Serious Graduate Student (New York, Syracuse, Baldwinsville: apartments, for rent, construction)

[CJBlanton]

I am going to attend Syracuse University starting in August as a chemistry Ph.D. student. I'm looking for a place to live that is relatively safe. I don't really care about nightlife or the other stuff I read about in similar posts. I also don't think I want to be need a large concentration of undergraduates.

I have been looking at a few places I saw on Orangehousing but would like your opinions on where to live. I have had it suggested to me that I should look at Baldwinsville or Liverpool, but I kind of like the idea of being closer to the university.

[ckhthankgod]

Try places in the Westcott area, Clarendon Heights Apartments, Nob Hill Apartments and some apartments Downtown like Jefferson Tower. Here's a good place to look as well: Syracuse Apartments for rent in NEW YORK | ApartmentFinder.com

[proulxfamily]

I'd say Dewitt would be your best bet... gorgeous area, reasonably priced housing (though you'd have better luck driving around, looking for those "For Rent" signs for the nicest places, than looking on housing websites), and placed on the edge of everything you'll be involved in, imo.

Personally, I'd rarely suggest Baldwinsville as a great place to live *unless* they want to be near family and/or friends or their employer is in the northern or far-western suburbs. It's a good 15+ minutes from any exit in downtown Syracuse (then there's navigating the 81 overpass, which I detest) if you take the fastest route - 690 - and even then, that's only if there's NO traffic at all. If there's traffic or any kind of accident or construction (constant during the warm months) going on, count on a half hour+ commute. If you want to be on the north/western edge of Syracuse, I'd live in Liverpool... Covered Bridge Apartments, to be specific. Low rent with heat and hot water included, great management and maintenance response, and generally a quiet place to live. They also have a nice pool with a lifeguard in the summer... That'll get you about a 10-15 minute commute, in total. It's also pretty much a straight shot into Armory Square downtown, when you do need to get out.

[Syracuser]

I am actually a medical student at SUNY Upstate and the majority of the students live in Madison or Jefferson Towers, which are decent apts - 15 minute walk to SU. A lot of law students from SU live there as well!

[CJBlanton]

So, how is the atmosphere at Jefferson Towers? The reviews on apartmentratings.com are split. Some say it's okay but others say it's noisy and the parking lot isn't secure.

How has your experience been?

[proulxfamily]

In my opinion, it's too close to the southside projects. With my second child (in 2006), I used to go to the Perinatal Center next door and was hassled in the parking lot almost every time. Wouldn't live in either tower, to be prudent.

[Sgoldie]

Like a lot of urban schools SU is largely surrounded by ghetto. The Towers are in the downtown near museums, symphony, civic center, etc. There is a courthouse and jail nearby for the good or bad that entails. Not really a green area but conveniently located to the school nonetheless.

Commuting times in the Syracuse area are negligable. Say from Liverpool, which is nice, it wouldn't take more than 10 minutes or so to get to campus. There are lots of lovely apt complexes. You'd need a car of course.

[Syracuser]

Well Madison and Jefferson are not perfect. And also when you see reviews people are usually angry when they leave them! usually people who like places are too lazy to leave a review! It's not in the best area, but compared to how run down the other areas are - it works well. And I mean it's great to live with all graduate students. The only noise is the noise from I-81 - so make sure your request the other side of the building. I know about 50+ people who live there and they are all happy, except 1 person. So it all depends! I mena these places are usually full, so I recommend putting your name on a waiting list. But I strongly do not recommend that you live in actual syracuse - b/c I am scared walking to some of hte places that my friends live! So live in like liverpool, jamesville, etc.

Let me know if you have any questions!

[proulxfamily]

To clarify, if you decide to live in one of the towers... the side of the building that's furthest from Interstate 81 is the west side. East would directly face it but also look up toward SU Hill.

[beckyhuggs]

Originally Posted by Syracuser

But I strongly do not recommend that you live in actual syracuse - b/c I am scared walking to some of hte places that my friends live! So live in like liverpool, jamesville, etc.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Also to clarify, being scared of the city of Syracuse is completely subjective. There are many people who live, work and go to school in the city and do not find the area scary at all. I was never scared while living and working in the city.