Why Central New York Continues to Shine in 2025: Affordability, Lifestyle, and Jobs
If you’re looking for a place that blends affordability, a laid-back lifestyle, and strong job opportunities, Central New York (CNY)—including Syracuse and its surrounding communities—should be high on your list.
Recent reports and rankings have spotlighted our region for all the right reasons. Here’s why:
Affordable Places to Live in CNY
Affordability remains one of Central New York’s biggest draws. According to Niche.com, several Syracuse-area suburbs rank among the most affordable places to live in 2025:
-Brewerton
-East Syracuse
-Canastota
-Galeville
-Fulton
-Oneida
These communities scored high based on housing costs, utility expenses, and overall living costs.
Click Here for full Niche List
Additionally, ExtraSpace Storage ranked Syracuse among the “9 Most Affordable Places to Live in New York,” thanks to reasonable housing prices and a lower cost of living compared to other cities across the state.
Click Here to Read the ExtraSpace Report
Laid-Back Lifestyle & Community Feel
Central New York isn’t just affordable—it’s also known for its slower pace and friendly atmosphere.
Small towns like Chittenango, Oneida, Mattydale, Nedrow, and Port Byron are frequently praised for their quiet, relaxed environments with easy access to Syracuse and nearby parks.
Many residents on forums like Reddit describe Syracuse itself as a “chill” place to live, with convenient services, walkable neighborhoods, and a surprisingly vibrant dining scene:
Click Here for Local Reddit Discussions
Best Places to Work in Syracuse & CNY
When it comes to jobs, Syracuse holds its own.
Zippia.com recently published their 2025 Best Companies to Work For in Syracuse list, which includes:
-St. Joseph’s Health
-FamilyCare Medical Group
-OBG
-SRC, Inc.
-Crouse Hospital
-American Food & Vending
-Syracuse Community Health Center
Click Here for Zippia’s Full List
Additionally, the Central New York Business Journal annually highlights the region’s top workplaces through its “Best Places to Work Awards,” featuring employers such as NBT Bank, Human Technologies, and Kendal at Ithaca.
Click Here to Explore the CNYBJ Awards
Syracuse’s largest employer, SUNY Upstate Medical University, also plays a major role in the local job market, employing thousands in healthcare, research, and education.
Click Here for SUNY Upstate Medical University
Final Thoughts
Central New York remains a smart choice for people seeking:
– Affordable living
– A slower, more relaxed pace of life
– Strong job opportunities in healthcare, tech, finance, and education
Whether you’re considering relocation or simply exploring more about the area, these recent rankings show that Syracuse and its surrounding towns continue to shine.