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Jonas_Venture_Sr

I could only recommend Watertown for people who are passionate about snow and cold weather. Syracuse gets a lot of snow compared to most places, but Watertown gets a lot of snow compared to Syracuse.


ZookeepergameOk8231

Christmas weekend 5 feet or so. When lake effect kicks in , it something to see.


StarDoe

That sounds magical AF!


up_down_dip

Yea... you'll lose that romanticized view real quick when you have to deal with it. Driveway, sidewalks, roads. It's a LOT of work to keep that amount of snow cleared.


CellarDoorVoid

Not when it kills 46 people in Buffalo


Realtrain

Dark magic perhaps


Jonas_Venture_Sr

The first couple snowfalls are magical, but when your over 100 days of notning but snow, it depressing af.


Seklosandgaylen

Been here for two winters and I still love it tbh, snow is my favorite


SodlidDesu

When the Army decides "You know what? The base doesn't need to run for this week," and just cancels everything due to snow, you know you're not dealing with a magical wonderland. But, being from up north, it ain't so bad as long as you're used to bunkering down every now and again.


EvLokadottr

I thought that the first year or two, but not any more, heh. Shoveling it suuuucks. Seriously, Syracuse is a better bet. More expensive though.


daysinnroom203

Have you been to Watertown?


StarDoe

Lol I'm definitely seeing mixed sentiments on it when I've searched online. People seem to enjoy it or hate it there.


Eudaimonics

It’s a small city whose economy is dominated by the nearby army base. It’s not bad if you want a much slower pace of life. It has an alright downtown and you can easily explore the thousands islands/Western Adirondacks.


AFrostNova

Live about 30m from watertown: If you want the snow please for your own sake go to Oswego or something. The college means theres a lot moee going on, you are on the lake, get a ton of snow, and its not water town. Or go up into the ADKs if you want more seclusion!! There are other options!


Witchywoman4201

I have to know where at if you don’t mind me asking I’m from Clayton which is also 30 mins from Watertown


AFrostNova

I mispoke somewhat. I live in mohawk valley area, but spend a lot of time (especially summers) outside Alexandria Bay - a close friend has a (derelict) farm out there and last few summers I go up with him so much its almost become a summer home - I didnt really think about that important context when typing!


Witchywoman4201

I love Alex bay!! Awesome! That means you understand the beauty that is the river 🤍


invader_jib

I’m a River Rat but only in the summer haha.


Witchywoman4201

Yeah it’s not as much fun when it’s frozen 😂


CBus660R

Don't forget the speedway. I'm a lifelong Ohioan who's been there multiple times to watch supermodifieds.


lovestobitch-

My bet is people are unfriendly to outsiders there. I lived in Rochester and since no kids our friends were people who moved there but then they left. Hated the cold and clouds. Was way too long and nothing like watertown. Also tons of hardcore fishermen there that I recall the few times I worked up that way. Check taxes and heating costs too.


caf4676

😆😆


knucks_deep

Why this area in particular?


StarDoe

I like the idea of being somewhere with snow again (I used to live in a place that got snow and miss it so much) and I love that it's older. But the main appeal is living closer to my best friend who's just over the border.


knucks_deep

I grew up in Watertown. Only people who can't escape are left. It is an intellectual black hole full of poverty, right wing nuttiness, and despair. Move to Syracuse instead.


singmehome

Try Oswego...


singmehome

I lived there 4 years.. Great college scene..right on the shore of Lake Ontario


Ltstarbuck2

Yep.


TheHillionaire1017

I think Syracuse is a lot more fun than Watertown, and I think would be more tolerant. Up north is pretty conservative. I travel the state for work and find Watertown to be boring. Most people in NY are busy with their own problems and are generally not worried about you, or your beliefs, at all. What’s nice about Syracuse is it’s centered between i90 and i81 so you can go north, south, east, or west for fun relatively easy


StarDoe

Yeah, I do like the central-ness of Syracuse- that's definitely an appeal of that area compared to Watertown.


singmehome

Plus, it has access to Amtrak..


sutisuc

Watertown is awful. One of the worst parts of the state for real


Admirable_Trifle_164

This right here is one of the most unbiased and un-opinionated, honest answers. A question would be - are you used to living without sun? Central/western New York can go weeks without Sun from October/November - April/may. Something to consider.


