I'm a Syracuse native (south Valley) who now lives in Los Angeles in semi-retirement, and I'm glad you're enjoying it there. I grew up in the '60s, and am happy that American High is doing well (I'm a screenwriter and film historian). Continued good times in the Salt City!
I hope you stick around for Spring, Summer and Fall. That is when Syracuse's beauty really comes through. In some ways Syracuse still functions like a city should; the people seem to love and take care of their city. Do visit Thornden Park, Oakwood Cemetery, Woodland Reservoir, Greenlakes State Park.
One of the most polluted lakes in the country, diminishing infrastructure, heroin epidemic, lack of jobs, and the only statement is a mall that isn't even that great. Syracuse is a slum city. Any time of the year.
@@Beeeeeeeeef For god’s sake, give it a rest!!! They’ve spent millions of dollars cleaning up Onondaga Lake and created tons of developments around it. You’re never going to be able to swim in it but Destiny USA is pretty nice. Syracuse is really nice when it’s not snowing and with the nationwide labor shortage the job market isn’t bad. It’s a generally clean nice place to live.
I had been to Syracuse (NY) in March 2001 (visiting Syracuse University), and it was cold as F***... and just to imagine the magnitude of my frustration, I'm from Russia
Thanks so much for the footage of Syracuse, my beloved hometown. It's beautiful to me in all its ugliness, and you do a great job portraying some of its character.
The frustrating thing about Syracuse is the real estate is cheap but the taxes kill you after you buy a house. You can get a nice house for under 250k but you'll most likely be paying the town between 4-7 grand a year depending on which area of town you live. The school taxes alone in Liverpool are about $3,500 a year and add another $3,000 in property taxes.
@@billp4 I believe there is what is called a star exemption for people over 65. What bothers me is Bezos recently built a gigantic Amazon warehouse destroying a decades old public golf course down the street from my parents' house. But he's getting property tax breaks. If the politicians would require these big corporations to pay more the residents could get a bigger break.
Alot of that problem comes from state policies. I lived outside Albany 15 years ago,paid $4,000 on $150k tax appraisal for very little services. Took my garbto the dump,no local police,had my own well and septic. NY and recently Georgia force counties to pay a portion of medicaid,amounting to 50% of county tax bill. The state also mandates wages,benefits and requirements for your local school but again doesn't fully fund it forcing local property owners to foot the majority of the bill. Non profits are exempt from property taxes. Think of Upstate Medical and Syracuse University as well all colleges,hospitals, government, churches and the sweetheart deals to Destiny Mall and soon to be Micron. They still need services, are exempt and guess who pays.
Factor in Snow Removal. I don't know how it is in the City, but when visiting relatives in Manlius for Xmas, I've seen their residential side street get plowed twice in one night !
I lived in upstate NY and thought the taxes were bad. Moved to Wisconsin, which a NYer would intuitively think is way cheaper, and honestly there's almost no functional difference. Property taxes are about the same. WI Income taxes are a bit cheaper in the lowest and highest brackets but were actually slightly more in for my middle class salary, and while WI sales taxes are technically lower they have less exemptions so it winds up being close to even. Some expenses like insurance are cheaper in WI, but then they'll make up for that with a way more expensive vehicle registration. It was shocking how much it washed out. This got me into looking more closely at tax levels in other states claiming to be tax havens, and when you dig down past the surface level lists published online, while NY is generally more expensive it's not as crippling as you would think. Southern states tend to have lower property taxes, but the towns still have to meet their budgets. That money is coming from somewhere, and through picking a bunch of random southern cities and finding their published budgets, that somewhere seems to be sales tax. On the surface that makes no sense because NY has a seemingly high 8%-ish sales tax, but where NY offers tons of exemptions to this sales tax (to the point where almost all staples have no sales tax, or severely discounted sales tax) southern states, with rates usually around 10%, will charge full sales tax on groceries, medications, utilities, sometimes rent, etc. You'll also see more random taxes, like Alabama, which charges property tax on pickup trucks. These taxes chip away until the difference ultimately becomes much smaller than it seems. In other words, you pay taxes everywhere and the "NY tax high" meme is exaggerated. That guy in Florida bragging about his lack of income tax paid more in sales taxes, more for vehicle registration, way more in homeowners insurance (not a tax but a major expense, and effects renters too in the form of higher rents) and the little he was saving at the end of the day is easily explained by the worse consumer protections and poorly funded public services that he's getting for his money.
I lived in Syracuse for approximately 3 years and I have never, ever seen that much snow in my life. I am no stranger to snow being born and raised in NYC but DAYUM that snow never stops! Between the dreaded 'lake effect' snow and the 'regular' snow there were times when I would shovel outside my house and had nowhere to put it! I like Syracuse in the NICE months. BUT I have never bundled up so much. Long johns, battery operated socks and gloves, down coat, hat, scarfe, etc. I was tired just getting dressed to walk outside! LOL You NEED to go to Hawley-Green. Lots of cool Victorian homes brightly colored paints, great people.
There's been very little snow for the past 7-8 years. If you had been in Syracuse from the 1960s through 2010 you'd really know what a lot of snow is like.
@@goonn337 Yeah. They've been disappointing... like, Why did I put my snow tires on? We only had 60 inches last season! That's about half of what used to be normal. The winters are long, though, and gray. Maybe mid-November to the first part of April., for snowfall. Except not the past few years; we actually had sunshine in February! What? Is this Syracuse??
I did my undergrad at SU and when I graduated I'd been there for 3 of the top 4 snowiest winters on record. The snowiest (1992-93) is still #1 as far as I know. It convinced me to move south. 😅 I was there for summer classes one year, though, and my goodness was it beautiful. My memories of the city itself are universally fond.
