I have been living in downtown Syracuse, more specifically Franklin Square, for three months now. I moved from Chittenango, NY to Syracuse to be closer to my job in Liverpool and to immerse myself in everything the city has to offer. Since moving downtown I have been thoroughly happy with my decision.

I live in the Syracuse University area and for a college student like myself, there is a lot going on in this area. Westcott Street is just around the corner and offers a lot of unique shops and dining. Alto Cinco and Dorian’s Pizza always provide a good, inexpensive meal. Westcott Cinema is located here and you can always find a good deal at the clothing store Boom Babies.

It’s not scary. It’s not gang-ridden. It’s not “the projects.” In fact, the north side can be a great place to live. Convenient to downtown and the mall, some neighborhoods on the north side border on idyllic. Some of the oldest homes in the city are in north side neighborhoods, and former mansions from Syracuse’s heyday and still tucked between newer homes.

A few years ago, I had never even thought of becoming a landlord. I was under the impression that I’d be 30 years old and have two kids before I bought my first house. The idea of a 30-year mortgage scared me. It seemed like such a commitment! My fiancé, on the other hand, had bigger and better plans. His family had been in the real estate business for years and he couldn’t wait to get started. So we began looking around the city at properties.

I moved to Eastwood last year from the 'burbs and I just need to tell everyone how cool it is.

First of all, the slogan for our cozy part of the city is "Walkable Eastwood," and it so is! I go for walks at least four times a week and never get tired of the scenery -- cute little houses and families, unique shops and lots of trees. Eastwood is a wonderful neighborhood to stretch your legs.

I moved to Eastwood last year from the 'burbs and I just need to tell everyone how cool it is.

First of all, the slogan for our cozy part of the city is "Walkable Eastwood," and it so is! I go for walks at least four times a week and never get tired of the scenery -- cute little houses and families, unique shops and lots of trees. Eastwood is a wonderful neighborhood to stretch your legs.

Location(s)

Have you been to Baldwinsville lately? This town has really come a long way, and I’d highly recommend taking the short drive west on 690 to experience the new B’ville.

The center of B’ville has shops, antique stores, and Mercer Park, which has a free boat launch into the Seneca River. You’ll know you’re in the center of town when you see the brilliant lights along the bridge crossing the Seneca. They seem to add more and more lights to this bridge every time I see it. But I must admit, it’s quite beautiful at night.