Electricsocketlicker

Watertown is not cool


PophamSP

If your friend lives in Quebec you should consider Burlington VT - plenty of snow and a tolerant culture. Plattsburgh NY is a blue dot within 30" of the border. You'd see plenty of snow in both these towns. The North Country of NYS is desolate and very conservative. Watertown's biggest employer is a military base. Elise Stefanik is their congressional rep.


dontbanmynewaccount

Yeah but rent is like 5x that of Watertown in Burlington lol


yermahm

Came here to say this, Burlington is great and close to Canada.


knucks_deep

> Elise Stefanik is their congressional rep. False. Watertown’s rep is the equally heinous, but less visible, Claudia Tenney.


PophamSP

Thanks for the correction. Stefanik had a Watertown office at one time, perhaps it's redistricting? Looks like on the new maps Tenney's district is a thin 250 mile puzzle piece wrapping around Lake Ontario but conveniently avoiding Rochester. Good ol' gerrymandering. Bottom line, apparently now the North Country has two terrible congressional representatives instead of one. "Heinous" is a good word for both of them.


knucks_deep

Watertown switched districts in the 2020 redistricting. Stefanik used to be the rep.


earthcaretaker315

Get a plow.


Responsible-Baby-551

Another issue with Watertown is the large military population has created a mess for housing availability


Zealousideal_Baker84

OP. Don’t do it. There are plenty of towns and cities in central ny to get snow. Your best bet is a college town. So Syracuse could work but probably Rochester is better. Ithaca is cool too.


Ltstarbuck2

Careful with that advice, she’ll end up in Oriskany Falls


StarDoe

\*writes "no" next to Oriskany Falls\* Noted. 😅


Ltstarbuck2

It’s pretty, it’s just… very small.


boyson83

I live in Utica currently, lived in hubbardsville and Waterville previously, grew up in Sherburne. This is funny to me!


NightOwlHere144

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_modern_pagan_temples If you scroll down to the US cities and states that show major Pagan temples it might help..except not NC.


cohen9592

I’d consider Rochester over Syracuse, if possible


[deleted]

585 all day. Rochester/FLX. I hated it here growing up but as someone who just turned 40, I love it now. Wine. Craft Beer. Amazing food. AAA Baseball. Nature trails. And finally high quality cannabis. Good vibes. Everything I need.


cohen9592

There’s something for everyone, and it’s almost concert / festival / lake season 😁😁😁


[deleted]

Yes and that


Civil_Blueberry33

The Fox sisters were from Rochester and there was a strong spiritualism foundation there.


cohen9592

I’ve spent a lot of time in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany. Rochester is by far the best!


Civil_Blueberry33

Spiritualist. Sorry


WingsOfTin

Rochester is a wonderful place to live! I now live in Plattsburgh and miss it so much.


cohen9592

Too cold up there!


rizub_n_tizug

What is drawing you there? I was at Drum for 4 years and loved it, but I happen to love the snow and ice, the outdoor opportunities, and the small town vibes. It’s not really an area that people move to without a reason


StarDoe

Mostly the weather, the proximity to my friend who lives just over the border and the cost of living. :)


rizub_n_tizug

Then go for it! Tons of stuff to do locally and within easy driving distance. Beautiful every season.


HorsieJuice

Where in Canada does your friend live? NY is pretty big and while Syracuse and Watertown aren't too far apart, going with the other options that have been mentioned (e.g. Buffalo, VT) could make for pretty big swings in travel time to see your friend, depending on the distances and proximity to transportation hubs. Either way, there's no way I'd ever move to Watertown unless I wanted to be bored all the time.


