As the fifth largest city in the state of New York, with approximately 150,000 people making their homes within the city and about 730,000 in the metropolitan area, Syracuse is known as the economic and education center of Central New York. Home of Syracuse University, one of America's leading research universities, the city is also home to doctoral-degree level campuses of the state university (SUNY) in its College for Environmental Science and Forestry and Upstate Medical University. This makes the city a breeding ground for young professionals and economic opportunities.

SyracuseZip.com is a site dedicated to showing off all of Syracuse, New York's potential, both as one of the state's most exciting cities and as a great place for someone to settle down and begin their own life. From the city's beginnings as "Salt City" when salt was discovered in area marshes in the late 18th century to its modern distinction as a crossroads for business and transportation, Syracuse really is an ideal location for anyone looking for a safe and stable life in New York State.

Syracuse is broken up in twenty-six neighborhoods, plus the site of the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The downtown business areas of the city are further broken into five different sections:

University Hill is the area catering to the 20,000 students that make Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University their home during the school year. There are a variety of shops, restaurants and small businesses all with the student population as their main demographic.

If you're looking for the main downtown shopping and dining area of the city, it can be found in the Armory Square district. Hanover Square is also a smaller version of this area and can be great for both shopping and dining.

Eastwood and Little Italy make up two of the smaller downtown districts that prove interesting to tourists and residents alike. Eastwood sees itself as a small village within the city, while Little Italy has a selection of restaurants, shops, bakeries and pizzerias that would make any Italian family proud.

Westcott is the largest residential district of the downtown area. This area is known for being home to the more liberal and bohemian population of Syracuse and, being adjacent to University Hill, frequently sees some spill over from that area. Those looking for real estate downtown might also be interested in Clinton Square, Franklin Square, Tipperary Hill and the Strathmore area.