Matt

I've got two identical job offers, one in Lansing, Michigan, and the other in Syracuse, NY. Which is the best place to live? I like a
balance between outdoor life, culture, and nightlife. How bad is cold weather in Syracuse, really? (I live in California).

Debra

Syracuse is cold, but I think it's a nice place to live. THere is a lot of culture and entertainment, and there's easy access to al ltypes of outdoor activities.

martha python

The most dramatic part of winter in Syracuse is not the temperatures (cold, but usually not frigid), but the quantity of snow. I like snow, but it's not the place for those who don't.
It's lovely in the summer, and there is a fairly wide range of music, etc. year-round.

Diane

Of course, East Lansing has a championship NCAA Basketball Team. Actually, you might find the people in Michigan to be a real treat -- Midwesterners are just super, open and you will fit right in very quickly. Not so sure I can say the same about Syracuse, NY. Outdoor life in Michigan is very fine. Culture and nightlife? Well, having a huge university helps both tremendously.

Dave

I lived in Syracse for 2 years - worse than the snow is the fact that you don't see much of the sun. It is also a cultural back water. DK about Lansing however.

Owen O'Neill

I'm a Syracuse native and can vouch for the friendliness of the people, the beauty of geography, low crime rate and remarkably little traffic congestion. Yes there's plenty of snow but the real issue (as I see it) is the frequency of overcast weather, particularly from October though May. This shortcoming aside, it's a decent place to live and a great place to raise a family. Cost of living (housing in particular) is low and although it has adequate cultural resources for a city of its size, don't have raised expectations for a city of 150,000. It's only 4 hours from NYC by car and a quick 10-15 minute drive from Syracsue will have you in beautiful countryside. I recently relocated to the NYC area from there and assure you that the people there are genuine, down to earth and friendly. I know little about Lansing but perhaps others can comment. If you have more detailed and specific questions about Syracuse based on your particular circumstances, please email me direct (remove the NOSPAM from the above email address) and I'll try to help.

lisa

I'm originally from Lansing. The weather there is lousy, not so much the cold or the amount of snow but rather the lack of sun. From October to March the sky is basically grey grey grey. Lansing does have nice people, and the area in East Lansing around MSU's campus is very nice, particularly in fall and spring. But the social life really revolves around the university -- football games, basketball games, etc. A few decent restaurants and cultural events. Nightlife is virtually non-existent, but you are about a 4-hour drive to Chicago which is a lot of fun.
I have not spent time in Syracuse, although I have spent some time in Rochester. Frankly, to be honest with you, I'm afraid after living in California you'll be miserable in either Lansing or Syracuse. If it were me knowing what I know about Lansing and guessing at what Syracuse may be like based on my experience in Rochester, I think I'd pick Syracuse -- at least you're within reasonable driving distance of New York City for long weekends, and you're closer to other places in New England & the mid-Atlantic. Michigan is more geographically isolated.

kathy

I HAVE LIVED IN UPSTATE NY FOR THE LAST 19 YEARS WITH 6 OF THEM IN SYRACUSE. LETS PUT IT THIS WAY...WE HAD 10 INCHES OF SNOW ON SUNDAY APRIL 9, 2000 AND ITS STILL SNOWING TODAY, WITH MORE SNOW EXPETED FOR TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY. YES THE HOUSING IS REASONABLE, BUT YOU NEVER SEE THE SUN. WE HAVE BEEN TO CALIFORNIA AND WE LOVED IT. PLUS W GO SOUTH AT LEAST 3 TIMES A YEAR...ANSWER YOUR QUESTION?

Debra

Syracuse is not a cultural backwater. THey have their own symphony, and plenty of other touring and other events through the university. Go to one of the Syracuse newspaper websites to see what they have to offer. It's true there isn't much sun in the winter.