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South Valley

South Valley

$194,782 Average Value

South Valley offers affordable living outside of Syracuse

A small residential section about 2 miles outside of Syracuse’s city center, South Valley appeals to homebuyers seeking an affordable, laid-back neighborhood. “It’s great middle America because you can still buy a home for under $200,000 with singles and families all mixed together,” says Chip Hodgkins , an associate broker with the Hodgkins Home Team of Hunt Real Estate ERA. Although Syracuse University is nearby, just 1 mile to the north, South Valley isn’t defined by the college. "You can’t talk about the Valley, which is what we usually call it, without mentioning Gannons Isle Ice Cream and Green Hills Farms,” says Hodgkins, referring to the popular local eatery and market located near West Seneca Turnpike. “The turnpike runs across the Valley, separating North Valley from South Valley,” Hodgkins explains about the enclave’s northern neighbor.

Local eateries and church bring unique flavor to the Valley

South Valley has a few small retail areas, such as Valley Plaza and Turnpike Centre. However, where Valley Drive intersects with West Seneca Turnpike, well-known local eateries draw visitors from across the city. The Deli on Valley is a counter-service spot popular for its pizza and sub sandwiches. Across the street, Gannons Isle Ice Cream hand-makes over 200 homemade ice cream flavors. Colorful murals adorn the walls, creating a lively atmosphere. “Gannons Isle is the best ice cream in all of Central New York,” Hodgkins says. “You’ll have families, retirees, all standing in line together and having fun.” While Wegman’s is about 4 miles away, Green Hills Farms is a renowned grocery market in the neighborhood with artisan breads and fresh produce.

The community is home to several churches, including Unity of Syracuse on West Seneca Turnpike. This progressive church, constructed in 1885 by a Syracuse architect, promotes a progressive approach to Christianity. The church building also houses The Listening Room, a space used for services as well as community concerts, seminars, and various performances.

Renter-friendly ranch-styles and Split-levels line streets

More than half of the South Valley community rents their homes, at a 56% rate. While the median sale price is $187,000, price tags generally range from $110,000 for a 1,000-square-foot ranch-style to $320,000 for a 2,000-square-foot Split-level. Some properties offer garages and driveways, while other areas offer street parking. Hodgkins notes that while many streets don't have sidewalks, it's still common for residents to walk dogs and push strollers along along the residential lanes. Many homes are marketed to buyers looking to rent out units or renovate and resell. “There’s a large first-time home buyer opportunity here. You can buy for $150,000, put $10- to $20,000 into it, then you have a $250,000 property,” Hodgkins explains.

Syracuse University and Micron fuel the city’s future

Located about a mile north of South Valley, Syracuse University stands as a significant economic force within the community. Established in 1870, this private institution boasts a hilltop campus renowned for its Roman Revival architecture. As an R1 research university, Syracuse enrolls around 22,000 students, both undergraduate and graduate. In 2024, it was honored as 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 also famous for its athletic programs, which get strong support from the city. “The Syracuse University trademark has more brand recognition than any other New York team,” Hodgkins says. “Syracuse University basketball is more recognized than the New York Knicks.”

Another key economic contributor to the city will be Micron Technology, a manufacturer of computer memory and data projected to open its first factory in Clay by 2027 or 2028. “Micron will be heavily involved with the growth factor happening in Syracuse,” Hodgkins says. He also notes that the $100 billion industrial project will bring an influx of retail, dining and residents to the area.

Syracuse City public schools provide an IB program

Area students are part of the Syracuse City School District, which has a C-plus rating from Niche. Young learners can start their education at Meachem Elementary School and then move on to Clary Middle School, both of which receive a C-minus rating. Corcoran High School, with a B-minus, hosts the district's International Academy, where eligible students can enroll in the IB program and earn an IB Diploma upon completion. The district also offers the Building Men Program, which is available to boys from elementary through high school who want to develop leadership skills and give back to the community. Additionally, Faith Heritage School, a private Christian institution with a B-plus, serves just over 200 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Rand Tract Park and Meachem Field have green space

Locals have access to year-round outdoor activities. On South Valley’s west side, Rand Tract Park offers nearly 100 acres of hiking space, featuring a 2-mile trail that winds around Webster Pond, a favorite spot for watching ducks and swans. Close by, Meachem Field is a sports complex equipped with softball fields, illuminated tennis courts, playgrounds, and an indoor ice rink.

Interstate 81 and the Centro bus serve the community

Interstate 81 runs along the eastern boundary of South Valley, providing a direct route to Downtown Syracuse, which is roughly 2 miles north. U.S. Route 11, or Salina Street, also passes through the neighborhood. For those who don't have a car, the Centro bus system serves the area. And for longer journeys, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is about 10 miles north. To the west, Upstate Community Hospital offers 306 beds, a birthing center, and an emergency room.
Mary Beth Greene
Written By
Mary Beth Greene

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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 Michael Williams, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Syracuse Hancock International

20 min drive

Bus

W Seneca Tpke & Smith Rd

Bus

S Salina St & Richfield Ave

Bus

S Salina St & E Cheltenham Rd

Bus

S Salina St & W Seneca Tpke

Bus

S Salina St & Spaulding Ave

Bus

E Brighton Ave & Intrepid La

Bus

S Salina St & Jaclyn Dr

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Valley US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,631
Median Year Built
1950
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,383
Significantly below the national average
1,927
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,276
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,276

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

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Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,965
Median Age
44
Population under 18
19.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.4%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$47,473
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,969

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
90.3%
College Graduates
33%
Advanced Degrees
15.3%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.7%
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

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

40 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

34 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

39 / 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
South Valley
Michael Williams
Lake and Village Realty, LLC
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