Transplanted or Returned to Upstate NY over last year (New York: real estate, amusement park)

[ss20ts]

Originally Posted by cheypepper

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.

There are actually a great number of celebrities who live, work, and play in NY outside of the city.

Tim McGraw recorded an album in the HV. Mark Rufalo (another actor) lives near Monticello. He's from Wisconsin, but lives in NY now whenever he's not making a movie.

Harrison Ford regularly flies his own plane to a small airport into Duanesburg which is a very small town. He has lunch at the same restaurant every time he goes. No one bothers him.

The Douglas family lived in Ballston Spa for many years. The Douglas family as in Kirk and Michael. They still have family there and visit.

Scott Valentine - he's an actor from the 80's - is from Saratoga County. My dad used to play soccer with his brother every week.

Lots of movies are made Upstate as well. The Albany area has been a hot bed for a long time. Scent of a Woman, Iron Weed, Salt, Pines (Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper movie coming soon), bunch of others as well.

NASCAR even has big ties to Upstate NY. Richard Petty still fondly remembers Fonda Speedway. I've seen him talk about the track in several interviews. There's two whole families of brother in NASCAR. THe Pemberton's are from Ballston Spa and the Bodine's are from Chemung. Currently, there's a driver from Cato - Regan Smith.

Tony Stewart and his old crew chief, Greg Zipadelli, own houses in Old Forge. Greg used to put on a HUGE snowmobile event every winter as a fundraiser. His wife was a teacher in Old Forge. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. vacations in Old Forge because no one bothers him there. He's just an average Joe there.

I've heard that from many people who vacation or visit NY. There's no paparazzi. People don't stalk them. For the most part, they leave them alone.

I'm a HUGE NASCAR fan and Tony is my driver. Has been since Earnhardt Sr died. I even have a special edition Monte Carlo SS featuring Tony that Chevy made a few years back. Yup, I'm a NASCAR geek.

Thanksgiving weekend one year, I was standing less than 3 feet away from Greg in a shop. He nodded and I nodded. That was it. I was wearing an Earnhardt coat at the time and he knew I knew who he was. I didn't ask for an autograph or anything. Didn't say anything to him. Just nodded. People always ask why I didn't ask for his autograph. It wasn't the time or the place. That place is at the race track or race shop or an appearance. He was with his wife getting ready to go out to dinner. To me, it wasn't the time or place to be a crazy fan.

I've talked to a lot of people around Charlotte where most of NASCAR is located. The drivers and crews can't stand the attention and lack of a life. It's beyond a lack of privacy. I've driven by many of their homes and they're gorgeous. Most are gated and I can't blame them. They live among regular people. Sure many of their neighbors have money, but they all want the same thing. To live life.

It is interesting to see how many celebrities live in and visit Upstate. You'd never know it unless someone pointed it out to you. They blend right into every day folks.

Not too shabby for a place so many complain about or think is so old and run down. Someone must like it since there's about 10 million people living outside of NYC.

[ss20ts]

Originally Posted by VintageSunlight

Me: Not too crazy about the shopping in the area, wish it had some better stores
Them: If you're looking for Neiman Marcus, perhaps Syracuse is not for you.
Me: Huh? No, not Neiman Marcus, just some more appealing stores, like REI, Whole Foods, Costco, etc. I really like those stores, they have great products.
Them: Well, they're not here. We have Wegmans, and that suits us just fine. We're happy with what we got and we don't want this area to turn into LA, NYC, or some other "flashy place". Maybe you should look somewhere else.
Me:

So frustrating to talk to some of the people here (and I mean city-data, not just SYR). Some jackass lady over in the Buffalo forum is trying to ban people from posting positive things about Buffalo in her thread.

Whole Foods will be opening in Rochester and Albany within the next year. Both locations are under way. Trader Joe's is coming to Syracuse and Albany as well. Albany's opens next month. Don't know about Syracuse's opening date. I'm sure ckhthankgod will have the details! He's very knowledgable about things like that.

Banning positive things on a thread? There's one in every crowd I tell ya!

