About New York

Syracuse, New York acts as the northeastern gateway to the beautiful Finger Lakes Region. Located in the heart of New York, Syracuse serves as the seat of Onondaga County, with a reported a population of 147,306 in the city and 732,117 residents in the entire metropolitan area, (Census 2000 data).

Settlers looking to trade with the Onondaga Nation were attracted to the Syracuse area after the Revolutionary War. When residents discovered salt in area swamps, more settlers moved into Syracuse and eventually gave it the nickname "Salt City". The arrival of the Erie Canal, which ran through the village, and the Underground Railroad were instrumental in maintaining the local economy when the salt industry declined after the Civil War.

Today, the largest employers in Syracuse are in the education and service industries. Lockheed Martin, Syracuse University, Magna International and St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center are just a few of the prosperous businesses currently flourishing in Syracuse. Also known as a convention city, Syracuse is home to a downtown convention complex and the Empire Expo Center.

Syracuse offers an abundance of exciting attractions, lively entertainment, and the best shopping opportunities in Central New York. Shopping and dining experiences include Armory Square, Little Italy, Tipperary Hill, Westcott Street and Middle Ages Brewing Company. Family friendly sites such as Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Burnet Park and The Carousel Center are open year round, while area events such as New York State Fair, Coors Light Balloon Fest, Oktoberfest and Jazz Fest attract visitors annually. Residents also have access to a myriad of developed parks, including Burnet Park, Onondaga Lake Park and Thornden Park.

The Finger Lakes region is a four-season tourist attraction, world renowned for its picturesque lakes, vineyards and wine trails. The region boasts a combination of spectacular views, charming B&B's, wineries and a wide variety of unique dining and shopping opportunities. The stunning landscape is a result of Ice Age glaciers, which carved the eleven lakes, leaving behind serene waterfalls, gently rolling hills and rocky gorges in their wake.

A patchwork of what were once villages that joined Syracuse over the years, make up the twenty-six neighborhoods officially recognized today. Although northern and central sections of Syracuse are flat, many of its southern communities are situated on small hills such as Tipperary Hill and University Hill. University Hill is a dynamic community made up of educational, medical, cultural and business establishments. Syracuse University is the backbone of University Hill. On either side of Syracuse University are the College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Upstate Medical University, both State University (SUNY) schools. Also in Syracuse are LeMoyne College, Onondaga Community College, SUNY's Empire State College and a campus of the nationwide Bryant & Stratton College.

Syracuse, New York maintains its presence as an economic and educational hub, bordered by smaller neighborhoods with a more serene ambiance. Syracuse, once called home by celebrities such as Richard Gere and Tom Cruise, it is a sought after community with much to offer its residents.