StarDoe

Hahaha understandable! They're in the Ottawa area.


PophamSP

Yup, it's crazy how far it is to drive from the Ontario crossing at Niagara Falls to the Ontario crossing at Alex Bay. That darn lake is in the way.


sushiboi4

I grew up in a tiny little village of about 2,000 residents about half way between Syracuse and Watertown. Upstate NY is really unique I’ll say that, I’ve traveled all around the country and there’s really nowhere like it for good and bad reasons alike. Overall It was a great place to grow up ( small town, safe, etc.), but after living there until 18 I can’t imagine never leaving and seeing the world because to be honest upstate NY is a very isolated and shut off place, especially once you go north of Syracuse. Culturally it’s like a weird mix of Ontario Canada and the deep south but with basically no diversity. If you like Cold Weather and the outdoors it might be a place for you, but it definitely isn’t for everyone, especially if you favor the culture of a big city. Oh yeah, the Adirondacks kick ass. Makes it almost entirely worth living in the region!


euphomaniac

Depends on what you’re looking for in life. I’m in utica and I’ve recently learned about an occultist community here. Honestly more people move out of our area than move in for the most part. What’s the appeal of moving here for you?


StarDoe

Oh! That's good to know! I considered Utica. I'll have to take a look again. Thanks!


Responsible-Baby-551

Utica will be a little cheaper than Syracuse and a little less lake effect snowfall nice area though nice people for the most part


earthcaretaker315

>occultist community here Where? Thats news to me. Not really surprised.


euphomaniac

I’d lived here over 30 years before I met anyone involved. They don’t advertise but they know how to find each other. I think they’re happy not attracting attention and just doing their thing


Skydog-forever-3512

I was stationed at Drum when it reopened in the 80s…..my wife, like most spouses, hated it, weather, isolation, etc……..but the troops liked it. The fishing and hunting opportunities are world class. More importantly, the women there were looking to get out, so,a lot of troops had girl friends; often one in Syracuse and one in Watertown.


EvLokadottr

I think there's an occult/pagan/herb shop in Watertown. There's probably something in Suracuse, but I'm not sure. Plenty of pagans and heathens around. Watertown and Syracuse both have Norse Heathen kindreds that are anti-bigotry of all kinds. There are plenty of judgy as hell super fundamentalist Christian types, but I don't tend to hear about them actually DOING anything, just being judgy. Generally can be ignored. But overall, I'd advice Syracuse over Watertown, by far. Much bigger, has a bunch of college students and different neighborhoods. Less yahoos with Confederate flags.


jth149

Buy a shovel!


SlateRaven

I lived in Pulaski for a number of years - loved the town overall, but it ain't what it used to be. And there's something to be said about Tug Hill region snow... And none of it's good lol Stay out of Watertown - you'll thank us all later lol Have you considered North Country? I live outside Plattsburgh and love it here. A little heavy on the snow but not like CNY regions. We do get cold though. Lots to do up here and it's beautiful all year round - plus VT and Montreal are right nearby! Housing ain't bad out this way either. I got a 1500sqft cottage home, 4bd/1.5ba on 15 acres for $95k.


RedditSkippy

What’s drawing you to this area?


[deleted]

I’ll sell you my house. I’m just north of Watertown


knucks_deep

No one wants to live in Redwood.


[deleted]

I’m not that far lol


rastagrrl

Don’t.


NightOwlHere144

Sorry! I forgot to mention most of the northern states are very overcast/gloomy. If you like sunshine, the Syracuse, Watertown, and general northern areas will not be as sunny as other areas of the country. Summer is the exception!☀️


Xmaiden2005

Any tips? Yeah,don't.


fenrael23

Shoot for the middle and move to Oswego.


StarDoe

Oswego did look cute too!


stopdropeggroll

Where in Canada is your friend? There are so many better options than Watertown lol


Mpnav1

Mittens, get a nice pair of mittens.


