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North Valley

North Valley

$146,111 Average Value

North Valley offers suburban calm near Syracuse’s core

A small, residential enclave about 2 miles south of Downtown Syracuse, North Valley is an attractive option for first-time homebuyers who are looking for a more affordable neighborhood outside of the city. According to Chip Hodgkins , a local associate broker with the Hodgkins Home Team of Hunt Real Estate ERA, the neighborhood exudes a classic middle-America atmosphere. "You can still buy a home for under $150,000 on small lots along quiet streets," he says. Syracuse University is just a mile north of the community, but residents aren’t generally associated with the college. “People in North Valley have to cross under Interstate 81 to get to the university, so it’s not typically considered part of that culture,” Hodgkins notes. The neighborhood is, however, associated with well-known local establishments like Gannons Isle Ice Cream and Green Hills Farms, as well as Upstate Community Hospital. West Seneca Turnpike cuts east-west across the neighborhood’s south side, dividing North Valley from its southern neighbor, South Valley.

The Deli and Gannons Isle define the local food scene

There are a few small retail centers throughout North Valley complete with salons, pharmacies and other storefronts, but where Valley Drive meets West Seneca Turnpike, popular eateries attract outside visitors from all over the city. The Deli on Valley is a counter-serve spot well-loved for pizza and sub sandwiches. Across the street, the regionally recognized Gannons Isle Ice Cream offers more than 200 homemade ice cream flavors in a vibrant setting decorated with quirky murals. For groceries, Green Hills Farms is about 2 miles south down Salina Street. “They know what their local market is looking for, and the Hawkins family treats their employees really well," Hodgkins says. "The breads and pastries are amazing, their meats are freshly cut and the produce selection is great.”

There are several churches scattered throughout the community, including Unity of Syracuse, centrally located on West Seneca Turnpike. Built in 1885 by a Syracuse architect, the progressive church encourages a unique and practical approach to Christianity. The church features The Listening Room, a venue for not only services, but also for community concerts, seminars and other performances.

Bungalows and detached rowhomes line walkable streets

The housing market in North Valley consists of single-family homes ideal for many first-time buyers, as well as investor-friendly properties with multiple living units. About 58% of residents rent their homes and 42% own, with prices typically ranging from $80,000 to $195,000. Common housing styles include bungalows with wide front porches and detached Colonial-style rowhomes. Some properties are in need of renovations, and others have seen more recent updates; homes at the higher end of the price range typically reflect more recent updates to their interiors. “Most side streets don’t have sidewalks, and that’s okay because they’re not busy and people can still go out and walk their dogs or push their kids in strollers,” Hodgkins says.

Corcoran High School hosts Syracuse City’s IB program

The Syracuse City School District, which receives a C-plus rating from Niche, serves area students. Learners can begin at Van Duyn Elementary School before advancing to Clary Middle School, both of which earn a C-minus. Corcoran High School, which holds a B-minus, is home to the district’s International Academy. Eligible students can enroll in the International Baccalaureate program and receive an IB diploma upon completion. The school district also offers participation in the Building Men Program, open to elementary through high school boys who seek to develop a passion for leadership and for giving back to the community. A private Christian school in the area, Faith Heritage School receives a B-plus and serves slightly more than 200 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Rand Tract Park and Meachem Field offer year-round fun

North Valley residents don’t have to venture far for fresh air in the outdoors. On the south side of the turnpike, Rand Tract Park is a nearly 100-acre hiking area with a 2-mile trail that weaves around Webster Pond, popular for duck and swan watching. Nearby, Meachem Field is a sports complex with softball fields, lighted tennis courts, playgrounds and an indoor ice rink. On the neighborhood’s north side, McKinley Park has a playground and an outdoor community pool.

Syracuse University and Micron drive economic growth

About a mile north of North Valley, Syracuse University is a major economic pillar in the community, despite the fac that North Valley is not a prime landing spot for those who attend or work at the school. The private institution, founded in 1870, features a hilltop campus known for Roman Revival architecture. Syracuse is classified as a Carnegie Research-1 university and enrolls about 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students. In 2024, Syracuse was ranked the No. 1 Best Public Affairs School by U.S. News & World Report and the No. 1 Best Broadcast Journalism School by College Factual. The university is well-known for its athletics, and the city contributes to its fan base.

Another major economic pillar coming to Syracuse is Micron Technology, a computer memory and data manufacturer. “It’s a $100 billion project in Clay, about 10 to 12 miles north of Syracuse, the largest industrial project that’s ever happened here," Hodgkins says. "We’re expecting a 50% population growth. It’ll bring more than jobs; it’ll bring anything from karate studios and country clubs to new restaurants and retailers.” Hodgkins adds that once the first Micron factory is finished in the next two to three years, price tags will start to increase.

Interstate 81 and U.S. Route 11 serve the community

Interstate 81 zips along the eastern edge of North Valley, connecting residents to Downtown Syracuse about 2 miles north. U.S. Route 11, or Salina Street, also runs through the neighborhood. For those without a vehicle, The Centro bus system services the community. For further travel, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is about 10 miles north of North Valley. And Upstate Community Hospital, located on the area’s west side, is a 306-bed general hospital with a birthing center and an ER.
Mary Beth Greene
Written By
Mary Beth Greene

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Schools

Source:
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Stacey Kelso-O'Connor, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Transit

Airport

Syracuse Hancock International

18 min drive

Bus

Atlantic Ave & Girard Ave

Bus

Loretto Driveway & E Glen Ave

Bus

Springbrook Ave & E Glen Ave

Bus

W Seneca Tpke & Midland Ave

Bus

S Salina St & Minerva St

Bus

S Salina St & E Seneca Tpke

Bus

Valley Dr & Wente Ter

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime North Valley US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,141
Median Year Built
1935
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,255
Significantly below the national average
1,927
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,029
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 Stacey Kelso-O'Connor, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,703
Median Age
40
Population under 18
26.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$51,109
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$64,357

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.2%
College Graduates
16.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.6%
% Population in Labor Force
48.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

53 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

56 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

41 / 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
North Valley