10 Best Places To Live In Upstate New York In 2026

Excerpt from an article published by WorldAtlas:

Syracuse

Located near the shores of Onondaga Lake, Syracuse is a midsize city with healthcare access, affordable housing, and cultural amenities. Syracuse offers medical care through SUNY Upstate Medical University and Upstate University Hospital. Upstate University Hospital earned three stars from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The median home sale price is around $180,000. Arts and culture venues such as The Everson Museum of Art and the Redhouse Arts Center give residents plenty of options for evenings and weekends.

Syracuse also has strong access to nature. Residents spend time boating or kayaking on Onondaga Lake and skiing in winter at nearby Labrador Mountain Ski Resort. The city is also within driving distance of the Finger Lakes and the Adirondack Mountains. Family-friendly attractions within city limits include the Erie Canal Museum and the Museum of Science & Technology. Every summer, the Great New York State Fair brings a major burst of activity to the area.