[RollsRoyce]

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 have had the chance to travel around the Philadelphia, Reading, Allentown, and Lancaster areas over the past few years. Aside from the immediate Philadelphia area which I like, I have found the people in Allentown and Reading to be far more insular, blue collar and reserved than people in Syracuse. I haven't found people in that area to be rude, just very aloof, angry looking, and largely established and married by the time they hit 20 or 22. This is not uncommon in smaller to mid-sized cities, and there are certainly people in Syracuse that fit this mold as well, but not to such an extreme level in my opinion.

I find the attitude and demographics of the Dutch Country, Berks County, and Lehigh Valley fascinating, because, being tall, German and with a light complexion I blend in pretty well. I don't have the nasty NYC accent either, which often repels people in the other direction. Based squarely on demographics (aside from college attainment and intellectual pursuits which are lacking in some of these communities), I have more in common with these people in terms of dialect, appearance, etc than the area I grew up in which was largely Italian and Jewish. This may not answer your question, however it may provide some context. While Reading and Lancaster are much smaller metros than Syracuse, Allentown when including Bethlehem, Easton and suburban areas of Lehigh County is fairly comprable in terms of size and even slightly larger. In many ways Allentown has a leg up on Syracuse because it is only 40 miles from Philadelphia and much closer to some Bucks County suburbs like Quakertown that are well within the Philadelphia sphere of influence. The Easton area has benefited from an influx of more affluent and educated mid and upper level corporate professionals that work in Morris County, NJ and in the Branchburg/Somerville/Bridgewater areas. Despite being only 70 miles from NYC and much closer to Philadelphia, I personally find the Allentown area quite depressing. There are some nice communities like Upper Macungie and Emmaus in the Allentown area and the desirable Reading suburb of Wyomissing , however it still doesn't outweigh the negative. To be fair, I'm sure there are people that say the same thing about Syracuse. Despite relative close proximity to two of the nation's Top 10 metro areaa and robust population and income growth per the 2010 Census, I actually think Syracuse is more sophisticated and less of a backwater than Allentown and Reading.

[VintageSunlight]

Originally Posted by RollsRoyce

I have had the chance to travel around the Philadelphia, Reading, Allentown, and Lancaster areas over the past few years. Aside from the immediate Philadelphia area which I like, I have found the people in Allentown and Reading to be far more insular, blue collar and reserved than people in Syracuse. I haven't found people in that area to be rude, just very aloof, angry looking, and largely established and married by the time they hit 20 or 22. This is not uncommon in smaller to mid-sized cities, and there are certainly people in Syracuse that fit this mold as well, but not to such an extreme level in my opinion.

I find the attitude and demographics of the Dutch Country, Berks County, and Lehigh Valley fascinating, because, being tall, German and with a light complexion I blend in pretty well. I don't have the nasty NYC accent either, which often repels people in the other direction. Based squarely on demographics (aside from college attainment and intellectual pursuits which are lacking in some of these communities), I have more in common with these people in terms of dialect, appearance, etc than the area I grew up in which was largely Italian and Jewish. This may not answer your question, however it may provide some context. While Reading and Lancaster are much smaller metros than Syracuse, Allentown when including Bethlehem, Easton and suburban areas of Lehigh County is fairly comprable in terms of size and even slightly larger. In many ways Allentown has a leg up on Syracuse because it is only 40 miles from Philadelphia and much closer to some Bucks County suburbs like Quakertown that are well within the Philadelphia sphere of influence. The Easton area has benefited from an influx of more affluent and educated mid and upper level corporate professionals that work in Morris County, NJ and in the Branchburg/Somerville/Bridgewater areas. Despite being only 70 miles from NYC and much closer to Philadelphia, I personally find the Allentown area quite depressing. There are some nice communities like Upper Macungie and Emmaus in the Allentown area and the desirable Reading suburb of Wyomissing , however it still doesn't outweigh the negative. To be fair, I'm sure there are people that say the same thing about Syracuse. Despite relative close proximity to two of the nation's Top 10 metro areaa and robust population and income growth per the 2010 Census, I actually think Syracuse is more sophisticated and less of a backwater than Allentown and Reading.