I love Syracuse born and raised. I’ve lived in different parts of the country the reason I love Syracuse is because you can wake up on a given day and look outside and think you are anywhere in the world. It’s a constant changing environment and you can do and find anything you would like entertainment wise. I live a good full life and the people here are always intresting and for the most part kind and friendly also Syracuse is in a rebuilding stage and their is no telling what the future will hold for our thriving community and yes the Syracuse community is thriving no matter what others would like to make outsiders think.
God love ya Justin. We left Syracuse 50 years ago and landed in Dallas, TX. I miss CNY summer and fall and get back every couple of years to visit family and the Adirondacks (Old Forge area). As for winter, my blood has thinned.....a lot..... and I don't miss it. My dad used to joke that Syracuse has four seasons.....June, July, August, and Winter! Enjoy!
Do not be surprised by the naysayers. Many just stay in their side of town and don’t check out the whole area. The city has its good and bad, but there is more good than people realize. Manufacturing leaving didn’t help, but people don’t realize that manufacturing employment in the United States peaked in 1979. There are some solid to very nice parts of the city and it is actually quite affordable, in spite of being in NY. NYC plays a lot in terms of the state being viewed as expensive, but Upstate NY is actually pretty affordable in general.
@@JustinMcClain Lived in San Diego for some time when I was young and it was rough then-- in the mid-80s -- esp SF.-- housing was tight then and that was before the explosion of tech.
Idk man I'm from oswego and live in cuse for a year. Had a gun pointed at me. Cop car's on virtually every corner. Cig flicked at me for walking across a cross walk. And homeless EVERYWHERE! I worked in the galleries on Harrison. So I relize that's close to the hood. But, I have to say as a "big city" it's the smallest and crime is BAAAAAD. People from chicago or philli deserve the crime award but, the population is SOOOOOO much bigger than CUSE. You can walk outside of a resturant and get assaulted or at the very least screamed at by a homeless person (blesss them I used to be one). I understand crime is like that everywhere especially philli or Chicago but cuse is like you don't know when or what will happen. It's crime is far too big for it's size. Stay a 5 mile radius away from Salina st. Good Luck kids.
@Jasper Holdem I grew up here. I love it. It is the best kept secret of NYS, Glad you have found a place you feel like you belong; brother tho... Syracuse will always be in your blood.
I left the cesspool in 1985 for Virginia. Still visit every few years. It's becoming a ghost town. There are a few nice restaurants in the downtown area. Beyond that....very dangerous city.
@@JustinMcClain just ran across your channel while I was searching for Joe Biden at Syracuse international airport and since he's been here WiFi and internet is screwy because Air Force One has jamming capabilities I just subbed to you and welcome to come back anytime
When I lived in Syracuse, General Electric had three large plants and made everything from Radars to TV Sets. Carrier had a big AC plant on Thompson Road, GM had a large plant on GM Circle and there were new and old Malls (many) that were thriving. The last time I went back, all the GE plants were closed, the GM plant closed, Chrysler New Process Gear Plant closed, Carrier plant closed but the corporate HQ was still there. The old and Famous Syracuse China, is gone. 80% of the Malls are gone (Great Northern, Shoppingtowm, etc.). It is really sad to see what was once a great industrial city reduced to a bunch of side hustles. And, a warm thank you goes out to our State (NY) & Federal Governments for making it all possible. It is beautiful, but the snow drove me out. And, I grew up in Northeast Ohio's snowbelt. Yet, Syracuse is an order of magnitude cloudier and snowier than that. It is some of the most beautiful country in the spring, summer, and fall. Finger lakes, parks, country roads. But taxes, weather, and lack of good jobs forced me to move. I still like to visit during the good months. I learned to fly out of Syracuse Hancock Airport and it was a great place to get your pilot's license. I was mixed up in the pattern with commercial jets, private ships, and F-16s. Great training area and the Air Traffic Controllers were superstars and great to work with. Hancock Field is one of the nicest and easiest airports to use for commercial or private flights.
Spent my high school years north of Syracuse many years ago. I didn't realize that so much had closed down including malls! That's a lot of jobs gone, and I suppose less money to spend. Yeah, it's pretty some parts of the year. But for me, I did better moving down to the NYC/LI area after high school an d going to college down there.
I moved to Syracuse about 30 years ago and I love it. Great variety of people, events and food, especially for a city that has a lower cost of living. Check out the Westcott area.
@@laligadera being born and raised there I’d say if i were to pick schools I’d go outside Syracuse city to the burbs. Fayetteville (upscale), Liverpool/ Cicero (suburbia), Marcellus (woodsy), Baldwinsville (village town). All good public schools.
Born and raised in Syracuse Ny Moved to Inverness Nov 2020 Them moved to Kissimmee January 2021 I wish you the best Thanks for sharing Your newest viewer
Came to Syracuse when in the AF in '68 to attend language school at SU. End up marrying a local girl before we left for more training in Texas. Before Syracuse, I had grown up in Portland, Oregon, and Southern California. While in the AF, my wife and I lived in Texas, Germany, and Maryland, and then decided to move to Syracuse when I got discharged, with the possibility of eventually moving to my hometown But we never left, and have never regretted it.
Congratulations, you made a bold move. Our forgotten cities in NY State need a renaissance. It shouldn't always be about NYC. We have a lot more to offer.
Lots of poverty in the city in all four directions. I hardly recognize the north and west sides anymore. But at least they got rid of those horrible oil tanks between Hiawatha Blvd and Bear St.
