Does anyone live in Upstate New York?

[Akoto]

I am moving there soon (to Oswego), and I am a bit scared. It'll be the first time I've even left my state of birth, much less lived somewhere else. We're escaping the hurricanes after losing our home last year.

Is it a nice area? Is there stuff to do? I won't be alone (my folks will be there), but still. The snow will definately be a new experience!

:hi:

[oneighty]

1. What country is Oswego in?

Maybe New York State?

180

[Akoto]

2. Sorry, yes.

New York State. I will update the original post. :)

[oneighty]

3. Nice area Akoto

It is pleasant in the summer very wintry in that season. You can plan on that.

There used to be good fishing in the rivers and creeks and of course Lake Ontario.

You will find many friendly people in that area.

As I child I visited near there, had many very pleasant summers (Henderson/Stony Point).

Have fun!

Post this in State Forums.

180

[In_The_Wind]

4. it's lovely

and cold in the winter ...

you will be about a 3 hour drive from me ...

did I mention ... it's COLD !

[SmokingJacket]

5. I'm here!

:hi:

Fingerlakes region, south of you. I love it here. It hasn't seen the supermassive development that other regions have. Lots of untouched beauty.

The snow is harsh, though. Make sure you have a woodstove, that's the best advice I can give. It makes the house cozy and you can get the house HOT without going broke on your heating bills.

Sometimes in January you need to be able to take off your sweater without guilt...

You're not too far from Syracuse which has Dinosaur Barbecue and will have the world's largest and most environmentally sound shopping mall.( http://www.grist.org/news/muck/2005/05/20/little-destiny/ )

Also -- you can spend weekends in NYC. That's a real perk.

[ihaveaquestion]

13. Dinosaur Bar-B-Q is the BEST!

We moved to Tampa from upstate NY (near Ithaca) three years ago and I still haven't found any barbecue that can match it. Some come close, Dinosaur's is the greatest! Live blues music every night, too!

I see from their website that they have opened new places in Rochester and NYC. The original is in Syracuse, though. http://www.dinosaurbarbque.com/ Try the drunken shrimp for a kickin' appetizer!

[jackster]

6. my sis from NFla

lives up that way and I live in NE....

the cold/snow was a hard adjustment for us both but we're now happy "up north."

From my experience - the area is just gorgeous - lots of outdoor activities and the people are just so wonderful and friendly. Lots of small-town or village community spririt, BUT they're smart and savy and know what's going on in the world. Most of them seem to be very happy with Hillary!

[Double T]

7. Oswego is a great place to live with plenty of things to do.....

year around. Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Adirondack Mountains are right at your doorstep. There are shopping malls nearby and even more less than an hour away in Syracuse. My brother has a veterinary practice in Oswego and Pulaski and lives in Mexico, NY just down the road, to the east, on Rt 104. Good Luck with the move, and if I can be of further assistance, let me know.

[giant_robot]

8. I've been a western new yorker for about 8 years now....

...I think you'll love it. The people are great, the summers are beautiful, and the winters aren't nearly as bad as their reputation. There's lots to do in Rochester, too. Good luck!

[nykiera]

9. I live in Oswego County

:hi:
We live about 30 minutes from Oswego in Northern Oswego County. Expect lots of snow in the winter, as we get quite a bit of Lake Effect.

As for things to do, currently the NY State Fair is going on in Syracuse. (Which is about 30-40 miles south.)

Every year Oswego has harborfest, and thousands come for the fireworks over Lake Ontario. http://www.oswegoharborfest.com/

If you like fishing, there is a lot of that. In fact the salmon will start soon, and where I live will be inundated with fishermen.

official county website.
http://www.co.oswego.ny.us/

[Akoto]

10. Thanks for the responses, everyone! Nykiera ...

Given that you have a Kenshin avatar, I will have to make your acquaintance after I've moved. I loves the anime. :D

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

11. I live upstate too

I live pretty much directly horizontal from Oswego, in the eastern part of the state.

Oswego is right on Lake Ontario so it tends to be colder than where I live, you WILL definitely get the lake effect snows, but it is really gorgeous! Some parts of Oswego are really cool to photograph.

There is a state college there, SUNY Oswego, so it isn't dead, and there are places to go. I remember hearing about ice skating, fireworks nights, etc. You learn to appreciate those activities when you live in upstate NY.

:) Good luck!

[Ivan Sputnik]

12. I grew up Upstate

It's very scenic. The winters can be brutal (or not) and long, but the rest of the year is pleasant, and fall is gorgeous. The people tend to be Republicans, except in urban or college/university areas -- but they're usually "old-fashioned" Republicans, not neo-cons or fundamentalists. They're generally friendly, I've found, as long as you don't put on airs. It can be a very economical place to live if you're employed, partly because the overall economy never recovered from the recessions of the 70s and 80s.