I think it is clear from this post that you have been well traveled in the same places that I have traveled, and have a clear understanding of what my post meant. Thanks for that. Like Dunder Mifflin, my company has these small offices in so many of these mid-sized PA cities- Reading, Allentown, York, etc. I'm quite familiar with these cities. You are so correct that my primary concern in relocating to the Syracuse Metro is that I don't end up in a town like one of these. No offense to the folks who live in these towns, but having been there, and seeing how depressed and provincial these places are, they are not for me. If you haven't lived there your whole life, you will not be accepted. Even places like Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton, there is a palpable wariness of outsiders, particularly people from NJ and especially NYC.

Wyomissing = Liverpool....tell me that's not a accurate comparison!

I have found Queensbury/Glens Falls to be quite accepting of outsiders, friendly, educated, and not at all provincial. Proximity to liberal, educated VT is probably a factor. I have found Binghamton to be a lot like small PA cities- insular, depressed, wary of others, just kinda like PA. Which made me question which way Syracuse leans- more toward the "Vermont" attitude or the "Pennsylvania" attitude.

I live in the greater Philly area, and I agree there are great suburbs around here. In fact, I would argue that Philly's suburbs are better than NYC's, as they are far friendlier and more down to earth. Most of Bucks County is nice, also the Main Line, Chester County is so historic and beautiful, but of course all of this comes at a price. In the Lehigh Valley, I'm also not too impressed with Allentown or Easton, Bethlehem is ok and towns like Lower Saucon, Emmaus, and Williams Twp are pretty nice.

You said: "This is not uncommon in smaller to mid-sized cities, and there are certainly people in Syracuse that fit this mold as well, but not to such an extreme level in my opinion" and

"Despite relative close proximity to two of the nation's Top 10 metro areaa and robust population and income growth per the 2010 Census, I actually think Syracuse is more sophisticated and less of a backwater than Allentown and Reading."

These are both really good to know.I was really hoping that this was the case, but again, based on speaking with people in the area, I wasn't sure.

[ckhthankgod]

I agree with Rolls. With Syracuse, there has always been a strong sophisticated component due to Syracuse University and a decent amount of people in other white collar positions in the area over the years. I think his post about the increasing educational attainment of its residents shows an ability to transition and change, as well as being able for newcomers to be comfortable. So, I believe that most will be fine once they warm up to you.

Binghamton I can see being more like the PA areas, but even there, I'd say that Vestal, Endicott, Endwell, Johnson City and the city's West and western portion of the South Side would be more open due to Binghamton University's influence. IBM's history in Endicott would probably be another factor. All have at least decent to high educational attainment rates too. Owego also has Lockheed Martin and there are a couple of other companies near the communities I mentioned that have their share of positions that require a higher education(Endicott Interconnect and BAE Systems come to mind).

Ithaca would definitely be open to newcomers as well.

[ss20ts]

Originally Posted by VintageSunlight

I have found Queensbury/Glens Falls to be quite accepting of outsiders, friendly, educated, and not at all provincial. Proximity to liberal, educated VT is probably a factor.

Queensbury is VERY touristy. Lake George is just a few feet away and they have The Great Escape. Queensbury and Glens Falls are very used to new people coming to town. Both are also very different from Vermont. There is a bit of a New England vibe, but they are definitely New York.

[cheypepper]

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.

I guess I should clarify..I don't really need to go to a store in the middle of the night..I think what I meant to say is that being in a tourist area there is traffic on the roads up until midnight from tourists and people going to and from work ( I live 12 miles from Disney). Actually I hate Walmart, and especially at night...just gets weird. Finding that home rentals Upstate have jumped way up, almost doubled if you can even find one...seems according to the charts that home prices for sales have gone way up as well compared to a couple years ago. Guess all that advertizing in NYC has paid off what with the area being a tourist destination and all. Now I may not be able to afford to move back.

[cheypepper]

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.

Originally Posted by ss20ts

There are actually a great number of celebrities who live, work, and play in NY outside of the city.

Tim McGraw recorded an album in the HV. Mark Rufalo (another actor) lives near Monticello. He's from Wisconsin, but lives in NY now whenever he's not making a movie.

Harrison Ford regularly flies his own plane to a small airport into Duanesburg which is a very small town. He has lunch at the same restaurant every time he goes. No one bothers him.

