$102,269Average Value$68Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Skunk City’s roots run deep below a beloved city park
Cradled by a major city park to the north and a busy retail corridor to the west, Skunk City has been through its share of trials and tribulations, starting with the origins of its name. The neighborhood, about 2 miles west of Downtown Syracuse, was originally occupied by Irish immigrants, and some say that Skunk City got its name from the fact that those first settlers planted an abundance of skunk cabbage, which emitted a potent smell. Others claim it has to do with the amount of skunks roaming the neighborhood, but locals tend to disagree. “People ask me all the time how Skunk City got its name,” says Alan Lathrop , a Realtor with Integrated Real Estate Service who bought his first home in Skunk City. “But there are skunks all over the city of Syracuse, not just here.” Since officially becoming a Syracuse neighborhood in 1886, the area has developed a more diverse population. Historically considered a hard-working community, recent economic and environmental hardships have caused residents to move away. However, green initiatives and service programs aim to breathe fresh air into the neighborhood.
Since officially becoming a Syracuse neighborhood, the area has developed a more diverse population.
Target and a plethora of retail shops are nearby for Westvale residents.
1/2
Next-door Burnet Park has a zoo, golf course and pool
A major draw to Skunk City is the neighborhood’s proximity to Burnet Park. The 88-acre green space, on the north side of Grand Avenue, features the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, the Burnet Park Golf Couse and the Burnet Park Pool. Zoo visitors can view more than 700 animals of 200 different species, from mammal and amphibian exhibits to an indoor aquarium. The zoo also hosts community events, including Yoga with Penguins and the Fall Festival. “People can walk from Skunk City to the zoo, where they have a Christmas thing where you can ride a horse-drawn sleigh and meet Santa,” Lathrop says. “There are a lot of great attractions there. A lot of people will buy family passes because it’s so close.” The 9-hole Burnet Park Golf Course was built in 1901 and sits on Syracuse’s highest point of elevation, giving golfers panoramic views of the city. And the 50-meter Burnet Park Pool is open from June through August. The recreational area also has athletic fields, courts and a walking path.
More centrally located in Skunk City, the public Mundy Branch Library serves the area. Community members can browse the shelves or attend different clubs. Child-friendly activities include Snack and Storytime each Tuesday afternoon.
A group of people watches the elephants at Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
Burnet Park in Tipp Hill is the only public park in Syracuse with a golf course.
1/2
Rowhomes and bungalows line the streets
The residential landscape in Skunk City is divided almost evenly between detached homes, townhomes and apartments. Single-family and multi-family houses combined make up about 35% of the space in the neighborhood, and only 29% of residents own their homes. Common styles include colonial-inspired rowhomes and bungalows with one or two levels. These properties sit on quaint lots, cozied close to neighbors. Some homes feature narrow driveways, while others offer on-street parking. Houses in need of major repairs can start at around $45,000, while move-in ready homes can start closer to $60,000. Price tags might reach $190,000 for a single-family dwelling that has been updated with modern fixtures.
Some properties are split into multiple units, marketing to owners seeking to lease them out to renters. These multi-family homes typically range from $80,000 to $260,000 for a fully renovated building. “Investors like the area,” Lathrop says. “On some streets, the grass is cut, and the houses are taken care of nicely. But sometimes investors will still buy on a bad street. They’ll buy these houses, remodel with new kitchens, bathrooms, paint and windows, and then resell them to interested homebuyers.”
Neighborhoods in Skunk City include move-in ready single-family bungalows.
Properties in Skunk City sit on quaint lots, cozied close to neighbors.
1/2
Green projects reduce stormwater overflows
As one of the lower-lying neighborhoods in Syracuse, Skunk City’s elevation has been the cause of damaging stormwater runoff and sewer overflows. “The government came in about 20 to 30 years ago and put in a huge retention pond, a retaining grassy area to collect water from an abundance of rain,” Lathrop says. “They fixed the area from flooding, but they never changed the flood maps. So residents still need to pay for that flood insurance.” Since 2019, the Atlantic States Legal Foundation has been implementing green initiatives throughout the community to help transform vacant lots into gardens and other infrastructure to improve water quality and counteract flooding. However, homes located near the creek that runs through Skunk City are still at a higher flood risk.
