How far is Syracuse from Fort Drum (New York, Clay: real estate, rentals)

[Ultimate_lady]

I am in the process of obtaining a civilian position at Fort Drum (the only Army Base in the area) but I would like to live as close to Syracuse as possible since my boyfriend lives there. I know upstate NY has serious lake effect snow in the winters but can anyone recommend any cities in between the two? Or if not, does anyone know how far the commute would be? Do you know anyone who has commuted that far? Any information you can provide would be very helpful.

[ckhthankgod]

It's about an hour to an hour and a half. I actually drove home to Syracuse a lot and did it during the week. It's possible, even in the Winter, as long as you know how to drive in the snow and give yourself some time. I was driving to East Syracuse and Liverpool when I would go back home to the area. Actually, many soldiers live in the area and take a shuttle from the Hancock Air National Guard Base in Mattydale. I would say if you do it, live in the Northern suburbs(Liverpool, North Syracuse, Cicero, Mattydale, etc.)

[Ultimate_lady]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

It's about an hour to an hour and a half. I actually drove home to Syracuse a lot and did it during the week. It's possible, even in the Winter, as long as you know how to drive in the snow and give yourself some time. I was driving to East Syracuse and Liverpool when I would go back home to the area. Actually, many soldiers live in the area and take a shuttle from the Hancock Air National Guard Base in Mattydale. I would say if you do it, live in the Northern suburbs(Liverpool, North Syracuse, Cicero, Mattydale, etc.)

CKTHANKGOD,

Thank you so much for the information. I have spoken to several people who have tried to discourage me from moving to the Syracuse Area due to the winters as well the lack of social entertainment. What are your thoughts? I really need some encouragement (aside from my boyfriend being there).

[ckhthankgod]

Well, it isn't that bad on I-81 due to the highway being clear for the most part. Again, give yourself some time. For instance, I would get up at around 5:45-6 AM to throw clothes and leave for PT from either East Syracuse or Liverpool. I would get to the gate at around 7(going about 70-75) to get to formation at 8AM. Once you get into a routine, it's not that bad. What time do you need to be at work?

Also, keep in mind that there are people that live in housing in Gouverneur that drive and it takes them almost as long due to the road only being a 2 lane road(Route 11). same with people living in housing in Clayton(Route 12 to I-81 to 342(?)) to get to Drum. I think Lowville and Copenhagen are two other communities that are similar in that respect as well. So, living say in Liverpool or North Syracuse, wouldn't be that bad or that much of a difference really. Just have to be aware of the snow belt that goes anywhere from Brewerton on the Onondaga/Oswego County line up to Watertown. Sometimes the belt will be from Ft. Drum to say Pulaski, then it would be clear the rest of the way. Basically, it shifts and just be aware of it.

[Ultimate_lady]

Thanks ckhthankgod. I don't anticipate being in the area until summer or fall of next year. I currently reside in MD and need to secure a position at Fort Drum before making any major moves. I would assume that I would need to be at work around 7 or 8 am, so I will be ok. What about the social scene in Syracuse & Fort Drum? Is there a great deal to do? Do you still live in the area?

[ckhthankgod]

I'm originally from Syracuse, but was stationed at Drum from 2000-2003. Syracuse has more to do, as the biggest city next to Ft. Drum is Watertown, a city of about 26,000. They have built the area up a bit from when I was stationed there, but a lot of people go to Syracuse or to Canadian cities like Kingston and Ottawa, Ontario for better nightlife and cultural things.

Syracuse is a diverse, blue collar city of just under 140,000 that has it's share of cultural and things to do. We have plays, ballet, high quality sporting events, museums, etc. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery, as is the Fort Drum/Watertown/1000 Islands area. I will leave you with some good information about the areas.

Syracuse:City of Syracuse

Syracuse NY Local News, Breaking News, Sports & Weather - syracuse.com

Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau

Syracuse University

Syracuse, New York - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Syracuse NY Tourist Guide

Le Moyne College: Leadership, Spirit, Inquiry, Jesuit > Home

New York State Blues Festival / Syracuse, NY

armorysquare.com Armory Square Syracuse New York

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Syracuse Stage - The Premier Professional Theatre of Central New York www.SyracuseStage.org

Welcome to the Everson Museum of Art

100 best places to live and launch - 59. Syracuse, N.Y. (59) - FORTUNE Small Business

Welcome to the Landmark Theatre, Syracuse, New York

Welcome to Syracuse Opera!

Museum Information - Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science &amp Technology

Appleseed Productions - Quality, award-winning theatre in Syracuse, NY

Things to do in Syracuse and Central New York

Dinosaur BBQ - Genuine Barbeque Sauce, Hot Sauce, and Marinades

Clinton Square, Armory Square and Downtown Syracuse NY

Welcome to Onondaga County, New York

WTVH-TV CBS 5 Syracuse, NY

Home : WSTM NBC3

Home - NewsChannel 9 WSYR


and the Watertown/Ft. Drum/1000 Islands area:Watertown, NY - Official Website

Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce, Watertown Chamber of Commerce, Watertown New York

Watertown (city), New York - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

WWNY TV 7

Watertown Daily Times | Local News, Sports, Features, and Community Information for Jefferson County, St. Lawrence County, and Lewis County in Northern New York

Watertown NY Downtown*Business Association - Public Square

Fort Drum, New York • Home

VISIT THE 1000 ISLANDS » Watertown, NY

Visit 1000 Islands : Virtual Travel Guide : Thousand Islands Tourism Council : Watertown

Home Page

Jefferson County New York Home Page

[JohnK_Bville]

Syracuse has plenty to do as mentioned above. Plus the snow is great for skiing and snowboarding and you'd be hard pressed to find a more picturesque place for the holidays. Just to second what was already said, driving between Watertown and Syracuse in the winter isn't that bad and the roads are really well maintained. I've made the drive a couple of times in a two wheel drive vehicle and had no problems.

Not to mention that North of Drum is Sacket's Harbor and the Seaway towns which are quite nice. Beautiful in the Summer and great Christmas Markets in the Winter.

[JohnK_Bville]

And don't forget the Finger Lakes.

NY Tourism & Travel- Finger Lakes wineries vacations packages events | Real estate summer rentals

[Ultimate_lady]

Thank you both for such great information. I am actually looking forward to Syracuse now.