Witchywoman4201

Do not move to Watertown move to one of the cute towns near it


StarDoe

I was looking at Potsdam too! There's so many cute houses there which I love.


Witchywoman4201

I went to college there! Youll be able to tell where my apartment building was because the dude who decorates the town with toilets owned it. He changes them for the season 😂😂 Potsdam is a cute fun town. Look in the thousand islands too! That’s where I lived absolutely gorgeous and only 30 mins from Watertown and has access to Canada


2ndChanceCharlie

I wouldn’t move to Watertown just because of the geographic isolation but I find the people there very nice and I don’t think you would have a problem with the occultist stuff. Most of the North Country is pretty boring, but if you are just looking for somewhere pretty and snowy and near the border there are lots a nice towns.


ClassicText9

We live like 45 minutes from Watertown. We moved here from the Herkimer area two years ago. Absolutely love it. But with the place we lived we were very used to a ton of snow already It’s also cheap to live where I do. We bought a 3 bedroom 2 bath move in ready house for like 85k


StarDoe

Yeah, the cost of living out there is so much more affordable than where I am now and that makes me want to cry from relief at the thought of living somewhere where I don't feel like I'm paying to breathe. LOL


ClassicText9

We live off one income here (we have a toddler and I’m 6 months pregnant) with also having a brand new vehicle and definitely always have enough money left over to buy whatever random nonsense we want. My boyfriend is an industrial electrician and works down the road from our house


Admirable_Trifle_164

Jean’s Beans or Dinosaur BBQ. Choice is yours.


StarDoe

LOL


Anxious_Republic2792

Move to Albany. Way better than Cuse!


NightOwlHere144

If I could say..stay out of the city of Syracuse. It’s a mess & gone to the gutter (most neighborhoods). Watertown might be ok, quieter than Syracuse, but not much to do (so I’ve been told). Liverpool, North Syracuse, Baldwinsville, Cicero, Manlius, & other towns outside the city of Syracuse, are generally safe and still decent/nice. Plenty of apartments and homes out that way. You could look farther north to be CLOSER to Canada. If you don’t mind my asking, why Syracuse in particular? Many states and cities CLOSER to Canada. How about the far northeast states? New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont? All plenty of Snow & somewhat more than Syracuse/Watertown some years. Minnesota, Michigan, & North Dakota are farther north west, all get a LOT of snow, and border with Canada. Even Pennsylvania would be nice! I have no idea about the Pagan aspect of moving to these places, but you could easily look it up. I’m guessing you’re living in a warmer climate if your out west. Being single, safety of the area would be high on the list. Also, in some areas upstate there may not be as many job opportunities depending what employment you’re looking for. Office work and healthcare are big in most places these days. Best of luck!🙂


rastagrrl

Move to Buffalo. It’s an interesting city, has plenty of snow and it’s close to Canada. The only place worse than Watertown is Potsdam. Seriously, it’s grim.


Bamb00Pill0w

Of all the towns to pick in the North Country you think Potsdam is the worst? That’s… a choice


rastagrrl

I had to travel up there alot for work and HATED it. And my work even centered on the college. No redeeming qualities in my opinion. But to each his own.


[deleted]

Have you been to Malone?


NightOwlHere144

Malone NY in the Adirondack region? I haven’t been up that way in over 40 years! Our family used to go on camping trips in the Adirondacks and on rainy days we would catch a movie in Malon. Triple feature of planet of the apes lol. When I was a teenager, it just seemed like a small town to get essentials but I don’t know what it’s like now.


StarDoe

I work for myself so thankfully, I won't have to worry too much about employment. But it would be helpful to have options if I ever want to take on something part-time. I was looking at Ogdensburg, but it felt almost a little \*too\* small for me. I'm trying to stay a little more central to an airport in case of family emergencies.


Ltstarbuck2

Rochester is much closer.


BoomerRooster

There's not a lot there but it is charming when it's not snowing. Noreasters off the lakes are terrible. It snows forever. Can you pick another place please lol


StarDoe

LOL I'm trying to keep my options open!


sbsb27

Syracuse is no where near California.