A retaining grassy area in Skunk City helps to collect water and prevent flooding.
Since 2019, Skunk City has been implementing green initiatives to help transform vacant lots into gardens and other infrastructure to counteract flooding.
1/2
Retail and local eateries bookend Skunk City
A commercial corridor on Skunk City’s west side provides residents with shopping, dining and entertainment options. In addition to fast-food eateries and Wegmans, there’s Fun City Adventure Park. The indoor trampoline park features ropes courses and arcade games. Also in this retail area is Limp Lizard, a barbeque joint with old Western decor and a full bar.
On the other side of the neighborhood, Geddes Street is lined with local establishments. Jandy’s Restaurant is a popular spot for Spanish food like empanadas and mofongo, offering large portions of the authentic cuisine. Near Jandy’s, Brown Memorial United Methodist Church serves free community dinners on Sunday afternoons. Additionally, the church houses a food pantry, open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Residents of Westside can not only shop but dine at the Wegmans Supermarket.
Limp Lizard, a barbeque joint with Western decor, is a Skunk City favorite.
1/2
Syracuse City schools and the district’s IB program
Students can begin at Delaware Primary School, which receives a C grade from Niche and is within walking distance of many local learners. Students can then advance to Lincoln Middle School before attending Corcoran High School, both of which hold a C-minus. The high school is home to Syracuse City School District’s International Baccalaureate program, which allows eligible students to take IB courses and graduate with an IB Diploma.
Delaware Primary School students develop their skills to their fullest potential in Westside.
Corcoran High in Southside is home of the Cougars.
1/2
The Centro bus and Geddes Street serve the area
The Centro bus system services the area, with several stops sprinkled along Skunk City’s Grand Avenue and Onondaga Street. The two main roadways bookend the neighborhood, both meeting the four-laned Geddes Street on the east side. Geddes Street then connects residents to Interstate 690, about 2 miles north. For further travel, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is an 8-mile drive away. And being only 2 miles from Syracuse’s city center, Skunk City locals are near major hospitals, including Upstate Medical University Hospital and St. Joseph’s Health Hospital.
The Centro bus system services the area, with several stops throughout the neighborhood.
Residents can find dining and retail options for all of their shopping needs.
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
Ryan Millard,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Transit
Airport
Syracuse Hancock International
16 min drive
Bus
S Geddes St & Grand Ave
Bus
W Onondaga St & Velasko Rd
Bus
W Onondaga St & Belleview Hgts Apts
Bus
Velasko Rd & W Onondaga St
Bus
W Onondaga St & Lydell St
Bus
Delaware St & S Geddes St
Bus
W Onondaga St & Hoefler St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Skunk City
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Skunk City Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Skunk City, Syracuse sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Skunk City, Syracuse over the last 12 months is $70,000, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Tenants on premises and require 48 hours notice. Part of a 6 properties, 16-unit package that includes 1864 Bellevue St., 314 Grant Ave., 313 Liberty St., 517 Geddes St., 308 Erie St. and 290 W. Seneca Tpke. Package is listed for $935,000. Currently there are rented to one big family for $1700/month plus utilities. It has 3-bedroom, 1 full bath in each unit. Rent can be higher so there are
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home located on the westside of Syracuse all rooms conveniently situated on one level. The main bedroom features attractive bamboo flooring, while the other two bedrooms are comfortably carpeted. Located just minutes from the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Western Lights shopping center, you'll enjoy easy access to nearby shopping, dining, and local
Great news to investors & home owners! A unique turn of the century single-family home just below Geddes Reservoir that supplies clean fresh spring water from The Finger Lake Skaneateles: known to be about the best spring fed water in the United States of America. A quiet street that dead ends into a large open area and athletic fields near western lights shopping area. It features 4 bedrooms,
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryan Millard,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,169
Median Age
32
Population under 18
32.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$24,199
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$47,430
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
70.9%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
9.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.1%
% Population in Labor Force
55%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
71''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
51/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
43/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
37/ 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.
