Owen_ONeill

As a forum regular who has truly enjoyed posting about, discussing and offering my own particular perspective about NYC, I'm truly heartbroken at the need to relocate. Difficult circumstances for my current employer require that I be back in Syracuse NY full time until things turn around (if in fact they do). I'll still come back to NYC to visit whenever possible will continue to post on my other travels as they occur.

At this point, I'm totally flexible in my current job search and open to relocation anywhere so who knows..... maybe sooner than later I can start posting tidbits on some other wonderful city (maybe I should move to Union Square in SF and post glowing reports about it to drive the SF bashers crazy?).

HowardR

Good luck, Owen. This fellow New Yorker will miss your helpful postings.

Rachel

Good luck Owen. On the flip side, just think of how close you will be to the nice things in upstate NY and Canada.

Cher

I have enjoyed your posts and as someone also from the upstate NY area, I wonder how life in the NYC area compared to upstate for you ... pros/cons ... as I have considered the area ... worried about overall congestion and cost of living for decent square footage (although just hubby and I); however, would look forward to sense of excitement and plethora of things to do. (I understand that you are actually just outside NYC ... I would have to do this as well ... can't afford Manhattan).

GoTravel

Good luck Owen! Welcome to the ranks of us who visit NYC as much as possible.

Stephanie

Owen:

Just think less people (10 million less) and being closer to Niagara Falls and Lake Erie and the wine country of NYS. Actually I'd rather live away from a city.

Owen_ONeill

"On the flip side, just think of how close you will be to the nice things in upstate NY and Canada."

Oh yes.... nice enough to be close enough to them in the summer but for a mid 40's single guy who loves travel, music, film, food and a lively atmosphere - it's like being banished to Siberia! I spent 35 years in Syracuse and 4 in Ithaca - I dread the snow but maybe I should take up skiing again!

Regardless.... it will work out but I am pushing hard for a particular opportunity that will land me in the SF Bay area.

As a single person (or for a couple who is childless or with grown children), the NJ area is a great choice that combines convenience to Manhattan and pleasant surroundings at home. BUying a hosue here is out of the question for me but my rent was way cheap for the area - another reason I hate to give up this apartment - If I return I'm unlikely to get another deal like this.

travelbear

Yes, Syracuse. 11 months of winter, one month of bad skiing. Don't despair as the other posters have pointed out, there is plenty to do, and don't worry we'll keep the city light on for you.

The real question is...can I have your apartment?

Scarlett

Bummer, Owen
I guess we will just wait and see as time goes by, if your postings mention the lovely young lady that you will meet (why else would you be banished to the northern territories?) and then we will read postings asking about where the two of you should honeymoon, then before you know it, we will be reading about your relocating to NYC again..then the postings about where to go on vacation with the kids!!
It is all beginning now Owen!!!
Best of luck~Scarlett~

GoTravel

Can't you sublet? If it is a good deal, I'd find a way to hang on to the appartment.

LN

If you're in Manhattan then subletting might be a good option for you - especially if you want to try to get back into the CITY!!

Now as far as Syracuse goes - why not find some great little areas around there and let us know how some 2-3 day trips to these places might be. You won't be far from that NY cross state canal - you won't be far from the Finger Lakes - Niagar Falls and Niagara on the Lake are around the corner - so give some of us east coasters a spin on the area from time to time - we would enjoy it.

Thanks for all your great posts!
Ellen

Owen_ONeill

I'm actually in North Jersey, six miles from Manhattan. Subletting is not an available option but I'm putting the best possible spin on this. I'm actually excited by the prospect of exploring another major city as a resident and if it's someplace other than NYC I might even be able to afford to live in the city itself (not a chance of that in NYC!).

As for romance... honeymoons etc.... let's not get ahead of ourselves {;-)

Scarlett

Owen, I have to think like a girl! Single guy, next step-romance and honeymoons! LOL
It will be fun though, to explore a new place and just think how large your new apt will be for the price you pay in NYC or Northern NJ!!
How far a train ride to Syracuse?

mclaurie

Sorry about the move Owen, but relocation sounds better than unemployment, n'est pas? If you can keep your NY salary, your new digs will be abfab.

I'll try to get you a list of restaurants etc. from an old friend who lives in the area.

Good luck

JVS

As someone who has lived in both cities: My condolences
As a New Yorker: Have you found a sublet yet?
As a former SU student: Now you can advise people on the best frat bar in Syracuse.
As a Fodor regular: You can still give us valuable (and witty) information on other places that you will visit with all the extra $$ you will have now that you arent living in NYC.
Best to you.

Bootman4U

My advice: vote the right way in 2004!

Owen_ONeill

I'll vote the same way I did in 2000 - even if it's only making a statement (yes - I truly appreciate living ia country where we have that option!).

Best frat bar? Is that an oxymoron? Fortunately I'm at that glorious point in life where alcohol would be an afterhtought to any social engagement (if I still drank it, which I don't).

I've spent enough time in Syracuse the past four years (my current employer is based here) to have a good perspective on the restaurant scene in Syracuse - will be glad to share for those traveling here in search of a good meal.

It's a five hour train ride to NYC but I can drive there in four.... chances are I'll be driving for my occasional visits.

The latest development (very good news indeed) is a job prospect that will allow me either to stay in my North Jersey digs or possibly require a relocation to the SF bay area (I cvan live with that prospect).

Yes.... if $$ permits, I'll continue to travel as much as possible although my trip reports/postings will end up in the Central America, South America or Europe forums. I'm far from exhasuting the travel possibilities in the US but have started branching out a bit further this past year or so.