Info on Utica

[dcomposto]

true, I can't imagine a lot of kids stay in the area after they graduate.

[Janice55]

Just found this blog--I guess I need to vent.
Don't move to this area is you intend to teach--New York (at least upstate) want their own or want a lot of money even before you can get in the system. And BOCES and the people in Albany are not exactly helpful. At DOE headquarters in Albany, they explicitly state that they are unavailable for calls.
Don't move here if you don't want to experience racism and extreme prejudice.
Don't move here if you are used to people being polite to one another.
Don't move here if you want a career in any other than a low paying job.
We moved up here with high expectations three years ago without realizing (even though we had done our research) just how horrible this area is. Sure, the scenery is incredible, but one still has to make a living--I have a master's degree plus, and have only had interviews for low paying jobs--for which I am overqualified.
There are exceptions to our experiences, and there are some exceptional people here. However, the negatives above have outweighed the positive.

[JiminCT]

Utica is good for pizza, tomato-pies, buffalo wings, and italian pastries. Other than that it is good for looking though in your rear view mirror in the car. I drive through it on the way out to WNY. Its truly a depressing place...time gone by kind of city. Just MHO.

[corduroyboy]

Originally Posted by JiminCT

Utica is good for pizza, tomato-pies, buffalo wings, and italian pastries. Other than that it is good for looking though in your rear view mirror in the car. I drive through it on the way out to WNY. Its truly a depressing place...time gone by kind of city. Just MHO.

I was born and raised in Utica and could not wait to leave. No one ever wants to leave their family and life, but I would have gone nuts if I stayed there. All of my family is still there, and it is good to get home to see them, eat the great food, and enjoy the beatiful nature there. But if I wanted to get to the point I'm at today with my personal life and career, Utica would not have been the place to achieve it. I blame half of Utica's problems on the horrible politicians. Specifically, THE MAYOR!

[Don2007]

The Utica area was prosperous after WWII. The 1950's was a time when families could find affordable housing there and almost everyone worked in the factories. Well, the manufacturing dried up many years ago and left behind non-skilled type work. My Dad worked at the plant and retired with what is now unheard of...a pension. So Mom and Dad stayed in their paid off house and I moved South. My siblings are still there.
The airport closed to commercial service a few years ago. I think USAirways Express was the last plane out of Oneida County. Most people from this area don't go far so air service is likely not missed. Also, it keeps those outsiders from coming to town and trying to fancy things up.