Dude you gotta go to the Retreat a couple blocks away from American High. I eat there twice a week on avg. Onondaga lake park is right behind it. Great place to excersise. The village of Liverpool is the spot. Crazy you guys are making movies 2 blocks from my house. Vince Vaughn your Chicago brother when shooting a movie here little while back went to the retreat and it was all over social media. Enjoy Syracuse. Go to a Cuse basketball game and hit up the Mall. Syracuse hockey games are fun too. I actually like it here..
We really only have the mall, the nys fair, and the amphitheater. We have nice parks. And for food. 100% recommend the york & margaritas. Also, I have been filming with American high since 2017. If I'm not mistaken I maybe have been in the film you are working on lol. I have a few background bookings for the binge 2 which is so exciting!
@@treasurelove2200 Plenty of things going on at SU, museums, festivals, a growing food scene, some nightlife(a lot of which is low key), history and if you are into it, the outdoors.
Syracuse is a great smaller American city. Spent my college years there, and still visit at least once a year. Great people. Pastabilities is my favorite restaurant of course. And great thing about a snowy winter evening is there is usually little or no wait.
I wasn’t aware of the movie studio you’re working at in Syracuse. Sounds totally cool. Pastablities is awesome. I ate there a couple of times when I lived in Syracuse.
I'm trying to move in the Spring from Washington state. Any tips or anything to know would be super helpful. Even things you think are unimportant. Thank you!
Get out to a ‘Cuse basketball game! If you can, go to the ‘Cuse - Duke game coming up in the Dome in a few weeks. Amazing atmosphere and fun environment !
Well it's 2024, are you still living in Syracuse? Tell us how it worked out. I'm a CBA grad from the 60's, via NYC, CA and now, sunny Clearwater, Florida.
I grew up in Syracuse in the 60's and early 70's. It wasn't too bad then, but I wouldn't live there now. Shootings, stabbings, robberies everyday now. Very little of that was happening in the 60-70 era.
Ha ha! I love the snow, thinking of moving up there to get more winter wonderland to play in... I think everyone is making a huge mistake moving south...
My family is from Brooklyn but we've been here in Syracuse since the 60s. Due to climate change the winters have been much more mild in the past 7 years. I used my snowblower just two times last winter.
Grew up all over upstate NY. Spent my high school years north of Syracuse in the Phoenix area many years ago. The snow and winters are formidable. For a number of reasons I was glad to move away to the NYC/LI area for college. Now, as a much older man, I watch these types of videos occasionally and feel a bit of nostalgia. Can't say that I feel nostalgic for the snow storms though (although it is pretty to look at!).
Yeah, I thought along those lines, too! Born in Syracuse, raised in the county. Moved away after college in another state, and I've been back now for 15 years. Sure is pretty here. Thanks for sharing the video, Justin McClain!
Nice video bro. Born and raised in NYC. Spent quite a bit of time in Syracuse. Mostly on the campus of SU as I used to go down to see my fraternity brothers. I attended college further north in Oswego. I’m retired now living in FLorida. Definitely don’t miss any of that upstate snow and cold weather. All the best to you and your future endeavors. God bless you always 🙏🏾
I first started in Fulton everybody was on drugs then try to Oswego my car was broken into everybody's still on drugs then I try to suburb in North Syracuse about 10 blocks away it turns to slums and everybody's on drugs and the neighbor got robbed in their car stolen and now I live in rural Oswego County and there's no crime because all my neighbors are cops. That's the trick up here you have to go where the cops go
What a beautiful winter city. I live in Winnipeg so I get Winter. There are a lot of Hallmark movies filmed here because of tax breaks. The Exchange district looks a bit like Syracuse.
@@kyontherocks there no jobs and the homicide rate is out of control and it’s the number one city for STD rate if you plan on settling down there you better off getting married to a teddy bear
@@mageddonthomas4849 it’s March and they just had their first homicide where I live in nyc we’ve had double the amount already and most were teens so tell me a real Reason not to move here
@@emanuel8574 there’s no jobs the housing conditions is just as worst the roads are 5 times as bad bro the south is way better living in upstate your gonna die of boredom
Have you visited the southside..? Tell ya what. Why not drive to say, South Avenue and walk around tonight? Deal? Just walk around and admire the "cultural diversity" and feel the inclusion. Maybe for two hours. Then come back and tell us how everything went...okay?
My brother moved there from Queens 50 years ago and now lives 50 mile north in Altmar. The snow every winter is horrendous and the winter is long. The worst snow here in NYC doesn't begin to compare with the snow up there. I wouldn't live there for anything. P.S., the mosquitos around Green Lake will eat you alive. LOL
You'll be one of the most educated people who work the midnight window at Wendy's. Except...you'll have $200,000 in student loan debt. If this is your dream, decide if being hungry and in debt is what you really want. As someone who attended Syracuse myself, they are a BUSINESS looking to make serious MONEY. Educating you is a distant third. The second thing they will do is indoctrinate your a z z. If you're not already a socialist when you go in, rest assured, you probably will be when you come out.
Summer is the only time Syracuse is nice Jamesville Beach and Green Lakes State Park. In the 10 months of winter it's like living in Volkura Soviet Gulag a frozen wasteland! I should know lived in Syracuse 31 yrs now living in Phx AZ last 25 yrs.
There's no 10 months of winter. We had 70 degrees for the first half of November last year. The winters are much more mild in recent years. We hardly get any sub zero temps even in January. Very little snow last winter. I used my snowblower just two times.
I moved to Liverpool, NY, in the suburbs of Syracuse from NC, and it was like moving to another country! I despise living in this state. I have been all over NY Upstate, central and western NY. It's horrible!
