Transplanted or Returned to Upstate NY over last year (New York: middle-class, transplants)

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by VintageSunlight

Wow. Couldn't be further from the truth and a bit presumptuous . I appreciate your opinion and taking the time to write, but I think I either came across wrong or you misinterpreted what I wrote. I love Midwestern values, I'm very family oriented, and I am looking for a slower pace, as I currently live in a major northeastern city (Philly) and I'm itching to leave because of it. Also, probably the last conception people have of me is Jersey Shore or Paris Hilton groupie or some such nonsense. I drive a 4x4 truck, listen to country/indie music, surf, and most people think I'm kinda a hippie, because I typically shun big city life, nightclubs, and live a simple life.

To restate, I travel a lot for my job. Currently, one of my jobsites is in the Syracuse metro, and I also have another in the Albany metro. The people I speak to are just random people- the guy in the pizza place where I have lunch, neighbors to the jobsite that come over and inquire about what we are doing, people in bookstores, local bars, etc. Not to get too specific, but one of my jobsites is in Ballston Spa, which is a cool little town that locals rarely complain about. Again, I just don't get the same negativity even here than in Syracuse. For reasons that are simply geographical, I can't really live there although I think that area of upstate NY would be just fine for me and the pursuits that interest me.

I compared Syracuse to Raleigh, and although Raleigh has a much higher population, I would argue that it is a VERY family oriented area, much to the chagrin of most young people. Probably even more so than Syracuse, so I'm not sure what basis that has on what I wrote, or how I implied that I'm not looking for a down to earth family-type place. Once again, let me reiterate that I'm not insulting the city but asking questions. It seems that the regulars on these forums have a real hard time with that.

There isn't a problem answering that topic. Many times people like that haven't lived anywhere else, have unrealistic expectations or there is an underlying issue(personal or otherwise) that brings about those issues. One part of the area or another person may have a more positive outlook. So, feelings will vary. Much of the excitement in the area comes from projects finally being constructed and the population growth in the area. Even the "cheerleaders" of the area know that there are issues, but what area doesn't have issues? There is more to the area than issues and especially when they are everywhere to some degree. I think too many people have let those things define the area and state for too long, when there are changes for the better are occurring now. So, I would just focus on who you would want to be around and where you would like to live in the area. It sounds like communities around Oneida Lake, Marcellus, the areas in the eastern
Finger Lakes or maybe around Oswego due to the more country vibe and access to water and even beaches. Tully may be another place to look into.

[cheypepper]

Nancy
I have always heard people rave about Camillus...I must have went through there dozens of times with my mom on the way to my grandparents home but can't recall much. I lived in Auburn, Port Byron and have family in Skaneateles, and Baldwinsville. All are good on the eyes and according to my sisters I haven't been living my life down here in Florida compared to what they do up there. For example, my one sister rents out campsites at Fisheating Creek in the Adirondacks every year for a family reunion ( I haven't been able to go) and they go to Montreal, Toronto and NYC for extended entertainment. Get a passport! They also do the apple festivals, pumpkin patches, fall festivals, Triatholon around Owasco Lake in summer, Tomato fest in Auburn, travel to Cortland to museum and oldest Carousel in the nation. Then there is the antique fair on Route 20 ( I think they scaled that down though) in August, wine festivals, State fair, camping, hiking, swimming, Erie Canal rides, and a couple of amusement parks. Spend a day in Lake George and Lake Placid by taking the steam train from Utica north. You can also go to Herkimer Diamond mines and hunt for diamonds. St Lawrence Seaway is a great town for sightseeing and taking a ferry to Thousands Islands. I'm not a fan of Syracuse myself but you can't beat Dinosaur Barbeque and Clinton Square. Rent a limo and do all the wineries around Seneca and Cayuga Lakes...that's a blast! For certain take a trip to Ithaca and on your way stop at McKenzie Childs for their eclectric pottery ( there is an annual seconds sale at their Barn this weekend). I have a friend that is a teacher in Aurora and she is gone every weekend doing something in the State. Just get out, and google I Love New York.
If you lived in the Hudson Valley, a place I want to see, you must have gone to Mohonk Mountain Resort? It looks fabulous. I also have friends that live in Saugerties and live in NYC part of the year and in Saugerties during holidays and some weekends. Lots of retired and semiretired musicians live in Upstate NY and they could live anywhere they like...also Richard Gere has a bed and breakfast, Debra Winger has a year round home, and many others. So, it can't be too bad. I can't decide between NC and Upstate mainly because I have never driven in the winter months and some of the drivers up there ( especially semi trucks) scare the hell out of me. I am also used to lots of street lights, 4 lane roads and running to a store in the middle of night...but where I'm from up there every rolls up at 8:00 p.m. and it's really dark. Oh well you always have to trade something for something and I'm willing to for cooler days.