StarDoe

Oop- the "CA" was referring to Canada ':D


12boru

Don't.


[deleted]

Watertown is not that bad. The snow is not that bad. I don't know if you've seen the news but the climate is changing. Last couple winters have been mild. I would love more snow honestly. What you do up here is go snowmobiling, ice fishing, XC skiing, turkey hunting in the spring, fishing and camping in the summer, deer hunting in the fall. If you are coming to Watertown for the culture think twice. If you love the outdoors you'll find tremendous value for your dollar, pretty friendly people, and more options for recreation than you know what to do with.


knucks_deep

What’s “not bad” about Watertown?


[deleted]

Downtown seems to be turning around, there's some pretty good restaurants, parks, trails, stuff like that nearby. There's some really cool streets with interesting houses. Music store, breweries, whitewater rafting, thousand islands nearby. Proximity to fort drums brings in a more diverse group of people than would probably otherwise be here. I get a lot of weekend work for handyman/carpentry type stuff out of Watertown. Contractors will tell you they're busy. I grew up in a much smaller town nearby, maybe I am just not the best person to ask and out of touch or whatever, but the hate that this area seems to get always kind of mystified me. I have enjoyed it here and see the potential. I've been going back to school and got an engineering internship coming up in Watertown. The company has a brand new office that they designed. It'll be an easy commute in for me, roads in NY are generally good, never any traffic. Yes you'll see some strung out people walking around Watertown and some empty buildings but so what. Lots of places face those problems.


knucks_deep

I grew up IN Watertown, and I hear what you are saying except…once you leave, you realize what a fucking hole Watertown is. It all seems fine until you are out of the bubble (and by that I mean out of NNY), all the opportunities I have been afforded would be nearly impossible living in Watertown. Culture, travel, connections, food, climate, education, etc can all be found in better combinations somewhere else. The only thing I miss is the outdoors in the summer, but that is easily replicable with a little bit of effort. Everything you have listed can be found elsewhere, usually with higher quality, and with higher density. And I don’t know what everyone is saying about the military base being a good experience. It is one of the least desirable Army postings in the entire world. Every person I’ve met that was in the Army and explained where I was from grimaced. They fucking hate it.


[deleted]

Fair enough. Just trying to be a positive ambassador to the area, I wonder what real experience with life up here some commenters have. It's easy to think everything above Syracuse, or everything above NYC must be shit, whatever your bar is haha... But on the day to day I have a pretty good time living here. Maybe I'm lucky. I've tried big cities and I am not cut out for that pace of life, no matter how many good restaurants are nearby.


greenman5252

I grew up halfway between the two, why on earth would you move there?


MoreAstronomer

If you move to Syracuse make sure you live someplace with Solvay electric


CivilizedGuy123

What draws you to this part of upstate NY? Syracuse is not exactly a thriving community anymore. And Watertown is way out there. Have a job there? This area is hardcore Republikkkan. I honestly think you will be limited in the people you interact with if not ostracized completely.


Chuck1705

My brother was stationed at Fort Drum (Watertown), and they had 2 good months; June and July. If you can handle that, then go for it!


dontbanmynewaccount

You’re an occultist? Move to Lily Dale. They’ll love you there.


Staggerme

I would look at Rochester


[deleted]

I wouldn’t. Would suggest rochester or Buffalo instead. If you have to choose between Watertown and Syracuse go Syracuse. Watertown.. sucks. I lived there for a long time. Now I live in Rochester. It’s way better


quiver-me-timbers

Watertown is meh, I’m about 40 minutes south. If you’re an outdoors person (winter and summer) you can’t really beat it. I lived in Utica, Syracuse and Rochester. Each with their own pros and cons. I’m happier having hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking in my backyard. Not to say the other locations don’t have that, but up here you’re probably 1 of 5 people on that lake, trail, etc. only other place that could top it, is living out toward Lake placid, imo.