Horrible? Not true!! There's alot of beauty in the Finger Lakes area and around Lake Ontario. Not impressed by Niagra Falls? You should visit Lake Placid in any season. I now live in Florida and it is super flat, like a table top. I was born in Rochester, NY and can tell you except for the beaches, Florida can't compare to Upstate NY>.
I live 10 minutes outside of Syracuse, SYR sucks if you don't live here don't come if you're here leave terrible city in a terrible state. NY is the worst nanny state
Unless you are looking for a Groundhog Day in misery, do NOT do this. The weather sucks (about 65 sunny days per YEAR), the taxes are sky high, government corruption is high, unemployment is high. Nearly everyone who could afford to leave has left decades ago. How do I know? I'm one of them.
That’s probably like the worst decision you could possibly ever make. It’s cold up there and there’s a bar on every street corner no work so if you found work good for you.😊
lol...chicken riggi is not a syracuse dish, utica will fight you for that right, but really any "event/gathering" you go to anywhere around the finger lake region, chicken riggi will be served.
Last summer in Syracuse they closed my street off and I was hopeful they were going to pave my street so I called DPW and they informed me no they are not paving, they are shooting a HULU movie on my street for the next week. I was like ''WHAT'', thats the last thing I expected to hear. Then a few weeks later I go to my gym and there is only one guy working out there, and who is it? Lou Ferrigno who is in town filming a movie.... Syracuse the rust belt little Hollywood.
I'm a Syracuse native (south Valley) who now lives in Los Angeles in semi-retirement, and I'm glad you're enjoying it there. I grew up in the '60s, and am happy that American High is doing well (I'm a screenwriter and film historian). Continued good times in the Salt City!
Me too. Van duyne and then moved to Dewitt.
The valley has gone to complete shit
Fun fact there’s also a small high school inside the American high building
Born/ raised in Syracuse. I left for 9 years to serve in the military and came right back…. Ahhhh home sweet home. I love the long winters too!
Syracuse is the best!!!!!
I hope you stick around for Spring, Summer and Fall. That is when Syracuse's beauty really comes through. In some ways Syracuse still functions like a city should; the people seem to love and take care of their city. Do visit Thornden Park, Oakwood Cemetery, Woodland Reservoir, Greenlakes State Park.
One of the most polluted lakes in the country, diminishing infrastructure, heroin epidemic, lack of jobs, and the only statement is a mall that isn't even that great. Syracuse is a slum city. Any time of the year.
@@Beeeeeeeeef completely disagree with all of what you said.
@@XevenYT143 I have.
Let's let everyone think this then it'll keep people away!!
@@Beeeeeeeeef For god’s sake, give it a rest!!! They’ve spent millions of dollars cleaning up Onondaga Lake and created tons of developments around it. You’re never going to be able to swim in it but Destiny USA is pretty nice.
Syracuse is really nice when it’s not snowing and with the nationwide labor shortage the job market isn’t bad. It’s a generally clean nice place to live.
Left NYC for CNY and never looked back. Absolutely love it here. The suburbs are on par with LI at about half the cost. Great schools. Plenty to do.
That's good to know!
Cool
I had been to Syracuse (NY) in March 2001 (visiting Syracuse University), and it was cold as F***... and just to imagine the magnitude of my frustration, I'm from Russia
😂😂😂
Thanks so much for the footage of Syracuse, my beloved hometown. It's beautiful to me in all its ugliness, and you do a great job portraying some of its character.
The frustrating thing about Syracuse is the real estate is cheap but the taxes kill you after you buy a house. You can get a nice house for under 250k but you'll most likely be paying the town between 4-7 grand a year depending on which area of town you live. The school taxes alone in Liverpool are about $3,500 a year and add another $3,000 in property taxes.
Do they give you some sort of a break if you are retired?
@@billp4 I believe there is what is called a star exemption for people over 65. What bothers me is Bezos recently built a gigantic Amazon warehouse destroying a decades old public golf course down the street from my parents' house. But he's getting property tax breaks. If the politicians would require these big corporations to pay more the residents could get a bigger break.
Alot of that problem comes from state policies. I lived outside Albany 15 years ago,paid $4,000 on $150k tax appraisal for very little services. Took my garbto the dump,no local police,had my own well and septic. NY and recently Georgia force counties to pay a portion of medicaid,amounting to 50% of county tax bill. The state also mandates wages,benefits and requirements for your local school but again doesn't fully fund it forcing local property owners to foot the majority of the bill. Non profits are exempt from property taxes. Think of Upstate Medical and Syracuse University as well all colleges,hospitals, government, churches and the sweetheart deals to Destiny Mall and soon to be Micron. They still need services, are exempt and guess who pays.
Factor in Snow Removal. I don't know how it is in the City, but when visiting relatives in Manlius for Xmas, I've seen their residential side street get plowed twice in one night !
I lived in upstate NY and thought the taxes were bad.
Moved to Wisconsin, which a NYer would intuitively think is way cheaper, and honestly there's almost no functional difference. Property taxes are about the same. WI Income taxes are a bit cheaper in the lowest and highest brackets but were actually slightly more in for my middle class salary, and while WI sales taxes are technically lower they have less exemptions so it winds up being close to even. Some expenses like insurance are cheaper in WI, but then they'll make up for that with a way more expensive vehicle registration. It was shocking how much it washed out.
