Firstly why Oswego, New-York?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Oswego
• State: New-York
• Population: 17,500 people
• Oswego’s quick summary would be famous for its stunning waterfront and rich history this city caters to those looking for both relaxation and adventure by the lake.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 600 annually
• While this many move-out: 204 annually
• Net Migration: 396 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 432
• Number of Homeless people: 63

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features a lakeside lifestyle appealing to nature lovers

Perk #1: Oswego Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 29%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 65%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $45,598
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Oswego is $65,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $19402 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Oswego’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 90 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,500
• Property Tax %: 1.59%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $1,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Oswego
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Oswego, Fulton, and probably could include Granby
• Avg. Age of Homes in Oswego: 49 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Oswego’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Oswego are  Manufacturing, Education, and Retail
• Oswego Job Scene: limited job market primarily in education and local services
• The General Tech Scene: limited tech landscape focused mainly on education and local services , ,
• Oswego Resident’s pay $1,300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Oswego: 8%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 100 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Oswego

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $91 on average per person
• Freeway Access: U.S. Route 104 connects Oswego to other regions
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on Route 104
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Oswego: 15,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 2 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Oswego: dmv.ny.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 45 of 100
• Local Airport: Oswego County

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Oswego’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Lake Effect Snow
• General Weather in Oswego is best described as has cold snowy winters with warm summers and significant precipitation
• Winter Weather in Oswego i’d describe as cold with heavy snow
• Spring Weather in Oswego can be described as cool and rainy
• Summer’s in Oswego are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Oswego is usually cool and breezy
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 6 days in summer
• Days in a row in Oswego below Freezing: 36
• Average Annual Rainfall: 37 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained through minimal local industry
• Oswego Winter Air generally good air quality minimal pollution issues

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Oswego Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Oswego 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Oswegos’s city limits are 1
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Oswego Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Oswego Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Oswego only Doctors is about 35
• Local Hospitals here is  1
• Full-time Oswego only Police Officers is about 50
• Crime Rate Index: 54/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Oswego’s Monthly utility bill average is $170
• Oswego’s Monthly Gym Membership: $29
• Oswego’s Water Quality Score: 64

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Oswego

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: lakeside city with outdoor activities and a focus on community
• You might enjoy performances at the Oswego Music Hall
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Oswego  features cozy local bars and eateries with a friendly atmosphere designed for casual socializing

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Oswego

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a mix of casual dining and local favorites
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Oswego
• The Popular Sports Team is Oswego State Lakers
• Top Level Political Climate in Oswego can be described as politically mixed area with agricultural influences
• Oswego’s Longer standing religious establishment is Oswego United Methodist Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Oswego Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Oswego has 6 Parks?
• Oswego Riverwalk is Oswego’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Oswego Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, beaches, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Oswego Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Oswego can be described as laid-back pace with a focus on lakeside activities and community events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Oswego exploring nature picnic outings community events
• The Cities people commute to from Oswego are Niskayuna 6 miles away Rotterdam 7 miles away Albany 18 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Oswego or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on Route 104. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Oswego’s Lake Effect Snow risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Oswego is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Oswego are Niskayuna 6 miles away Rotterdam 7 miles away Albany 18 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 54 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Oswego has 36 days in a row below freezing and 6 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Oswego people have an average (positive or negative) $19402 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   63 homeless people living in Oswego. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area with agricultural influences could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Oswego.

Retiree & Senior Life in Oswego

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can qualify for local tax relief programs aimed at older adults
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Gardens
• Oswego Senior Center provides wellness programs social engagement and meal services for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Oswego, New-York?

If Oswego, New-York ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Oswego, New-York, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!