Central New York Real Estate Blog » Syracuse Neighborhoods

Living in Radisson

Pei Lin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:23:39 +0000

On my flight home the other night from an out-of-town class, I sat next to Mark, who has lived in Radisson since 1985! Since we were just about to feature Radisson on our blog, I was particularly interested in getting his input on what it’s like to live in Radisson. A resident since 1985, he certainly is well-versed on the area.

Mark gave me some insights on a few of the community activities such as snowshoe-ing and cross-country skiing on the golf course, the annual Radisson-sponsored shopping trip to New York City in December (book early!), and the Founder’s Day weekend, where friends and neighbors get together to listen to music, enjoy the fireworks, and barbecue together (nearby Budweiser is one of the sponsors). Mark talked about fishing in the ponds, which are maintained by ESF (SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry).

Mark and his wife have raised three boys in their Radisson home–one is getting his medical degree at SUNY Upstate Medical University, the other is studying to be a pharmacist, and the third is just entering undergraduate studies at Cortland. He has been very pleased with the education his boys received in the Baldwinsville schools.

I asked how he felt about the rules and HOA and, without any hesitation, Mark told me it was a positive thing. Not only are there the conveniences–such as the leaves being picked up from the curb on a weekly basis during the Fall–but he felt that all the homes are kept in good condition and the rules help keep the values up as “no one’s house gets rundown.”

All the neighbors are kept informed via the weekly Radisson Reflections, a community newspaper run by the HOA.

Every Friday night is Teen Night at the Ice Skating Arena, and it’s very well attended! In good weather, there are multiple playgrounds around Radisson for outdoor play.

Every December during the holiday season there is a contest for holiday light decorations. Alas Mark was not able to tell me the prize, as he ruefully admitted he has never won.

A recent neighborhood accomplishment is the boat ramp. This is a convenient launch for boats, canoes, kayaks, and jet-skis to the Seneca River. There is plenty of parking for RVs so people can keep them off premises and not visually litter the property.

No matter what your interests are, the Radisson community in Baldwinsville has something you’ll love. This planned community adheres to aesthetic guidelines in order to keep up its pristine appearance. The result? Lovely neighborhoods with a tidy look! In addition to attractive living, Radisson has a large variety of recreation. The trails along the lakes and ponds are great for walking any time of year, or biking and skating in the summertime. Radisson Greens Golf Course is an 18-hole course located right within the community. For sports lovers, there are soccer and baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts, and a public pool. Keep the kids busy on the playgrounds or in the kiddie pool (swimming lessons are offered). Radisson even has its own Nursery School. The community is conveniently located just a few miles from Great Northern Mall and several shopping centers (including Wegmans, Target, Home Depot, and more).

For 25 years, Mark has done the half hour commute to Nine Mile Point, a fairly easy ride from Radisson he says. Other nearby employers include Fitzpatrick Plants, Alcon, and of course Budweiser is just a stone’s throw away.

After hearing Mark’s personal perspective, I can see why so many of my clients concentrate their home search in Radisson!

If Radisson sounds like home to you, check out our listing at 8281 Luchsinger Lane! With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a 3 car garage, and a corner wooded lot, this house has plenty of space and privacy. You won’t believe how much the windows and skylights illuminate the home throughout – even on the gloomiest of winter days.

Thornden Park Chili Bowl Festival – February 18th

Sarah — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:42:03 +0000

In just a few weeks, The Thornden Park Association will be holding its annual Chili Bowl Festival, now in its 10th year! Mark your calendar for Saturday February 18th between 12-4. Four varieties of freshly made-from-scratch chili will be available to warm you up at the Thornden Park Field House. Chili is $3 by the bowl, or $6 for a sampler of all four. Corn bread and home brewed root beer will also be on the menu. The proceeds from this event will be used for improvements to the park and to support park activities. Come out and support this local University Area park while enjoying some tasty food!

Mexican Food in Syracuse

Sarah — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:06:35 +0000

One thing I was sad to leave behind when I left Atlanta was the Mexican food. Wherever you went, there was a cheap, authentic Mexican restaurant nearby. But I must admit, I’m pleasantly surprised by the Latin cuisine right here in Syracuse! So far, I’ve feasted on the the food at The Mission Restaurant in downtown Syracuse and Alto Cinco on Westcott Street.