This got me into looking more closely at tax levels in other states claiming to be tax havens, and when you dig down past the surface level lists published online, while NY is generally more expensive it's not as crippling as you would think. Southern states tend to have lower property taxes, but the towns still have to meet their budgets. That money is coming from somewhere, and through picking a bunch of random southern cities and finding their published budgets, that somewhere seems to be sales tax. On the surface that makes no sense because NY has a seemingly high 8%-ish sales tax, but where NY offers tons of exemptions to this sales tax (to the point where almost all staples have no sales tax, or severely discounted sales tax) southern states, with rates usually around 10%, will charge full sales tax on groceries, medications, utilities, sometimes rent, etc. You'll also see more random taxes, like Alabama, which charges property tax on pickup trucks. These taxes chip away until the difference ultimately becomes much smaller than it seems.
In other words, you pay taxes everywhere and the "NY tax high" meme is exaggerated. That guy in Florida bragging about his lack of income tax paid more in sales taxes, more for vehicle registration, way more in homeowners insurance (not a tax but a major expense, and effects renters too in the form of higher rents) and the little he was saving at the end of the day is easily explained by the worse consumer protections and poorly funded public services that he's getting for his money.
I lived in Syracuse for approximately 3 years and I have never, ever seen that much snow in my life. I am no stranger to snow being born and raised in NYC but DAYUM that snow never stops! Between the dreaded 'lake effect' snow and the 'regular' snow there were times when I would shovel outside my house and had nowhere to put it! I like Syracuse in the NICE months. BUT I have never bundled up so much. Long johns, battery operated socks and gloves, down coat, hat, scarfe, etc. I was tired just getting dressed to walk outside! LOL You NEED to go to Hawley-Green. Lots of cool Victorian homes brightly colored paints, great people.
There's been very little snow for the past 7-8 years. If you had been in Syracuse from the 1960s through 2010 you'd really know what a lot of snow is like.
you needed to go a little farther north to see the REAL snow...
I heard the winters have been more milder
@@goonn337 Yeah. They've been disappointing... like, Why did I put my snow tires on? We only had 60 inches last season! That's about half of what used to be normal.
The winters are long, though, and gray. Maybe mid-November to the first part of April., for snowfall. Except not the past few years; we actually had sunshine in February! What? Is this Syracuse??
I did my undergrad at SU and when I graduated I'd been there for 3 of the top 4 snowiest winters on record. The snowiest (1992-93) is still #1 as far as I know. It convinced me to move south. 😅
I was there for summer classes one year, though, and my goodness was it beautiful. My memories of the city itself are universally fond.
I love Syracuse born and raised. I’ve lived in different parts of the country the reason I love Syracuse is because you can wake up on a given day and look outside and think you are anywhere in the world. It’s a constant changing environment and you can do and find anything you would like entertainment wise. I live a good full life and the people here are always intresting and for the most part kind and friendly also Syracuse is in a rebuilding stage and their is no telling what the future will hold for our thriving community and yes the Syracuse community is thriving no matter what others would like to make outsiders think.
I plan on moving there
@goonn337 Plan on paying a lot in taxes. It isn't cheap to live in tax you to death NY, and Syracuse is no different.
@jamesdarrh3150 I'm from New Jersey so same shut here
God love ya Justin. We left Syracuse 50 years ago and landed in Dallas, TX. I miss CNY summer and fall and get back every couple of years to visit family and the Adirondacks (Old Forge area). As for winter, my blood has thinned.....a lot..... and I don't miss it. My dad used to joke that Syracuse has four seasons.....June, July, August, and Winter! Enjoy!
Do not be surprised by the naysayers. Many just stay in their side of town and don’t check out the whole area. The city has its good and bad, but there is more good than people realize. Manufacturing leaving didn’t help, but people don’t realize that manufacturing employment in the United States peaked in 1979. There are some solid to very nice parts of the city and it is actually quite affordable, in spite of being in NY. NYC plays a lot in terms of the state being viewed as expensive, but Upstate NY is actually pretty affordable in general.
Loved my time there back on the west coast now and it's tough!
@@JustinMcClain Lived in San Diego for some time when I was young and it was rough then-- in the mid-80s -- esp SF.-- housing was tight then and that was before the explosion of tech.
People think Syracuse is a horrible city. When you get to meet the people, see it all, and admire the beauty, it’s one of the best places around.
Idk man I'm from oswego and live in cuse for a year. Had a gun pointed at me. Cop car's on virtually every corner. Cig flicked at me for walking across a cross walk. And homeless EVERYWHERE! I worked in the galleries on Harrison. So I relize that's close to the hood. But, I have to say as a "big city" it's the smallest and crime is BAAAAAD. People from chicago or philli deserve the crime award but, the population is SOOOOOO much bigger than CUSE. You can walk outside of a resturant and get assaulted or at the very least screamed at by a homeless person (blesss them I used to be one). I understand crime is like that everywhere especially philli or Chicago but cuse is like you don't know when or what will happen. It's crime is far too big for it's size. Stay a 5 mile radius away from Salina st. Good Luck kids.
And i moved out of syracuse ny in 1989 so glad i did.
Thank goodness you did
@Jasper Holdem I grew up here. I love it. It is the best kept secret of NYS, Glad you have found a place you feel like you belong; brother tho... Syracuse will always be in your blood.
1995 for me, best decision of my life!
I left the cesspool in 1985 for Virginia. Still visit every few years. It's becoming a ghost town. There are a few nice restaurants in the downtown area. Beyond that....very dangerous city.
Love this video! Great to see someone who gets Syracuse. Welcome and hope the movie shoot goes well!
