City Town Info

Oswego, NY


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Oswego, New York

Introduction to Oswego, New York

Oswego, New York, in Oswego county, is 33 miles NW of Syracuse, New York and 125 miles E of Buffalo, New York. The city is conveniently located inside the Syracuse metropolitan area. There are an estimated 17,954 people in Oswego.

Oswego History

Samuel de Champlain, a famed French explorer, visited this region in 1615. In 1722, the British created a trading post in this area. Soon after that, they fortified the trading post with a log palisade, which went on to be called Fort Oswego. The first permanent settlers came to this area in the early 19th century. Oswego was incorporated as a city in 1848. During World War II, it served as a home to around one thousand Jewish refugees.

Oswego and nearby Attractions

  • Fair Haven Beach State Park
  • Oswego Canal
  • Fort Ontario State Historic Site
  • H. Lee White Marine Museum
  • Richardson-Bates House Museum
  • Battle Island State Park

Things To Do In Oswego

Oswego’s history dates back to the 15th century. The H. Lee White Marine Museum, Fort Ontario and The Richardson-Bates House provide insight into the town's history. Many historical monuments and public parks can be found around the city as well. Excellent dining opportunities are available at the several nearby restaurants and cafes. Residents and visitors also enjoy hiking, boating and fishing. Oswego also has a public pool, two ice-skating rinks, a bowling alley and a movie theater at the Fort Ontario grounds.

Oswego Transportation

Syracuse Hancock International is the nearest major airport.

Oswego Higher Education

SUNY College is the local center for higher education. Syracuse University and Onondaga Community College are also within reach.

High Points

Oswego strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in New York):

CategoryTrophy
Short Commute Times
(vs. State)		Top 6%Oswego Short Commute Times
Affordability of Property Taxes
(vs. State)		Top 6%Oswego Affordability of Property Taxes
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)		Top 10%Oswego Walking and Biking to Work

Comparative Profile of Oswego, NY

Comparing Oswego to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in New York (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Female Share of the Population89
Senior Citizens88
Age of the Population42
Racial Diversity45
Well-Paid Single Men32
Male Share of the Population32
Children Under 5 Years Old23

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Average Household Size33
Portion of People Married11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
College Educated Adults65
Median Family Income43
People in Middle Class or Better21
People Above Poverty11

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work1010
Short Commute Times910
Public Transportation Use85
Working at Home54

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People Living Alone99
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals98
Seasonal and Vacation Housing86
Affordability of Rents78
Affordability of Property Taxes610
Housing Recently Built13

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Property Crime52
Low Violent Crime43
Detailed pages on related topics: Colleges in Oswego, Oswego travel

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