Downtown Syracuse
Neighborhood in Syracuse, New York
Onondaga County 13202
$345,289
Average Value
$275
Average Price per Sq Ft
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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.”
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Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
Greg Dunbar
Video By
Tyler Newbold
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Kristi Croniser
Kristi Croniser
Integrated Real Estate Ser LLC
(315) 766-2379
157 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Syracuse
$278,000 Price
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Teddy Lewandowski
Teddy Lewandowski
Hunt Real Estate ERA
(315) 470-3284
218 Total Sales
2 in Downtown Syracuse
$250K - $266K Price Range
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Karen Whalen
Karen Whalen
Keller Williams Syracuse
(315) 627-2594
202 Total Sales
2 in Downtown Syracuse
$760K - $2.5M Price Range
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Chip Hodgkins
Chip Hodgkins
Responds QuicklyHunt Real Estate ERA
(680) 220-4529
339 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Syracuse
$323,550 Price
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Nick Sinay
Nick Sinay
Responds QuicklyHoward Hanna Real Estate
(315) 930-1184
180 Total Sales
6 in Downtown Syracuse
$391K - $600K Price Range
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Ploysong Chapman
Ploysong Chapman
Responds QuicklyeXp Realty
(315) 870-1860
26 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Syracuse
$166,000 Price
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 , 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
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
Downtown Syracuse Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Syracuse, Syracuse sell after 69 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Syracuse, Syracuse over the last 12 months is $356,500, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$340,000
Median Sale Price
$356,500
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$356,500
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$356,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$275
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
67
Median Year Built
1994
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
964
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,346
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,924
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,048
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Rent
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$1,750 - $4,500 per month
- 300 E Washington
- Studio-3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 600+ Sq Ft
- 300 E Washington St
- Syracuse, NY
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
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.
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