Thanks kindly I really enjoyed my time there
@@JustinMcClain just ran across your channel while I was searching for Joe Biden at Syracuse international airport and since he's been here WiFi and internet is screwy because Air Force One has jamming capabilities I just subbed to you and welcome to come back anytime
Awe🧡
I miss the snow! Syracuse in the fall is also very beautiful 🍎🍂🍁
When I lived in Syracuse, General Electric had three large plants and made everything from Radars to TV Sets. Carrier had a big AC plant on Thompson Road, GM had a large plant on GM Circle and there were new and old Malls (many) that were thriving. The last time I went back, all the GE plants were closed, the GM plant closed, Chrysler New Process Gear Plant closed, Carrier plant closed but the corporate HQ was still there. The old and Famous Syracuse China, is gone. 80% of the Malls are gone (Great Northern, Shoppingtowm, etc.). It is really sad to see what was once a great industrial city reduced to a bunch of side hustles. And, a warm thank you goes out to our State (NY) & Federal Governments for making it all possible. It is beautiful, but the snow drove me out. And, I grew up in Northeast Ohio's snowbelt. Yet, Syracuse is an order of magnitude cloudier and snowier than that. It is some of the most beautiful country in the spring, summer, and fall. Finger lakes, parks, country roads. But taxes, weather, and lack of good jobs forced me to move. I still like to visit during the good months. I learned to fly out of Syracuse Hancock Airport and it was a great place to get your pilot's license. I was mixed up in the pattern with commercial jets, private ships, and F-16s. Great training area and the Air Traffic Controllers were superstars and great to work with. Hancock Field is one of the nicest and easiest airports to use for commercial or private flights.
Spent my high school years north of Syracuse many years ago. I didn't realize that so much had closed down including malls! That's a lot of jobs gone, and I suppose less money to spend. Yeah, it's pretty some parts of the year. But for me, I did better moving down to the NYC/LI area after high school an d going to college down there.
‘Ow bout da chix?
This is awesome love the drone footage and welcome to Syracuse !!!!
I moved to Syracuse about 30 years ago and I love it. Great variety of people, events and food, especially for a city that has a lower cost of living. Check out the Westcott area.
I really enjoyed my time there! Back on the west coast now and miss a lot about it.
I planning move there but I hear the school are bad? Which area you think is better
@@laligadera i also would like to know
@@laligadera being born and raised there I’d say if i were to pick schools I’d go outside Syracuse city to the burbs. Fayetteville (upscale), Liverpool/ Cicero (suburbia), Marcellus (woodsy), Baldwinsville (village town). All good public schools.
@@laligadera I grew up in Syracuse. Bought a house in Liverpool
Born and raised in Syracuse Ny
Moved to Inverness Nov 2020
Them moved to Kissimmee January 2021
I wish you the best
Thanks for sharing
Your newest viewer
Came to Syracuse when in the AF in '68 to attend language school at SU. End up marrying
a local girl before we left for more training in Texas. Before Syracuse, I had grown up in
Portland, Oregon, and Southern California. While in the AF, my wife and I lived in Texas,
Germany, and Maryland, and then decided to move to Syracuse when I got discharged,
with the possibility of eventually moving to my hometown But we never left, and have
never regretted it.
Congratulations, you made a bold move. Our forgotten cities in NY State need a renaissance. It shouldn't always be about NYC. We have a lot more to offer.
It will always be overshadowed by NYC nobody knows anything outside of the city
Thankfully Syracuse isn't the place to talk about.
I moved from Syracuse to Houston and I lowkey miss Syracuse a lot..
I'm getting ready to leave Houston for syracuse 🤣 so excited!
@@gabriellamatos9453 everything is great weather-wise if you enjoy snow!
My wife and I are getting ready to leave a small central Texas town to move to either Rochester, Syracuse, or near Albany. I am from North Houston.
I am so envious ... take me with you. I like the ❄ snow.
Snow is the best when you have the right coat on!
I love snow too!
@JustinMcClain absolutely!
I left Syracuse 30 years ago
It was on the decline then
I can only imagine how it is today
Lots of poverty in the city in all four directions. I hardly recognize the north and west sides anymore. But at least they got rid of those horrible oil tanks between Hiawatha Blvd and Bear St.
Very bad, high crime, corruption to the furthest extent and no jobs even McDonald's doesn't hire
Syracuse is super charming! So stoked to be here to make a movie. Anything you'd recommend beyond pastabilities?
Francesca's Cucina! And if you have a day off, definitely check out the Adirondacks - Lake Placid is fun in the winter.
Thanks for the tips!
Dude you gotta go to the Retreat a couple blocks away from American High. I eat there twice a week on avg. Onondaga lake park is right behind it. Great place to excersise. The village of Liverpool is the spot. Crazy you guys are making movies 2 blocks from my house. Vince Vaughn your Chicago brother when shooting a movie here little while back went to the retreat and it was all over social media. Enjoy Syracuse. Go to a Cuse basketball game and hit up the Mall. Syracuse hockey games are fun too. I actually like it here..
We really only have the mall, the nys fair, and the amphitheater. We have nice parks. And for food. 100% recommend the york & margaritas. Also, I have been filming with American high since 2017. If I'm not mistaken I maybe have been in the film you are working on lol. I have a few background bookings for the binge 2 which is so exciting!
@@treasurelove2200 Plenty of things going on at SU, museums, festivals, a growing food scene, some nightlife(a lot of which is low key), history and if you are into it, the outdoors.
Syracuse is a great smaller American city. Spent my college years there, and still visit at least once a year. Great people. Pastabilities is my favorite restaurant of course. And great thing about a snowy winter evening is there is usually little or no wait.
I wasn’t aware of the movie studio you’re working at in Syracuse. Sounds totally cool. Pastablities is awesome. I ate there a couple of times when I lived in Syracuse.
