Living in Syracuse, NY: Homes, Renting and Getting Around

A city where most households rent

Renter-occupied homes outnumber owner-occupied ones in the city: about 34,900 against 24,900 of some 59,800 occupied homes, with margins near 1,100, 900 and 800 (American Community Survey 2020-2024). In the same period the survey counted about 1,800 vacant homes for rent, with a margin of 323, among some 67,600 housing units.

From single houses to large apartment buildings

Of about 67,600 housing units, about 28,000 are single detached houses, about 11,800 sit in two-unit buildings and about 7,700 sit in buildings of 50 or more units, with margins of 954, 756 and 460. Half of the homes were built in 1948 or earlier (margin of error 2 years). With housing this old, it pays to ask about the age of the heating, roof, plumbing and wiring of any home you consider.

Commutes, buses and the I-81 project

Residents who commute spent a mean 18.0 minutes getting to work, with a margin of 0.7 minutes. About 3,900 of some 60,900 workers rode public transportation, about 5,600 walked and about 7,300 worked from home, with margins of 590, 717 and 667. NYSDOT reports that the Federal Highway Administration approved the redesignation of Interstate 481 as Interstate 81 ahead of the downtown viaduct’s removal, and on October 9, 2026 NYSDOT listed the Inner Harbor and Northside, Crouse and Irving Avenues and I-690 contracts as in construction.

School district

The whole city is served by the Syracuse City School District.

Owning a rental home in the city

For questions about owning or renting out a home in Syracuse, the City of Syracuse is the place to ask. Owners who prefer not to manage a rental themselves can learn about our property management service.

Rentals and homes for sale in Syracuse

Our rental listings with a Syracuse postal address, with the status read on October 24, 2026 (each listing page shows the current status):

• 2827 Grant Blvd: available
• 413-415 N Salina St #3: rented

Search homes for sale in Syracuse.

Selling, buying or renting in Syracuse

Thinking about a move? Read how to sell your home in Syracuse or buy a home in Syracuse with our team, or look at homes for rent in Syracuse.