Formerly a church built in the 1800s, The Mission is now festively decorated with Latin American colors and art. The Pan-American food is fresh, delicious, and affordable. You could easily have dinner with a large group here, but the intimate setting also makes it perfect for a fun date.

Alto Cinco serves homemade Tex Mex ranging from salads to burritos to pizza (and amazing cornbread)! I’ve ordered take-out for lunch several times. The food is fantastic, and the service is friendly and quick. It’s a wonderful treat to pick up on-the-go, but there’s also a cozy Cantina with a bar and small tables for dining in.

Another one of our team favorites is Papa Gallo in Fayetteville. The colors are vibrant and cheerful–and the portions generous! In good weather, there is outdoor dining, and if you close your eyes, you can imagine that you are on the sidewalk of a Mexican village as you dine!

I highly recommend trying any of these unique Syracuse area restaurants. I’d love to hear about other tasty Mexican food you’ve tried locally. Please tell us what you suggest!

Cazenovia Christmas Walk and Holiday Open House!

Sarah — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 20:01:59 +0000

Cazenovia’s 34th Annual Christmas Walk, presented by the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce, is this coming Friday, December 2nd. This free event kicks off at 6:30 pm with a tree lighting in front of the Presbyterian Church on Albany Street in the village. Entertainment includes seasonal music performed by the Cazenovia High School Chamber Choir, the costumed International Gift Bringers, and visits with Santa. Following the tree lighting, you may enjoy a stroll through the festively decorated village of Cazenovia. Browse the local shops and sidewalk sales until 9:00 pm. What a perfect way to get in the spirit of the holiday season!

If you plan on attending the Christmas Walk, please drop by our open house at 4017 East Road between 4-7pm! This beautiful home is conveniently located just minutes from the village.

You’re Never Too Young for Onondaga Lake Park

Sarah — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:07:54 +0000

As a busy, budget-conscious, new mom in Central New York, I’m always on the lookout for fun and easy things to do with my 9-month-old son (on the cheap)!

This past Thursday was a rare occasion: a sunny, 65 degree afternoon in November. Samson and I decided to go for a walk at Onondaga Lake Park. Not only did we experience autumn at its best, but it was free! The reds, rusts, and golds were bursting all around us, and the leaves underfoot (and stroller) crunched as we walked.

Sam was delighted by the flocks of geese on the lake, in the sky, and grazing on the grass.

The park has four trails along Onondaga Lake for walking, skating, or biking. I’ve even seen families on tandem bikes and bikes with child seats that you can rent on site. Although Samson is still too little for playgrounds there are a few really nice ones along the trails. Other activities include boat rentals, fishing, organized sports, a skate park, dog park, and the Salt Museum.

Don’t Be Caught on the Wrong Side of the Road!

Pei Lin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:14:18 +0000

I received a text from a client who closed on their new home yesterday. New to Syracuse, they were expecting the moving truck to arrive any minute and realized they didn’t know on what side of the street to park their cars!

I’ve gotten so used to the odd/even parking rules in the City of Syracuse, it’s almost second nature. So how do you make sure you are on the “legal” side of the road?

Parking “day” goes from 6 pm to 6 pm.

So if it’s an odd day of the calendar month at the beginning of the period, you park on the side of the odd-numbered houses. As I write this it is the 3rd day of the month, 11 am. However, it was an EVEN day (2nd) yesterday at 6 pm. So I would park on the side of the even numbered houses.

And beware blindly “following” the other cars. There are those so-called “Fool’s Days,” when you have two odd days back to back–31st and 1st, for example. On these days, no need to move your car as you need to stay on the side of the odd-numbered houses!

It’s really quite simple–you just have to make sure you know what date it is!

Follow these simple guidelines, and you shall remain ticket free!

New Construction – Great Tax Benefits

Pei Lin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:31:25 +0000

Who knew that buying a newly constructed home in Syracuse could be so affordable? Brand new appliances, brand new roof, brand new windows AND 10 years of special tax breaks for city and school taxes await a savvy home buyer!

These well constructed houses with great space and attention to detail can save the homeowner thousands of dollars in taxes each year for the next 10 years.