There's a film studio in Syracuse? I've lived here my whole life and majored in Film Art at SU. I didn't know about it, lol.
I'm trying to move in the Spring from Washington state. Any tips or anything to know would be super helpful. Even things you think are unimportant. Thank you!
Get out to a ‘Cuse basketball game! If you can, go to the ‘Cuse - Duke game coming up in the Dome in a few weeks. Amazing atmosphere and fun environment !
That sounds awesome!
@@JustinMcClain it's only enjoyable if you're used to the depressing atmosphere there. Can never get full attendence for a very mediocre team.
Well it's 2024, are you still living in Syracuse? Tell us how it worked out. I'm a CBA grad from the 60's, via NYC, CA and now, sunny Clearwater, Florida.
I grew up in Syracuse in the 60's and early 70's. It wasn't too bad then, but I wouldn't live there now. Shootings, stabbings, robberies everyday now. Very little of that was happening in the 60-70 era.
I lived and worked in Syracuse when basic industry was doing well. It is all gone now. Big thank you to our foresighted politicians
I lived in Syracuse over 5 years in westvale and worked in Eastwood, rode my bike everywhere everyday. Awesome place.
Planning on moving up there soon! Can't wait
How is life in there im going there next month
Love that you said that riggies is from Syracuse. That'll piss off all the Utica pollyannas just down the street! 😅😅😅😅
I was born there and spent holidays there for a couple of decades. I go used to the two inch an hour snow storms
Ha ha! I love the snow, thinking of moving up there to get more winter wonderland to play in... I think everyone is making a huge mistake moving south...
I lived in ZeroCuse during my later undergraduate years. There was always something to do but the winters were brutal.
I couldn't figure out why every fire hydrant had a six foot post with a picture of a fire hydrant on it. By December it was very clear.
I am a Brooklyn born die hard New Yorker thinking of retiring and relocating to Syracuse. Thanks for your clip.
Move to FLorida. Aren’t you tired of the snow and cold?
Good luck 🤞🤞🤞🤞🍀🍀🍀. great place to visit and that's it. I grew up there and now living some where else!
My family is from Brooklyn but we've been here in Syracuse since the 60s. Due to climate change the winters have been much more mild in the past 7 years. I used my snowblower just two times last winter.
Grew up all over upstate NY. Spent my high school years north of Syracuse in the Phoenix area many years ago. The snow and winters are formidable. For a number of reasons I was glad to move away to the NYC/LI area for college. Now, as a much older man, I watch these types of videos occasionally and feel a bit of nostalgia. Can't say that I feel nostalgic for the snow storms though (although it is pretty to look at!).
I live there currently. Right by the river.
nice looking at streets from above.
Excuse me sir, two inches is not a snowstorm lol. I love the video and I hope that you guys had success on the film.
Yeah, I thought along those lines, too!
Born in Syracuse, raised in the county. Moved away after college in another state, and I've been back now for 15 years. Sure is pretty here.
Thanks for sharing the video, Justin McClain!
Nice video bro. Born and raised in NYC. Spent quite a bit of time in Syracuse. Mostly on the campus of SU as I used to go down to see my fraternity brothers. I attended college further north in Oswego. I’m retired now living in FLorida. Definitely don’t miss any of that upstate snow and cold weather. All the best to you and your future endeavors. God bless you always 🙏🏾
the vibe of this city is amzing
I first started in Fulton everybody was on drugs then try to Oswego my car was broken into everybody's still on drugs then I try to suburb in North Syracuse about 10 blocks away it turns to slums and everybody's on drugs and the neighbor got robbed in their car stolen and now I live in rural Oswego County and there's no crime because all my neighbors are cops. That's the trick up here you have to go where the cops go
That snow isn't too bad! You can still see across the street!
Thinking about moving there
I'm headed here in August. Thank you for this! I am excited
Good luck!!
Hey man me too! August 2022
Idk if I'd call "pastabilities" my favorite. Dinosaur BBQ or funk n' waffles is up there, Tully's as well.
Why? Just why? It's a sespool! 10 years ago I made the best decision ever. Loaded the truck and never looked back.
Im a native of central new york and there's a reason i call it Zero-cuse.
Well... I'm moving there on December so any pice of advice?
What a beautiful winter city. I live in Winnipeg so I get Winter. There are a lot of Hallmark movies filmed here because of tax breaks. The Exchange district looks a bit like Syracuse.
I've lived a couple miles outside syracuse my whole life. It's a great place to leave.
When I went to Syracuse University in 1972, I thought all winters were the same. Hah!
The winters were brutal back then. Recent Syracuse winters have been very mild. Last year was the mildest I've ever experienced.
The winter was relentless. So much snow.
I'm moving there later this year. Moved to Watertown NY from California in January. It's been a big shock lol
What’s the name of the song playing in the beginning???
I work in the industry as well and we're looking at moving up to Syracuse. My wife works in tech and this looks like a darn good place to be
Incredible people and community for sure!
Dont. Trust me. Dont.
It snowed in April that sums up this dead city
Just stay on the outskirts
You gonna regret moving there in about less than a year or so just saying
Why?
@@kyontherocks there no jobs and the homicide rate is out of control and it’s the number one city for STD rate if you plan on settling down there you better off getting married to a teddy bear
@@mageddonthomas4849 it’s March and they just had their first homicide where I live in nyc we’ve had double the amount already and most were teens so tell me a real Reason not to move here
@@emanuel8574 there’s no jobs the housing conditions is just as worst the roads are 5 times as bad bro the south is way better living in upstate your gonna die of boredom
I was only breifly there for work. Back on the West Coast now!