The Douglas family lived in Ballston Spa for many years. The Douglas family as in Kirk and Michael. They still have family there and visit.

Scott Valentine - he's an actor from the 80's - is from Saratoga County. My dad used to play soccer with his brother every week.

Lots of movies are made Upstate as well. The Albany area has been a hot bed for a long time. Scent of a Woman, Iron Weed, Salt, Pines (Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper movie coming soon), bunch of others as well.

NASCAR even has big ties to Upstate NY. Richard Petty still fondly remembers Fonda Speedway. I've seen him talk about the track in several interviews. There's two whole families of brother in NASCAR. THe Pemberton's are from Ballston Spa and the Bodine's are from Chemung. Currently, there's a driver from Cato - Regan Smith.

Tony Stewart and his old crew chief, Greg Zipadelli, own houses in Old Forge. Greg used to put on a HUGE snowmobile event every winter as a fundraiser. His wife was a teacher in Old Forge. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. vacations in Old Forge because no one bothers him there. He's just an average Joe there.

I've heard that from many people who vacation or visit NY. There's no paparazzi. People don't stalk them. For the most part, they leave them alone.

I'm a HUGE NASCAR fan and Tony is my driver. Has been since Earnhardt Sr died. I even have a special edition Monte Carlo SS featuring Tony that Chevy made a few years back. Yup, I'm a NASCAR geek.

Thanksgiving weekend one year, I was standing less than 3 feet away from Greg in a shop. He nodded and I nodded. That was it. I was wearing an Earnhardt coat at the time and he knew I knew who he was. I didn't ask for an autograph or anything. Didn't say anything to him. Just nodded. People always ask why I didn't ask for his autograph. It wasn't the time or the place. That place is at the race track or race shop or an appearance. He was with his wife getting ready to go out to dinner. To me, it wasn't the time or place to be a crazy fan.

I've talked to a lot of people around Charlotte where most of NASCAR is located. The drivers and crews can't stand the attention and lack of a life. It's beyond a lack of privacy. I've driven by many of their homes and they're gorgeous. Most are gated and I can't blame them. They live among regular people. Sure many of their neighbors have money, but they all want the same thing. To live life.

It is interesting to see how many celebrities live in and visit Upstate. You'd never know it unless someone pointed it out to you. They blend right into every day folks.

Not too shabby for a place so many complain about or think is so old and run down. Someone must like it since there's about 10 million people living outside of NYC.

Thanks for the info..very interesting. My mom ran into Paul Newman in a department store in Syracuse years ago...she was thrilled beyond belief and yes he was shopping for carpeting! I actually got to meet him and wife Joanne at the Moroso Motorsports speedway out by Pratt and Whitney where he come every year to race (forgot the name but named after a product) They were in a small trailer and selling their pasta sauce. He wouldn't sign autographs though..just not into the attention. It was very cool and I loved that speedway...out in the country and just big enough. Never too crowded. It is now called Palm Beach International Speedway after it was bought and completely redesigned. I remember that it did have a tough turn due to the weird shape and very little safety features...look it up in Wikipedia.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

What kind of teacher are you by the way?

Originally Posted by cheypepper

I guess I should clarify..I don't really need to go to a store in the middle of the night..I think what I meant to say is that being in a tourist area there is traffic on the roads up until midnight from tourists and people going to and from work ( I live 12 miles from Disney). Actually I hate Walmart, and especially at night...just gets weird. Finding that home rentals Upstate have jumped way up, almost doubled if you can even find one...seems according to the charts that home prices for sales have gone way up as well compared to a couple years ago. Guess all that advertizing in NYC has paid off what with the area being a tourist destination and all. Now I may not be able to afford to move back.

I think that you can find a home in many parts of Upstate NY. What is your price range in terms renting and/or buying?

[RollsRoyce]

Originally Posted by ss20ts

Queensbury is VERY touristy. Lake George is just a few feet away and they have The Great Escape. Queensbury and Glens Falls are very used to new people coming to town. Both are also very different from Vermont. There is a bit of a New England vibe, but they are definitely New York.

I have fond memories of that area. Our family used to go camping at Moreau Lake State Park. I remember going on the bike trail to Lake George, visiting Great Escape and going to the Aviation Mall in Queensbury.