We currently have four 3 bedroom 1.5 bathroom homes listed for sale in the “Newest Vintage Neighborhood in Syracuse,” the Lincoln Park area. Each home features a large living room, hardwood floors, 1 car attached garage, 1st floor laundry, brand new dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, stove and a big bright walk out basement.

The bathrooms have double sinks and tile bath surrounds. The bedrooms are well appointed with plush carpeting and large closets. The open floor plan in the main living area is ideal for entertaining, offering space for both dining and relaxing.

Home owning is possible with the tremendous tax incentives offered by the city…we would be happy to help you look at the numbers!

Other tax incentives are being offered as well for both the rehabilitation of vacant houses and improvements to residential houses. More information on the Lincoln Park area can be found here: http://lincolnhillsyr.org/lhna_lincolnpark.asp. You can find more information on the special tax incentives at www.syracuse.ny.us.

Strathmore Art on the Porches Festival

Pei Lin — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 23:17:03 +0000

Saturday June 19, 2010 10 am – 5 pm

Enjoy viewing and purchasing work from local artists at the Art on the Porches Festival, held in the Historic Strathmore Neighborhood. Tour homes, listen to live, local music, taste great cuisine and be impressed by the dancers, painters, potters, and more! Come celebrate the 10^th annual Strathmore Art on the Porches Festival!

While you’re enjoying the festival, be sure to stop by our Open House at 148 Clairmonte Ave. This Victorian gem is nestled in the heart of Strathmore and boasts 3,396 square feet of living space, yet offers the warmth of home. Features a grand living room running the length of the house, formal dining room, multiple porches, 2 car garage and additional carport parking.

The Eighth Westcott Art Trail

Pei Lin — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:25:19 +0000

We are proud to be one of the sponsors for the eighth Westcott Art Trail June 6-7, 2009. Featuring over 60 area artists in 20 locations, the Westcott Art Trail promises to have something for every art lover. The proceeds will benefit the Westcott Community Center.

Join us Saturday, June 6th from 10-5 and Sunday, June 7th from 12-5.

Last year I discovered the ceramic butter keeper… local potter Meg Conner, a dear friend, recently made me my very own!
You fill the lid with butter, fill the base with water, and voila, fresh, soft butter all the time without fear of it going rancid. Meg will be at the Clayscapes booth (#15) at 241 Buckingham Ave.

There are so many lovely things…so much talent in our little neighborhood!
The locations include artists’ homes and studios.

Fourteen artists will be giving live demonstrations in silk painting, henna, watercolor, ceramic wheel throwing and firing, oil painting, origami, jewelry making and more!

Want a little “hands on experience”?

Visitors will be able to glaze and take home their own ceramic piece that has been fired in an outdoor Raku kiln.

The Westcott Community center will have a local Farmer’s Market that will include, refreshments, with a wide selection of Cabot Cheese and a bake sale for youth programming.

They will also host the Lost Boys of Sudan and their ceramic cows.

Be sure to stop by the Westcott Community Center on the corner of Euclid Ave and Westcott Street.

The Westcott Community Center has been serving the Syracuse area for over 13 years, providing many needed services and programming to everyone in the community. They feature monthly art shows for emerging artists in the community centers art gallery. Be sure to check out the Westcott Community Center Facebook page.

Come on out for a great cause, meet your neighbors, have some food, fun, make and buy beautiful artwork from local artists.

Bright yellow flags mark each artist location.

Download a map listing participating artists or pick one up at the Westcott Community Center.

Victorian House & Garden Tour

Pei Lin — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:51:21 +0000

Victorian House & Garden Tour in Syracuse’s own Hawley-Green neighborhood, Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 12:00 noon. Meet at the First English Lutheran Church at James and Townsend Streets for a guided tour of Victorian restorations, community garden, architecturally significant buildings and charming streets.

Catered by area cafes and restaurants this promises to be a delightful and delicious way to spend the afternoon!

Included in the tour will be our featured listing at 417 Howard St., a Victorian treasure with natural woodwork, stained glass AND updated mechanicals, 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath PLUS a third floor apartment.

House and garden tour fee is $5, reservations recommended.

Contact Hawley-Green (at) aol (dot) com or 315-214-4340.