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Syracuse,NY Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Map

Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Syracuse: A Friendly Guide

Syracuse, NY is a charming city full of diverse neighborhoods that each bring something unique to the table. Whether you're a student, young professional, or family looking to settle down, Syracuse’s neighborhoods offer a variety of lifestyles, cultural vibes, and amenities. From vibrant dining scenes to historic architecture and green spaces, the city has something for everyone. If you're exploring the best neighborhoods in Syracuse, a Syracuse neighborhoods map can be a helpful tool to get a feel for where everything is and how the city is laid out.

Demographic Insights & Community Composition

The neighborhoods in Syracuse feature a mosaic of communities that reflect the city’s rich history and evolving population. Take the Westcott neighborhood, for example, known for its eclectic, artsy crowd and a strong sense of community. You'll find a blend of students, artists, and longtime residents here, creating a vibrant atmosphere. On the other hand, areas like Strathmore offer a more suburban feel with families and professionals calling it home. The demographic makeup varies widely, making Syracuse a welcoming city where diverse cultures and generations coexist comfortably.

Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer

Each neighborhood in Syracuse caters to different lifestyles. If you love food and nightlife, the Armory Square neighborhood downtown is a hotspot with trendy restaurants, bars, and shops. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Eastwood neighborhood provides easy access to parks like Schiller Park and a community-oriented vibe. Meanwhile, University Hill is buzzing with student life and academic energy, thanks to its proximity to Syracuse University. Whether you want a quiet, walkable neighborhood or a lively urban setting, Syracuse has a place that fits your vibe.

Housing, Affordability & Market Conditions

When considering the best neighborhoods in Syracuse, affordability is often a big factor. Neighborhoods like Near Westside offer more budget-friendly housing options, including charming older homes and apartments, making it attractive for first-time buyers and renters. Conversely, areas such as East Genesee Street have seen revitalization efforts, which have driven up demand and prices slightly, but still remain reasonable compared to bigger cities. Overall, Syracuse boasts a housing market that’s accessible to many, with options ranging from historic homes to modern condos.

The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods

Syracuse neighborhoods each have their own distinct personality. The historic Tipperary Hill is known for its Irish roots and the famous upside-down traffic light—a true cultural icon. Meanwhile, the Near East Side has a growing arts scene with murals and galleries popping up. The city’s layout, visible on a Syracuse neighborhoods map, shows a blend of urban grids and leafy, residential streets that give each area its unique charm and pace of life. This mix of old and new, tradition and innovation, makes Syracuse a city full of character.

Syracuse Demographics

Population 146,134
Density (People/sqml.) 5,832
Median Age 31.9
Married Couples
29%
29% of the population of Syracuse aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
21%
21% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

Best Neighborhoods

Hood  Med. Age  Kids  Home Price  Med. Income  Affordability 
Elmwood 42.1 26.2% $108,130 $63,288 1.7
Skunk City 38.1 17.4% $108,957 $65,019 1.9
Strathmore 37.4 26.9% $116,794 $65,379 2.0
Eastwood 41.9 16.4% $127,052 $62,114 2.1
Lincoln Park 40.7 23.2% $152,075 $88,080 2.1
Northside 37.7 25.3% $116,313 $61,479 2.1
Meadowbrook 40.9 22.5% $188,873 $96,914 2.1
Salt Springs 37.9 19.6% $127,993 $60,280 2.3
University 33.5 17.2% $203,889 $83,687 2.3
North Valley 44.4 23.7% $101,992 $43,327 2.3

Syracuse neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Syracuse—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Syracuse, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.

Crime in Syracuse

Violent Crime 113% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Property Crime 141% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Total Crime 136% Higher than Nat. Avg.
Crime
 
Reported
 
Syracuse
/100k
NY
/100k
National
/100k
Murder 22 15.2 2.7 5.0
Rape 85 58.6 21.7 37.5
Robbery 194 133.6 96.1 60.6
Assault 810 557.9 259.6 256.1
Total Violent Crime 1,111 765 380 359
Burglary 1,047 721.2 136.6 229.2
Theft 3,830 2,638.2 1,432.8 1,272.1
Vehicle Theft 1,270 874.8 150.2 258.8
Total Property Crime 6,147 4,234 1,720 1,760
TOTAL CRIME 7,258 4,999 2,100 2,119

Historical Crime Data

Date & Last Updated: This data reflects the 2024 calendar year and was released from the FBI in September, 2025; this is the most current data available.