Oswego info? (Syracuse, Fulton, Ontario: fit in, home, college)

[kellbell123]

Hello! I've been using this site to help find out more about places that might be my future home.

I currently reside in Plymouth, MI but I've come to realize that this is not where I want to stay. I somehow came across Oswego, NY and after looking at the city's site, many pictures, this site, and looking at surrounding areas, I have become very interested in this town. I like the outdoorsness of it all. The water, nearby hiking, camping, and other activities are right up my alley.

I plan on visiting in June or July, but I was wondering if anyone that either lives there or has been there could give me their opinions of it.

BTW I went to college in the UP of Michigan, so the snow and what not doesn't bother me a bit I am in the early childhood field, so if anyone knows anything about the child care centers around the area, that would also be helpful.

Thanks in advance!
Kellie

[Jeromeville]

If you like snow, that gives you a lot of help acclimating to Oswego, definitely.

Oswego is a college town - home of SUNY Oswego - but also is the other end of a sort of exurban corridor that runs down to Syracuse. Oswego is within Syracuse's greater metro area. It is a little bit more rural/"redneck" in character than Syracuse proper but it does have its own energy. They hold a fantastic summer festival called Harborfest.

As for early childhood field, the proximity to Syracuse should help you find more job opportunities that won't be too bad of a commute. Some of Syracuse's fastest growing suburban communities are in the northwest of Onondaga County which abuts Oswego County. Fulton is also a midsize town between Syracuse and Oswego that you might want to consider.

[Sgoldie]

You might definately like Oswego. The outdoorseyness is not limited to the surrounding areas though they are great with the Adirondacks, Finger Lakes, Lake Ontario beaches, and 1000 Islands a day trip away. The city itself has walkways all along the waterfront that go on for miles and within a few short blocks of the downtown at most. Waterfront based activities are common and there are lots of other activities year round.

I'm not up on child care centers. Maybe we could use a few more. You won't make much money in that field but housing is relatively inexpensive. The college has a major in early childhood. Try looking up Oswego County Opportunities, this is a large social services agency which is one of the largest employers in the county and will have jobs that may fit in with your degree. Work opportunities are slim at best otherwise. You can do a search for previous posts about Oswego for further information.

[kellbell123]

Originally Posted by Sgoldie

I'm not up on child care centers. Maybe we could use a few more. You won't make much money in that field but housing is relatively inexpensive. The college has a major in early childhood. Try looking up Oswego County Opportunities, this is a large social services agency which is one of the largest employers in the county and will have jobs that may fit in with your degree. Work opportunities are slim at best otherwise. You can do a search for previous posts about Oswego for further information.

Ha! I'm well aware of the insignificant amount of money early childhood professionals make. You definitely don't choose this profession for the money.
The cheaper housing is nice draw because where I am at is pretty expensive. Job opps seem to be an issue everywhere, so I half expected to hear that. It's interesting that you say you could use more...It's been a dream of mine to have my own.

And I did read about Harborfest somewhere and it really does sound awesome! Thanks for the Fulton suggestion, also. I will look into that as well.

If anyone has suggestions on other areas that have similar characteristics as Oswego, I would be interested in hearing about them. Afterall, you all live there...I'm just going at this with a map and the internet

Thanks for your help!

[Sgoldie]

I don't recommend Fulton over Oswego unless there is a compelling reason such as being closer to a Syracuse commute. The community has even less of a downtown, is much poorer, and has factories right in the middle of town.

[ckhthankgod]

Oswego is a nice city of about 18-19,000 people. I went to college there and actually liked it more than I thought. People there are generally nice and it is beautiful up there. For it's size, it has enough going on there to keep from being completely bored and it is close enough to Syracuse to enjoy things there as well. They have harborfest, things going on at the Oswego State and a few other things.

[Jeromeville]

Yes, I agree with Sgoldie, Oswego is a more put-together city than Fulton. Also, Oswego's economy could be doing better in future years because they are expanding their port and that is supposed to bring in new commerce.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Jeromeville

Yes, I agree with Sgoldie, Oswego is a more put-together city than Fulton. Also, Oswego's economy could be doing better in future years because they are expanding their port and that is supposed to bring in new commerce.

I think the power plant is hiring too. Can't forget jobs at Oswego State too. So, Oswego is a better choice.