User:Kateconnolly02/Washington Square, Syracuse



= Washington Square = Washington Square is a neighborhood in Syracuse, New York. It borders Northside to the east, Near Northside to the Southeast, and Lakefront to the west. The neighbor has a rich history being home to Washington Square Park, the oldest park in Syracuse. In the Washington Square neighborhood, you'll find a mix of homes, shops, and factories. Businesses line North Salina, North State Street, East Hiawatha Boulevard, and Wolf Street, offering a variety of retail, professional services, wholesale products, and industrial activities.

History
In 1797, the Village of Salina acquired a plot of land that we now know as Washington Square. Washington Square officially became a part of Syracuse in 1847. Washington Square started off with sixteen blocks, with each block being divided into four house lots. The neighborhood holds the oldest homes/boarding rooms throughout all of Syracuse. Washington Square Park was originally used as a cemetery until it became an official park in 1839.

In the 1960's, Washington Square struggled with low socioeconomic status for a large majority of families. Since then, there has been political efforts to better the neighborhood and build up. Washington Square park currently holds 9.5 acres.

Demographics
16,351 residents occupy the Washington Square neighborhood. As of 2022, 41.3% of the population are White, 18.5% are Black, 20.7% are Asian, 10.3% are Hispanic, 7.6% are 2 or more races, 0.4% are American Indian and 1.6% are other races.

48.86% of the population are males and 51.14% are females, with a median age of 35.5. 72.46% of the population are US-born citizens, 12.21% are non-US-born citizens and 15.33% are non-citizens.

70.5% of the working population is comprised of white-collar workers and 29.5% are blue-collar workers. The average household income of the neighborhood is $54,347 annually.

In Washington Square, 28.95% of households have children, while 71.05% do not have children. 43.28% of residents have never been married, while 36.93% are married, 15.65% are divorced, 2.59% are separated and 4.14% are widowed.

47.31% of the population have some high school education, 17.76% have some college, 21.03% have a 2 or 4-year college degree, 4.13 have a higher degree and 9.77% of the population have no high school education.

Neighborhood
In the Washington Square area of Syracuse, New York, the northern sections are typically the most coveted, while the southwest regions offer more affordable housing options. The median house price in Washington Square $80,988, significantly lower than the national median of $318,879. Washington Square is notably more affordable.

When compared to the average home price in Syracuse, which stands at $155,472, properties in Washington Square are considerably cheaper. These neighborhoods are highly sought after, characterized by lower crime rates and a higher overall quality of life, making them prime locations within the city.

It's important to note that within Washington Square, there is a moderate variation in neighborhood quality in terms of housing. Another crucial aspect impacting quality of life is access to high-speed internet services. A reliable internet connection can greatly improve daily activities, such as remote work, streaming, and accessing online resources.

Surrounding Schools
There are many schools that are stationed in the neighborhood of Washington Square. Franklin Elementary School offers Pre-K through 5th grade education. It is a public school, with around 737 students. The school has mixed reviews as a whole, with parents reviewing that teachers have a tendency to either make or break the classroom. Ihsan School of Excellence is a private institution, offering Pre-K through 8th grade education. This school is the only Islamic school in the area, however the reviews from parents are sub-par. It is also the only middle school. The number of students in unknown. Cathedral Academy at Pompei is a private institution, offering Pre-K through 6th grade education. Around 80 students attend Cathedral Academy at Pompei, and reviews are mostly positive. There are no high schools in the area, so families must choose which surrounding district areas to send their children.

Cuisine
Washington Square offers residents and visitors a diverse range of restaurant and cuisine options. Francescas Cucina is located on North Salina St right on the border of Washington Square, and has been an Italian staple in the Syracuse community for 30 years. Another staple is Stella's Diner that opened in 2003 on Wolf Street four years after its original location opened on West Genesee in 1999, providing patrons with a home style diner meal. Biscotti Cafe & Pastry Shop opened on North Salina Street in 1998 where customers can purchase homemade and custom cakes and a variety of fresh pastries. The Taste of Africa opened in 2017, located on Danforth St, serving Central & Eastern African cuisine options. New Century, a Vietnamese restaurant serving contemporary cuisine is located on Kirkpatrick St in Washington Park. With a diverse population, there are many food options to choose from close by. Residents of the neighborhood have various grocery stores and markets to shop at including TOPS Friendly Market, First North Market, and Five Brothers Grocery, Inc.

Washington Square has been home to the “Taste of Syracuse” event. This event uses food and music to help donate to local charities. It includes nonstop music for 2 days, with over 100 local musicians and 26 local bands.

Neighborhood Growth
In 2022, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh pledged a $1.5 million grant to help improve the Washington Square neighborhood. The money would go towards building more homes, fixing old buildings, improving education, etc. It creates opportunities for people in this area and can be a point of attraction for those not living in this area. The neighborhood has area for growth, and this grant is a step in the right direction.