Committed to promoting owner-occupancy in the University Neighborhood since 1990.
People of all ages and backgrounds call the University Neighborhood home. The convenience and excitement of urban living, a vibrant community, combined with old-fashioned charm and character, make this neighborhood one of Syracuse’s best-kept secrets
The University Neighborhood Preservation Association is committed to promoting owner-occupancy through programs that help families and individuals purchase homes in the UNPA Target Area.
UNPA offers grants up to $5,100 and 1% interest home improvement loans.
Stay updated with the latest UNPA news, events, and home listings by subscribing to our newsletter and following our Facebook page @UNPASYR!

UNPA Board of Directors
Christopher Dunham, President
Karen Cordano, Vice President
Benjamin Lockwood, Treasurer
Kate Oja, Recording Secretary
Dale Avers
Khristopher Dodson
Eric Greenfield
Brad Hunt
Samuel Johnson
John Mannion
Heather Schroeder
The University Neighborhood
If you are looking to explore Syracuse and find interesting things to do or a place to live … discover the “University Neighborhood!” From Downtown, take Harrison Street up the hill. Now you’re on Syracuse University turf! The Quad, at the heart of campus, overlooks the Marshall Street commercial district with shopping, dining and lots of SU apparel and other stuff for sale.
Travel up a hill a bit more to Ostrom Avenue and Thornden Park, and work your way over to Euclid Avenue, which will take you to Westcott Street. The “Westcott Nation”, as some call the University Neighborhood, is a colorful area within the neighborhood, an eclectic mix of academicians, students, permanent residents and a lot of free thinkers.
But, there is even more to discover!
Discover the University Neighborhood where residential intimacy combines with urban accessibility, and where residents enjoy a host of local amenities and conveniences! We are within easy walking distance to Syracuse University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Upstate Medical University, Crouse Hospital, VA Medical Center, the Syracuse Real Food Co-op, the Westcott Street Commercial District, Ed Smith School, Petit Branch Public Library, grocery store, hardware store, convenience store, banks, restaurants, picturesque Thornden Park and numerous other green spaces. Public transportation provides quick access to the City’s bustling Downtown, and exits on and off Interstate 81 and Route 690 are conveniently close.
Parks
Discover the University Neighborhood where season to season, area residents are rarely at a loss for what to do with so many arts, sports, and recreation activities nearby. Summer finds locals enjoying the Barry Park playground, the Thornden Park pool and EM Mills Rose Garden, as well as the annual Shakespeare in the Park production, Art Trail, a weekend-long bazaar featuring works by local artists. The annual Westcott Street Cultural Fair ushers in autumn when sports enthusiasts flock to the famed Carrier Dome. Year-round, locals enjoy the offerings of the Westcott Community Center and the ever-changing scenery at nearby parks and trails. Among the local treasures, the Morningside Cultural trails include a five-mile long main trail, a 5k route, tree trail, and history trail through Oakwood Cemetery.
Schools
Discover the University Neighborhood when searching for public schools with a great academic track record, outstanding extracurricular activities, a diverse student body, and a community of passionately involved parents! Parents and guardians rave about the quality education and friendly environment at Edward Smith K-8 School. Nottingham High School, the city’s magnet school for the arts, offers a wide variety of advanced placement and college preparatory courses. Please check out the “Say Yes to Education” program. And the area suffers no shortage of outstanding daycare, after school and Pre-K program
Businesses
Discover the University Neighborhood, home to some of the most eclectic shopping and dining in Syracuse! Residents and patrons can peruse the unique fashions at Boom Babies, visit with friends at Rise n Shine Diner, stop to smell the flowers at Westcott Florist, enjoy frozen yogurt at Yeti on the way to pick up groceries at the city’s only co-op grocery, Syracuse Cooperative Market. Diners can feast on Middle Eastern fare at Munged’s, enjoy the Mexican cuisine at local hotspot Alto Cinco, have a ‘slice’ at Dorian’s, sushi at Asahi, or some down-home cooking at Mom’s Diner. And if you need a pick me up during a shopping trip, or just want to drink in the unique atmosphere of Syracuse’s most diverse neighborhood, you can get a fresh roasted cup of ‘joe’ at Recess.