Corn Hill Landing in Rochester, New York.

Five cities that are defining New York State's innovation economy

September 29, 2016

Boomtown, New York

With more and more businesses and investors eyeing Upstate New York — drawn to its skilled workforce, development incentives and quality of life — we look at five cities leading innovation across multiple industries.

Welcome to Boomtown, New York.

SYRACUSE

CENTRAL NEW YORK REGION

Population: 144,669

Median home price: $87,000

Points of interest: Destiny USA, Rosamond Gifford Zoo, Erie Canal Museum, Museum of Science & Technology, Armory Square

Top employers: Upstate University Health System, Syracuse University, St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center, Wegmans, Crouse Hospital

Work here: Syracuse proudly boasts a tradition of innovation within the high-tech, medical and energy sectors, advanced by the region’s academic institutions, business development organizations and key initiatives like the Syracuse Technology Garden, which helps entrepreneurs and innovators create new advances in emerging industries.

Live here, play here: Consistently ranked by ForbesFortune and Money magazines as one of the top cities to raise a familyown real estate and benefit from an overall quality of life, it’s no surprise that many people looking to relocate to New York State decide to settle down in this gem along the Erie Canal. Along with the 44 colleges and universities located within the region, Syracuse’s local school system is as diverse as it is plentiful — there are 18 school districts in Onondaga County with a combined enrollment of approximately 80,000, including 78 elementary schools, 27 junior high schools, and 21 high schools.

 

ROCHESTER

FINGER LAKES REGION

Population: 210,358

Median house price: $112,900

Points of interest: George Eastman Museum, The Strong National Museum of Play, Highland Park, National Susan B. Anthony Museum & House

Top employers: University of Rochester/UR Medicine, Wegmans Food Markets, Rochester General Health System, Xerox, Rochester City School District

Work here: Rochester has a storied history of next-gen business — in 1888 Kodak was started in Rochester and became the birthplace of amateur photography — and today, Rochester continues the innovation trend with major investments in industries like solar energy, pharmaceuticals and cyber security. Rochester also stands as a an emerging Agri-Business leader, thanks in part to its proximity to the Finger Lakes. Companies like Synergy Dairy, Love Beets USA and Wegmans have invested heavily in the region, developing new practices for next-gen agricultural production and distribution.

Live here, play here: In 2010, Forbes Magazine ranked Rochester #3 on its list of Best Places to Raise a Family in the U.S., due in part to the city’s rapidly growing industry sector, top-ranked schools and a downtown bursting with arts and cultural events. Students in Rochester receive a high-quality education — ranking 17th out of 100 metro areas for high school students' college readiness8 —and with the region’s 19 colleges and universities, including the University of Rochester and the Rochester Institute of Technology, the region is generating a future workforce prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

Scenic local parks like Genesee River’s High Falls and Highland Park offer fantastic getaways and day trips. The Finger Lakes wine country produces some of the country’s best wine, with award-winning vineyards dotting rolling hills and pristine lakes. Additionally, Rochester serves as a veritable history lesson of New York, home to the George Eastman Museum, the National Susan B. Anthony Museum and House, and Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse.

 

ITHACA

SOUTHERN TIER REGION

Population: 30,515

Median house price: $184,000

Points of interest: Buttermilk Falls State Park, Cornell Plantations, Sciencenter, The Museum of the Earth, Cayuga Nature Center, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art

Top employers: Cornell University, Ithaca College, BorgWarner Automotive, Ithaca City School District, Cayuga Medical Center

Work here: The local economy is growing, bolstered by a growing tech sector fueled by more than 100 new start-ups. Given Ithaca’s top-ranked schools, coupled with the fact that many graduates tend to stay local after attaining their degrees, a talented workforce is ready to help take the region into the future. Home to Cornell University, Ithaca College, and other higher education institutions, Ithaca has developed a booming culture of R&D and tech, including companies like Incodema3D, Textiles Nanotechnology Laboratory, and Kionix.

Live here, play here: Ithaca is a beautiful, progressive city with plenty to offer in terms of quality of life, coupled with a high standard of education that goes well beyond its notable Ivy League institution. Located on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, locals can easily access nearby outdoor recreation, which includes over 100 waterfalls, fascinating landscapes and a vast number of wineries. Downtown Ithaca is growing substantially, with retailers offering everything from antiques to yoga classes at the recently refurbished Ithaca Commons shopping district, further bolstering the local economy.

While Ithaca’s natural wonder may take center stage in terms of recreation, the city also offers cultural and educational diversions as well, from the Johnson Museum of Art, to Sciencenter and the Museum of the Earth for families looking for a bit of fun while learning.

 

UTICA

MOHAWK VALLEY REGION

Population: 61,808

Median house price: $84,000

Points of interest: Adirondack Scenic Railroad, Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, Utica Children’s Museum, Utica Zoo, Stanley Center for The Arts

Top employers: Bassett Healthcare Network, Faxton St. Luke’s Healthcare, Hamilton College, Lexington Center, Price Chopper

Work here: Utica traces its history back to the origins of the Erie Canal, establishing itself as a hardworking, industrial-minded locale, but with a forward-facing view on progress and success. Today, the city is adapting to the industries of the future by incubating a variety of innovative businesses. Connected to high-tech activity at SUNY Polytechnic Institute Quad C, the city is on the verge of becoming a hub for nanotechnology through the “Nano Utica” initiative, which will attract industry leaders to the Marcy Nanocenter.

Live here, play here: Utica is a small town with big cultural offerings, from the Munson-Williams-Proctor Art Institute, housing a top-tier collection of contemporary art, to the Stanley Center for the Arts, a local, recently renovated landmark which showcases acoustic concerts and plays.

Likewise, history buffs will appreciate nearby Cooperstown, one of the most charming small towns in the Northeast and home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Craft beer and spirits enthusiasts will also appreciate the local scene, led by the Matt Brewing Co. and Adirondack Distilling Company.

 

BINGHAMTON

SOUTHERN TIER REGION

Population: 46,444

Median house price: $95,950

Points of interest: Roberson Museum and Science Center, Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, Phelps Mansion, Recreation Park

Top employers: Binghamton University, United Health Services, Lockheed Martin, Broome County Government, Lourdes Hospital

Work here: Led by giants like IBM and Lockheed Martin, Binghamton has a history of innovation and economic strength that dates back generations and continues through to this day. The city offers a varied manufacturing center and serves as a gateway to the thriving tech corridor in Upstate New York. Driven by a spirit of innovation, Binghamton is home to advanced technology and aerospace companies like BAE Systems, Rockwell Collins, L-3 Communications and McIntosh Laboratories.

Live here, play here: The city is picturesque and quaint, offering affordable housing and plenty of culture. Situated near Ithaca to the northwest, New York City to the southeast and the Adirondacks to the northeast, Binghamton is centrally located to any type of activity or pursuit within New York State.

No visit to Binghamton is complete without a ride on one of the historic carousels — there are six located throughout Broome County, all of which are free to ride. For those looking for family fun, Binghamton offers activities ranging from The Discovery Center, the Zoo at Ross Park, and Roberson Museum and Science Center. Finally, the historic Forum Theater is a fantastic venue to catch a concert, with national acts passing through regularly.