and nearby restaurants in Westcott , offering a dose of suburbia with urban conveniences. Paved sidewalks cater to pedestrians and cyclists heading to class, the coffee shop or the park. "It's a sought-after, well-maintained neighborhood," says Chip Hodgkins , associate broker and owner of Hodgkins Homes Team at Hunt Real Estate ERA. "Buyers who want to live by campus seek it out aggressively. They don't settle for anything else. They want the vibe and culture associated with the school."

Amenities in University Hill and Westcott

Westcott Street, running along the neighborhood's northern edge, is a bustling corridor lined with independent shops, cozy cafes and restaurants. " Westcott is like a little insulated village in the city," Hodgkins says. Among these is the beloved Rise N Shine Diner, where unique brunch items include breakfast burgers, birthday cake pancakes and sherbert mimosas. "Rise N Shine Diner has New York City quality food," Li says. Next door, Alto Cinco serves up flavorful Southwestern fare in a colorful, laid-back setting. A few miles away, Marshall Street is SU's commercial hub with popular chains and local watering holes like Varsity Pizza. "It's your typical Americana college pub with pizza, wings and subs," Hodgkins says.

The Syracuse Cooperative Market boasts several nearby locations, providing organic groceries, fresh produce and specialty items. Chain grocers line New York State Route 5 to the north, while Nottingham Road features a Tops Friendly Markets and a small shopping center near the neighborhood's southeast corner. De Witt features additional big-box retailers and chains, just 5 miles away.

Queen Annes, Craftsman-style bungalows and Colonial Revivals

Rolling hills give way to late 19th-century and early 20th-century homes that range from vernacular gable-front designs to intricate Queen Annes, classic Craftsman-style bungalows and stately Colonial Revivals. Many properties have been converted into multi-unit buildings that cater to college students and renters. "All of our hospitals are contiguous with SU, so you have a good mix of students, faculty, doctors and nurses around the neighborhood," Hodgkins says. To maintain the neighborhood's appeal, the University Neighborhood Preservation Association actively promotes owner-occupancy by offering a homebuyer assistance program to help families purchase homes. Single-family homes typically range between $215,000 and $400,000, while larger properties with updated interiors and spacious lots can range from $400,000 to $585,000. Additionally, new investment—such as Micron's move to Syracuse—is driving home prices upward.

Neighborhood tailgates, sports games and festivals near SU

The Westcott Community Center, housed in a former church, hosts everything from yoga classes to neighborhood potlucks. "But a lot of activities revolve around Syracuse University," Hodgkins says. "When it's football season, you'll see tailgates around the neighborhood." The neighborhood is also close to the SU's JMA Wireless Dome, a 49,262-seat stadium for games and concerts. University residents are also close to several houses of worship, including St. Sophia's Greek Orthodox Church, which hosts the city's annual Greek Festival. "It's one of the biggest festivals in the city," Hodgkins says.

Parks, trails and green spaces offer year-round recreation

Green spaces and gathering spots are woven throughout the University neighborhood. Quiet pocket parks are tucked between rows of historic homes, while Westminster Park offers a steep climb that leads to panoramic views of the neighborhood. Barry Park sits caddy corner to Westminster, where flat open fields feature basketball courts, tennis courts, soccer fields and a playground. Across the street, walking trails encircle Meadow Brook for leisurely strolls.

Farther north, Thornden Park boasts expansive green lawns, walking paths and the EM Mills Rose Garden, where hundreds of varieties bloom each spring. At the heart of the park lies a small outdoor amphitheater; "That's where they host Shakespeare in the Park every year," Hodgkins says. Additional amenities include sports facilities, a playground and a community pool.

Two nearby golf courses-Drumlins and Tecumseh Golf Club-offer additional recreation. The area experiences abundant snowfall, transforming its parks into sparkling winter playgrounds ideal for sledding, cross-country skiing, and snowy walks. A short drive south leads residents to Clark Reservation State Park and Jamesville Beach Park, which offer dramatic limestone cliffs, serene lakes, swimming beaches, and hiking trails.

Public and private schools around Syracuse

The Syracuse City School District earns a C-plus rating from Niche. The city offers families school choice for all grade levels. However, local neighborhood schools include the C-rated Ed Smith Pre-K-8 School and the B-rated Nottingham High School. Nottingham is one of the only high schools in the district that does not offer P-TECH programs but still provides career and technical education pathways in subjects like construction, business technology and design.

In addition, top-rated private schools, such as the A-plus-rated Manlius Pebble Hill School and the A-rated Christian Brothers Academy, are within a short drive of the neighborhood.

Walking, biking, busing and driving around town

One of the neighborhood's greatest perks is its walkability, with quiet roads, sidewalks and proximity to mixed-use areas. Centro offers campus-specific bus routes in addition to traditional service routes. Syracuse's medical district features three hospitals, including SUNY Upstate Medical University, less than 2 miles away. Syracuse Hancock International Airport is approximately 10 miles away via Interstate 81, with other major thoroughfares including I-690, I-90 and I-481.

Lillie Duston
Written By
Lillie Duston

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Schools

Source:
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 Kristi Croniser, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Syracuse Hancock International

18 min drive

Bus

Syracuse Destiny Usa, Ny

Bus

Manley South Layover

Bus

Colvin St & Westmoreland Ave

Bus

Westcott St & Barry Park

Bus

Comstock Lot

Bus

Skytop Rd & E Colvin St

Bus

Nottingham Rd & Tecumseh Rd

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime University US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

University Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$605,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$580,000
Last 12 months Home Sales
0
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$399

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,008
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1927
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,853
On par with the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,650
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,969

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kristi Croniser, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
6,468
Median Age
25
Population under 18
27.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
6.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$50,140
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,253

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.6%
College Graduates
61.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
71''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

70 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

41 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

46 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
University