Northside - Syracuse, NY

The original immigrants to the Northside area of Syracuse were of German-American descent, and they moved into the neighborhood during the early 19th century. Soon, additional new Americans arrived to this historically working-class neighborhood, including a large influx of Italian people. Ethnic arrivals from across the world continued into the 21st century, and this diversity helps to define life in the Northside.

In the Northside's Little Italy section, the annual Columbus Day Parade and Festival draws huge crowds. Although named after Columbus, the celebration actually pays tribute to the history, culture and future of the city's Northside. The Open Hand Theater, founded in 1980, performs mask and puppet shows for families. The theater also houses a museum to educate and welcome the public to this unique art form.

Go out to eat at one of the Northside's highly regarded restaurants, which include an abundance of American, Italian, Asian and other ethnic cuisines. Stella's Diner on Wolf Street presents an adorable Betty Boop decor to go with its busy dining experience. Be prepared for a short wait for a table because the small diner fills up quickly with regulars each day. People come for the huge portions at great prices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make sure to try the rice pudding, a local favorite.

The New Century Vietnamese Restaurant provides the opportunity to savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine. A clean interior and atmospheric Vietnamese decorations help set the mood. Patrons often order the spring rolls for a classic appetizer. They also can't resist joining in on the rising popularity of Vietnamese pho, a huge bowl of broth with noodles, herbs and beef. Try the boba tea or Vietnamese iced coffee for a refreshing drink.

Travel onto Grant Boulevard for one of the neighborhood's foremost pizzerias, Peppino's Restaurant & Catering. Open since 1968 and recognized with multiple Independent Pizzeria Awards, this Northside eatery serves up Italian hot subs, gourmet pizzas, pastas and more.Try an adventurous specialty pie such as the smoked pulled pork pizza, or even go for breakfast with the eatery's popular breakfast pizza.

After eating, head to Riley's for some friendly neighborhood drinking in an atmosphere and vintage decor that brings to mind a 1920s speakeasy. Watch the big sports game on The Change of Pace Sports Bar's massive 80-inch TV, or dance the night away to all the top hits spun by DJ Kaos every Friday night at Trexx.

The roads in Syracuse allow residents to get around easily by car. In terms of major highways, New York State Route 690 and I-81 pass near the south and west of Northside respectively. Other important neighborhood roads include North Salina Street, Court Street and Grant Boulevard. Many of the apartment complexes in the Northside provide free off-street parking, and residents have the chance to use a few of the bike lanes in the area as another means of travel. If you choose to walk, stick to the sidewalks to remain safe.

Plenty of taxi and driving services help you get around as well, including PM Taxi, CNY Green Taxi and Uber. The Centro Syracuse bus routes take passengers and commuters throughout Downtown Syracuse. Within walking distance to the Northside, the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center operates long-distance buses and houses an Amtrak station.

Syracuse's Northside has no shortage of outdoor parks and green spaces. Schiller Park has a long history in the neighborhood. Designed in 1911, residents enjoy baseball fields, six tennis courts, two handball courts and basketball court in this 37-acre park. Younger children also have fun at the playground and spray fountain, while everyone can use the huge community pool to cool off. Schiller Park also features a sweeping view of the city from its high point, open space for walking your dog on a leash and a refurbished statue of the poets Goethe and Schiller.

At Lincoln Park, you can participate in many of the same sporting activities and make use of its large gazebo. Visit a smaller, quieter scene at Washington Square park, which has a playground, basketball court, benches and a beautiful fountain monument. Head to Burlingham Memorial Park or the Rose Hill cemetery-park for other contemplative outdoor locales.

Northside's parks provide opportunities for residents to participate in organized events. The gazebo in Lincoln Park hosts summer concerts, and the annual Hot Dog Social also takes place there. The Bova Community Center in Schiller Park arranges homework help, gymnasium activities, outdoor games and a teen program.

The cost of living in the Northside compares similarly to the rest of Syracuse. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in the Northside for an average $790 per month.

The Centro Syracuse buses cost only $2 to use. Senior citizens, children and those with disabilities pay a reduced fare. Gas prices in the Northside cost 3 percent more than the national average, and the local pubs charge about $5 each for beers.

While Northfield remains a mostly residential neighborhood, it has a sufficient amount of its own shops spread throughout the area. You can find many chain and independent stores on North Salina Street, Butternut Street, Grant Boulevard and other neighborhood roads.

Assisting Northfield's residents for over 40 years, Business Art & Framing LLC enhances your sentimental and valuable artwork with professional framing services. In addition, the store has a gallery of pre-framed artwork ready to purchase for home decoration. Drink a complimentary cup of coffee while you browse the art.

For old world tailoring in the modern age, bring your suits to the John Berardi Modern Custom Tailoring shop on North Salina Street. John puts his decades of experience and expertise into each tailoring job, taking the time necessary to ensure a perfect custom fit. John's popularity keeps this useful small business alive and kicking in the heart of Little Italy.

At Cities Leather and Luggage, established in 1918, you can buy brand name luggage and travel gear. The store also provides equipment repairs for individuals and even major airlines.

The neighborhood has many grocery stores to choose from for when you need to go food shopping, including nearby supermarkets such as Wegmans and smaller specialty shops such as Lucky 7 Grocery & Deli. In operation since 1933, one of New York's largest farmers markets, the Central New York Regional Farmers Market and Flea Market, takes place on Park Street in the Northside every Saturday of the year. Purchase fresh produce, cheeses, meats, fish and more from this popular indoor and outdoor market.