Eastside - Syracuse, NY

Settlers were originally attracted to the region for the economically lucrative Onondaga Salt Springs. The population continued to grow, and Syracuse University was founded in east side Syracuse, causing an influx of students, educators, and retailers.

The University provides a strong arts scene for locals. Visit the school's art gallery and see how fine art documents periods of history, or check out the Syracuse Stage, a performance venue featuring plays and exhibitions produced by students. The annual Juice Jam concert, held in the beginning of fall semester at Skytop Field, features national headliners during the two day event.

Although the neighborhood does not contain any museums, residents can enjoy several museums five minutes away in nearby downtown. Be sure to visit the Everson Museum of Art for its fascinating exhibits on the evolution of American art.

Several restaurants and bars serve Eastside Syracuse. Focused on college students and staff members, the hub along Marshall Street provides convenient access for residents. Most establishments feature American fare in a casual environment.

Grab a pint at Faegan's Cafe and Pub, where the beer selection pleases college students and professors alike. Locals swear by the pub's cowboy caviar. A mix of beans, corn, garlic, and avocado, the dish can be enjoyed with a fork, or eaten as a salsa with chips. For a great slice of pie, check out Varsity Pizza. The university staple has been feeding hungry college students for decades, and the vintage sports memorabilia that lines the walls makes the trip worthwhile. Grab a slice from the front counter, or wait a few minutes longer at a table for a pizza from the ovens.

For a rollicking good time make sure to stop by The Orange. Parents visit for a pick-me-up cocktail in the afternoon, but by evening The Orange turns into a college party bar. Try to get there before 11, when the party really heats up. Patrons may have to wait in line for upwards of 30 minutes to enter, but say the famous fishbowls more than make up for the wait. Available in over twenty different flavors, such as key lime sunset and shark attack, these strong concoctions should be shared between 2-4 people.

If you're looking for a low-key atmosphere be sure to visit Funk'n Waffles. Local bands perform live music in an intimate setting almost every night at this quirky restaurant. The menu consists of a variety of waffle dishes. Satisfy your sweet tooth with the Star Child, a plate of buttermilk waffles, topped with strawberries and whipped cream.

A variety of transportation options are available to residents. Due to the high concentration of college students living in the area, walking serves as the most common way to get around the neighborhood. The close concentration of attractions and peaceful streets make the area a pedestrian's paradise. Biking runs a close second as the reflective green bike lanes provide a level of safety not found in most cities. The bike paths, popular with commuters, connect to downtown Syracuse.

The public transportation system, CNYRTA, has several stops in the area. The convenient bus line becomes heavily used in the winter months when other types of commute become less pleasant. You should plan on calling ahead for a taxi or an Uber driver; cabs don't roam the neighborhood seeking customers.

If you prefer to drive, Interstate 81 flows just west of the neighborhood and divides it from downtown. While you may have easy access to the interstate, plan a couple of extra minutes during rush hour when traffic backs up. In the University area, several available public parking lots charge between $1.00 and $3.75 per hour. Further East, in the residential areas, free street parking is readily available.

The beautiful tree-lined parks of the neighborhood provide residents with a chance to get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you want to exercise, have a picnic, or just enjoy the scenery, the parks provide something for everyone. The free parks welcome the whole family, where the kids will love the many playgrounds. Feel free to bring your four-legged friend, as all the parks allow pups.

The tranquil Comfort Tyler Park is a particular favorite of kids due to its large playground with swings and a see-saw, while adults enjoy the tennis courts. Thorden Park appeals to exercisers thanks to its many walking paths and sports fields. Take a jog through the rose gardens and grassy fields on the paved path. Grab a couple friends and play a pick-up basketball game on one of the parks' large courts. Thorden sponsors the annual Shakespeare in the Grass event, when the neighborhood turns out in force to watch amateurs take on some of his most famous works.

The cost of living in Eastside is lower than the city's average, a major attraction to incoming residents. The average one-bedroom rental costs $620, and you can easily access downtown Syracuse via public transportation for a fare of $2. Gas runs 10 percent higher than the national average. If you want to swing by the local pub for a pint, expect to pay around $4, and make sure to take advantage of the many happy hour specials.

The area shops consist of high-value, independent specialty stores sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Residents tend to do the bulk of their shopping in downtown Syracuse, but enjoy browsing local stores for one-of-a-kind pieces. Shop for a cause at The Well-Dressed, which began as a movement aimed at reducing negative attitudes towards students of color and morphed into an inclusive t-shirt store. The shirts became popular on campus, and now a portion of its sales go to local charities.

For a trendy look that’s eco-friendly, travel a bit south of the neighborhood and check out EcoChic Boutique. The store sells both new and consigned items that please both the environmentally conscious and economically minded shopper. The shop stocks a great selection of high-quality, low-priced clothes and accessories, with a mix of casual and dressy styles. And the staff is helpful but not pushy. Locals go to chain stores like Tops Friendly Market and Trader Joe's for the daily essentials and values. For locally grown items, venture to the Syracuse Real Food Co-op. Featuring items like wild-caught seafood, local eggs, and artisanal cheeses. For the best produce selection in town, visit the Eastside Neighborhood Farmers' Market. Held June-October, the market provides fruit, veggies and freshly-baked bread.