I can’t wait to visit
I'm leaving this year. This city is literally hell.
Yup. Everyone who has had the money to leave actually left decades ago.
Leave before someone attacks you.
Got exp in Walmart or prisons?
That was my high school, last graduating class ‘66
Well, if to see that someone with a similar amount of subscribers to me, lives in the same town as me too
Syracuse is awesome moved here from Rochester and I’ll never leave.
Lmfaooo you must live in the rich people area
Have you visited the southside..?
Tell ya what. Why not drive to say, South Avenue and walk around tonight?
Deal?
Just walk around and admire the "cultural diversity" and feel the inclusion. Maybe for two hours.
Then come back and tell us how everything went...okay?
My brother moved there from Queens 50 years ago and now lives 50 mile north in Altmar. The snow every winter is horrendous and the winter is long. The worst snow here in NYC doesn't begin to compare with the snow up there. I wouldn't live there for anything. P.S., the mosquitos around Green Lake will eat you alive. LOL
I live in Astoria part time. I love NYC but it comes with its own set of problems that many find unbearable.
What is the beat in the intro ?!
YAY Justin!! Robbie Siegel reporting in :)
Ayeeeee what up!!! How are you??
Much more affordable than LA!
That's because nobody wants to live here.
Same with traffic. Because people left NY so their cars went with them.
What's the means or usual transportation from JFK airport to Syracuse NY
Syracuse has its own airport
Walking.
Why’d you stop vlogging
What type of drone did you use in the video?
Wow I’m applying for Film MFA to the Syracuse Uni 😊
You'll be one of the most educated people who work the midnight window at Wendy's. Except...you'll have $200,000 in student loan debt.
If this is your dream, decide if being hungry and in debt is what you really want.
As someone who attended Syracuse myself, they are a BUSINESS looking to make serious MONEY. Educating you is a distant third. The second thing they will do is indoctrinate your a z z. If you're not already a socialist when you go in, rest assured, you probably will be when you come out.
sorry, are you wearin a sanitary pad?
Nice vid of my hometown
LETS GO (to Syracuse)
C'mon down my guy
Are you still there?
Summer is the only time Syracuse is nice Jamesville Beach and Green Lakes State Park. In the 10 months of winter it's like living in Volkura Soviet Gulag a frozen wasteland! I should know lived in Syracuse 31 yrs now living in Phx AZ last 25 yrs.
There's no 10 months of winter. We had 70 degrees for the first half of November last year. The winters are much more mild in recent years. We hardly get any sub zero temps even in January. Very little snow last winter. I used my snowblower just two times.
I moved to Liverpool, NY, in the suburbs of Syracuse from NC, and it was like moving to another country! I despise living in this state. I have been all over NY Upstate, central and western NY. It's horrible!
Horrible? Not true!! There's alot of beauty in the Finger Lakes area and around Lake Ontario. Not impressed by Niagra Falls? You should visit Lake Placid in any season. I now live in Florida and it is super flat, like a table top. I was born in Rochester, NY and can tell you except for the beaches, Florida can't compare to Upstate NY>.
I tend to agree. I have worked in Rochester, Watertown and Binghamton and hope to never be in NY again. However, I'll do what I have to.
@@billp4 Where do you live now?
I live 10 minutes outside of Syracuse, SYR sucks if you don't live here don't come if you're here leave terrible city in a terrible state. NY is the worst nanny state
I would love to move there but the taxes are just fucking crazy.
I like upstate . I lived in Harlem for most of my life.
So, you lived in a true s-hole all your life. And now Syracuse is sweet. That's like saying you lived in Haiti and moved to Syracuse.
Love the vlog
Thank you!!
The best part of Syracuse is when you leave it.
I’m considering moving there!
Unless you are looking for a Groundhog Day in misery, do NOT do this. The weather sucks (about 65 sunny days per YEAR), the taxes are sky high, government corruption is high, unemployment is high. Nearly everyone who could afford to leave has left decades ago. How do I know? I'm one of them.
@@CraigFactsareFacts I am staying in Virginia. ❤️
love this, i grew up in Syracuse. Im a local chef (35 years)!! Im also the 666 liker, (Satan i guess) lol!! I should be be in your next film 🙂🙂🙂
This is a tourists view of Syracuse, limited stay, living in a hotel, etc. The media take on American life is an inch deep and a mile wide.
you did nice vlog! see u around- guy- 😇
Thanks friend!
Why??????
The dude moved to Syracuse 3 years ago and never made another video?
Welcome
I live in Syracuse on the northside
That’s probably like the worst decision you could possibly ever make. It’s cold up there and there’s a bar on every street corner no work so if you found work good for you.😊
Chicken Riggies is a Utica thing, Syracuse borrowed the idea.
That snow is nothing dude! lol Western NY gets several FEET OF SNOW! 😂
I wanna come here!
Snow capital of the United States
lol...chicken riggi is not a syracuse dish, utica will fight you for that right, but really any "event/gathering" you go to anywhere around the finger lake region, chicken riggi will be served.
Last summer in Syracuse they closed my street off and I was hopeful they were going to pave my street so I called DPW and they informed me no they are not paving, they are shooting a HULU movie on my street for the next week. I was like ''WHAT'', thats the last thing I expected to hear. Then a few weeks later I go to my gym and there is only one guy working out there, and who is it? Lou Ferrigno who is in town filming a movie.... Syracuse the rust belt little Hollywood.
Cool
There are always those doing the opposite of everyone else... sometimes there are lots of reasons why everyone else is doing it!
What ever made you think that was a good decision????