[VintageSunlight]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

There isn't a problem answering that topic. Many times people like that haven't lived anywhere else, have unrealistic expectations or there is an underlying issue(personal or otherwise) that brings about those issues. One part of the area or another person may have a more positive outlook. So, feelings will vary. Much of the excitement in the area comes from projects finally being constructed and the population growth in the area. Even the "cheerleaders" of the area know that there are issues, but what area doesn't have issues? There is more to the area than issues and especially when they are everywhere to some degree. I think too many people have let those things define the area and state for too long, when there are changes for the better are occurring now. So, I would just focus on who you would want to be around and where you would like to live in the area. It sounds like communities around Oneida Lake, Marcellus, the areas in the eastern
Finger Lakes or maybe around Oswego due to the more country vibe and access to water and even beaches. Tully may be another place to look into.

I've been to so many communities up there. Marcellus (which is a cute town, actually), Liverpool, Manlius, Camillus, B-ville, Cicero, etc. No matter where I go, no matter who I talk to, there seems to be this negative outlook on the area. This isn't something conjured in my head, nor am I some rabble rouser or an uneducated person. I talk to tons of people- heck, you might have talked to me and not even known it. I've gone to the Limp Lizard, Dinosaur BBQ, the Carousel Mall, Armory Square, and countless other places. I'm not going into the most decrepit part of town and asking hoodrats what they think of the area.

Any opinions from newcomers like Upstate Nancy?

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by VintageSunlight

I've been to so many communities up there. Marcellus (which is a cute town, actually), Liverpool, Manlius, Camillus, B-ville, Cicero, etc. No matter where I go, no matter who I talk to, there seems to be this negative outlook on the area. This isn't something conjured in my head, nor am I some rabble rouser or an uneducated person. I talk to tons of people- heck, you might have talked to me and not even known it. I've gone to the Limp Lizard, Dinosaur BBQ, the Carousel Mall, Armory Square, and countless other places. I'm not going into the most decrepit part of town and asking hoodrats what they think of the area.

Any opinions from newcomers like Upstate Nancy?

I'm not saying that you are doing that, but sentiments will vary. That's all. It seems like Upstate Nancy likes the area she is in, but is just use to a faster pace of life. It seems like what you are looking for is just something she isn't necessarily use to.

To cheypepper, maybe another community like Camillus or. Baldwinsville could work for you, as they would have more shopping options that are open later(if not 24 hours). Both would be close enough to Auburn too.

[VintageSunlight]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

I'm not saying that you are doing that, but sentiments will vary. That's all. It seems like Upstate Nancy likes the area she is in, but is just use to a faster pace of life. It seems like what you are looking for is just something she isn't necessarily use to.

To cheypepper, maybe another community like Camillus or. Baldwinsville could work for you, as they would have more shopping options that are open later(if not 24 hours). Both would be close enough to Auburn too.

Umm, I wouldn't say that is accurate, based on this:

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by VintageSunlight

Umm, I wouldn't say that is accurate, based on this:

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed

Then, what more do you need? Again, I'll say this again, things will vary depending on where you decide to live. If anything, you posting that solidified my suggestion of the East Side of the city of Syracuse and the eastern suburbs to her, if those are some of the things she is looking for. Sometimes it issue a matter of what you want and asking for it. Plenty of sophisticated and educated folks on that side of town considering that there are 2 college campuses there and a few more in the next county east of that part of the county. Manlius has an art cinema that shows independent films, along with a movie theater at Shoppingtown Mall. Eastwood's Palace Theater also show movies at times as well.

With that said, Camillus is a nice town and it is a short drive to Carousel Center and its movie theater. Auburn is a relatively short drive and has a drive in, with a theater on Grant Ave. east of the city and at Fingerlakes Mall.

There are plenty of events on the college campuses and festivals of all kinds in the area. It is a matter of attending them.

[VintageSunlight]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

Then, what more do you need? Again, I'll say this again, things will vary depending on where you decide to live. If anything, you posting that solidified my suggestion of the East Side of the city of Syracuse and the eastern suburbs, if those are some of the things she is looking for. Sometimes it issue a matter of what you want and asking for it. Plenty of sophisticated and educated folks on that side of town considering that there are 2 college campuses there and a few more in the next county east of that part of the county. Manlius has an art cinema that shows independent films, along with a movie theater at Shoppingtown Mall. Eastwood's Palace Theater also show movies at times as well.

