Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse, New York, in evening light.

Relocation guide

Moving to Syracuse

What it costs, what the weather is like, schools, outdoors and the honest pros and cons, from public data.

Population

146,211

Median age 31.9

Median household income

$45,845

Median rent

$998/mo

Median home value

$125,100

Schools

41

6 districts

Summer high / winter low

82° / 17°

Pros

  • Homes cost 59% less than the US median ($125,100).
  • Mild weather in May, June, September, with highs between 65°F and 85°F.
  • 74 parks, playgrounds and dog parks in the city.
  • 28 national forests, lakes and recreation areas within reach.

Cons

  • Household incomes are 42% below the US median ($45,845).
  • Property taxes are high: about 2.50% of home value a year (US 0.98%).
  • Cold winters: January lows average 17°F.

Pros and cons come from comparisons with US medians and the city’s 30-year weather normals; they leave out things numbers can’t capture.

Plan your move

Where in Syracuse?

Syracuse spans 11 zip codes. Median home values range from $79,300 to $215,100 by zip.

Compare zip codes

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Life in Syracuse

Ernie Davis Hall, Syracuse University
Ernie Davis Hall, Syracuse University 03Kiran891 · CC BY-SA 4.0
First English Lutheran Church, James Street and Townsend Street, Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY
First English Lutheran Church, James Street and Townsend Street, Near Northeast, Syracuse, NY (54415524357)Warren LeMay from Chicago, IL, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0
CNY Regional Market, Syracuse
CNY Regional MarketSmerdis · CC BY-SA 4.0

See Syracuse

A walking tour of Syracuse New York video thumbnail

A WALK AROUND TOWN

A walking tour of Syracuse New York

A recorded city visit shared by Our Earth. This is not a live camera or current conditions report.

Watch on YouTube ↗

Questions

Is Syracuse a good place to live?

It depends on what you need. Homes cost 59% less than the US median ($125,100). Mild weather in May, June, September, with highs between 65°F and 85°F. On the other hand: Household incomes are 42% below the US median ($45,845). Property taxes are high: about 2.50% of home value a year (US 0.98%).

How much do I need to earn to live in Syracuse?

The median household earns $45,845. Rent at the median ($998/month) is about 26% of that; a common rule of thumb is to keep rent under 30% of income, which means earning about $39,920 a year.

How many schools are in Syracuse?

41 public and private schools across 6 districts. See the schools page for each school’s grades and contact details.

What is the weather like in Syracuse?

Highs average 82°F in July and lows 17°F in January. The most comfortable months are May, June, September.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates; NOAA climate normals; NCES schools; OpenStreetMap parks; Recreation.gov.

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