Onondaga sits in southwestern Syracuse , in upstate New York. The town is named after the Onondaga natives who have lived in the area for centuries, and its modern-day population of 23,000 is spread throughout villages and hamlets like Howlett Hill, Split Rock, Nedrow and Onondaga Hill. The Finger Lakes chain begins about 10 miles away, but homes in Onondaga come with lower price tags than properties in waterfront communities like Skaneateles . Residents also have access to highly rated school districts and Onondaga Community College. “It’s a close suburb of Syracuse with easy access and affordable prices,” says Michael Williams, broker and owner of Lake and Village Realty.
There are many playgrounds in Onondaga.
The Southwood community of Jamesville is not far from Syracuse but has a quiet feel.
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A blend of midcentury ranch-style and new custom homes
Homes in villages like Howlett Hill, South Onondaga, Taunton and Onondaga Hill are built closely together on lots measuring up to half an acre. Farms, fields and forests border the roads on the rural outskirts, where properties can measure 30 acres or more. “There are lots of apple farms,” says Williams, who has 12 years of local experience. “It’s primarily a rural farming community outside the closest suburb part.” Attached garages are common features in houses built after 1950, but rare in older homes — something to keep in mind since winters are cold and snowy, with strong winds and frequent ice storms. Ranch-style homes, split-levels and small Cape Cods sell for $160,000 to $320,000, while townhomes, Colonial Revivals and larger Cape Cods go for $200,000 to $440,000. Contemporary and New Traditional houses cost $360,000 to $720,000, and custom-built homes from the last 25 years fetch prices from $780,000 to $935,000.
Onondaga has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10; compared to the national average of 4.
Most residents own their own homes, and those that don't enjoy low rent prices.
Custom-built homes are extremely popular in Onondaga Hill.
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Local school districts receive A-minus grades from Niche
Students fall within the West Genesee Central School District or Westhill Central School District, depending on where they live. Both districts receive A-minus grades from Niche. The West Genesee Performing Arts Pie Sale, held in the fall, raises funds for the district’s fine arts department. Onondaga Community College offers associate degrees in many fields, including business, liberal arts, technology and engineering.
Cherry Road Elementary has 408 students in grades K-4 with a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1.
Onondaga Hill Middle School is highly rated with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.
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Outdoor spaces allow biking, skating, hiking and horseback riding
A large playground and an in-line skating and biking track welcome visitors to Anthony Santaro Memorial Park. The sprawling green space includes lacrosse, baseball and soccer fields, sports courts and picnic areas. Other parks like Howlett Hill and King Memorial also have sports courts, playing fields, playgrounds and picnic spots. Golfers tee off at Tanner Valley Golf Course and Orchard Vali Golf Club, both open to the public. Well-maintained hiking areas lead through fields and marshland at Pleasant Valley Preserve, a popular spot for dog-walking. Equestrians will find stables and horseback riding services throughout Onondaga.
Onondaga Creek is popular among dog walkers.
Dog walking is a popular outdoor activity in and around Southwood, no matter the weather.
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Nearby restaurants offer diner classics and seasonal flair
The nearest commercial hubs are the Syracuse suburbs of Marcellus and Camillus , each roughly 12 miles from central Onondaga. However, residents have a few options closer to home. Classic breakfast and lunch fare is on the menu at Finally Ours Diner near the Seneca Turnpike. The Cider Mill uses seasonal ingredients for inventive cocktails and menu offerings like sweet potato gnocchi poutine and pumpkin gouda mac and cheese. Grocery options vary; Nedrow residents are within a mile of Aldi on South Salina Street in Syracuse, and there’s another Aldi in Camillus about 3 miles from Howlett Hill. Wegmans and Price Chopper on Onondaga Boulevard are about 6 miles from central Onondaga and most convenient for Split Rock and Taunton residents.
The Deli On Valley is a lunchtime bistro that also serves dinner.
Firefighters from the Nedrow Fire Station stop into Sweet Grass Diner in Nedrow for lunch.
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Local highways lead to transit and health care in Syracuse
Commuters can use Interstate 81 or New York State Route 80 for the 5-mile drive to Syracuse and the 13-mile ride to Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Centro bus routes connect to destinations like SUNY Upstate Medical University and the transit hub in Syracuse. Upstate Community Hospital is about 3 miles from central Onondaga and within a mile of some Onondaga Hill homes. The “13 Curves” of Cedarvale Road are shrouded in folklore. Legend has it that a couple died here on their wedding night in the early 1900s, and the ivory-clad bride still wanders the road searching for her groom.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Greg Dunbar
Video By
Kellan Beaver
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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