With that said, Camillus is a nice town and it is a short drive to Carousel Center and its movie theater. Auburn is a relatively short drive and has a drive in, with a theater on Grant Ave. east of the city and at Fingerlakes Mall.

There are plenty of events on the college campuses and festivals of all kinds in the area. It is a matter of attending them.

Well, I just saw after I asked her opinion. So few posters on the Syracuse forums, so its hard to get an unbiased opinion from people. Like some of the Sperling posters said, it seems to be the lifelong Syracuse residents that are more reluctant to change, and also may remember the "industrial glory days" as one poster said, might have a more negative view. I'll concede that most of the posts from newcomers seemed positive.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by VintageSunlight

Well, I just saw after I asked her opinion. So few posters on the Syracuse forums, so its hard to get an unbiased opinion from people. Like some of the Sperling posters said, it seems to be the lifelong Syracuse residents that are more reluctant to change, and also may remember the "industrial glory days" as one poster said, might have a more negative view. I'll concede that most of the posts from newcomers seemed positive.

Even as a person that has lived here for most of my life, I think age and education are factors too. Many long time residents welcome the changes for the better, if they are aware of them. If anything, the usual Syracuse posters are probably the most insightful in terms of being aware of the changes, events, the variety of housing options, places to eat and more versus some of the other forums out there.

Another thing I will suggest is to check out things in other parts of the area. I think that is another issue in terms of people forming a view of the area based on their side of town.

[Sean®]

Originally Posted by VintageSunlight

Hey Upstate Nancy, as someone new to the area, what are your honest recommendations about a newcomer moving there? I like to talk to some other people on here, rather than the usual "pro-Upstate" and "anti-Upstate" entrenched people.

My concerns are the following:

-Upstate is not a place where newcomers are coming in, in droves. So, the people usually have friends their entire lives, so for a newcomers, its hard to make new friends. For example, I travel a lot for my job, and have been to the Syracuse metro (and Capital Region) so much lately. I find the people to be friendly enough, but wary. Almost like "who do you know that I know, and why are you talking to me?" Albany is worse, might as well be NYC with the attitude. Do you find this also?

- I don't care about property tax if the homes are cheap. A $1000 mortgage is a $1000 mortgage, and generally-speaking, I don't care who gets what. Any surprises as far as money issues go? Some people on here complain endlessly about how hard the expensive NYS taxes make your life (like 50% of your money is gone due to the bloated NYS tax structure and wages/job attainment is very difficult).

- The #1 thing holding me back from moving there. The negativity of the people in the area. I can't stress this enough, it depresses me so much because I really wish the people were cooler. I've lived in Raleigh and the pride there makes you feel so good about living there. People from there LOVE where they live. Day in and day out, it makes a difference. Its hard to tune out the naysayers when 80% of the people you meet are naysayers.

I've gone to Syracuse at least 5 times in the last few months, and EVERYONE asks me why I would consider living in such a crappy place. I answer them: cheap homes, fresh air, no traffic, ever been to Philly?" Still, they shake their head and tell me I'm making a huge mistake. On my Trip #1 and Trip #2 into the area, I liked going up there. By Trip #5, I started to dread being sent there (plus the hotels are not that great either, compared to other places, but that's not important). I don't want to rent there, as homes are so cheap, but I'm extremely concerned that hearing all the negativity, day in and day out will wear me out quick. IMO, its so important to be surrounded by happy, well-adjusted people, than live in a constant sea of negativity. Any thoughts from a newcomer on this?

The biggest force, by far, in Upstate NY is government. Like with everything else you have winners and losers.

You will find that people who have settled under the yoke of repressive government are very happy with the status quo. Employers of any city, county or state agency. Any of the tax free colleges and non-profits. Teachers, social workers, prison guards and so on. All the way down to the guy that mows the lawn and scrubs the toilets. Also parents, children and spouses of these folks. More distantly perhaps people with private jobs but live in a home surrounded by state workers that know there homes value is being kept up with government cheese.

Private sector workers will tend to be as you have found.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Sean®

The biggest force, by far, in Upstate NY is government. Like with everything else you have winners and losers.

You will find that people who have settled under the yoke of repressive government are very happy with the status quo. Employers of any city, county or state agency. Any of the tax free colleges and non-profits. Teachers, social workers, prison guards and so on. All the way down to the guy that mows the lawn and scrubs the toilets. Also parents, children and spouses of these folks. More distantly perhaps people with private jobs but live in a home surrounded by state workers that know there homes value is being kept up with government cheese.

Private sector workers will tend to be as you have found.

Even private sector folks will vary depending upon education, skills, options one may have, who they are around and where they work.