New housing options give students sense of safety
William Jackson: Syracuse’s off-campus housing website have over 150 apartment listings, several of which have been built close to campus within the past five years. Senior student Rachel Holmes says proximity was a key factor.
Rachel Holmes: I’m a female and I’m living with all girls, so something that’s relatively close that isn’t necessarily on the outskirts of campus is really important.
Jackson: Holmes says being near other students adds a sense of security, especially given fears over property crime.
Holmes: South campus I’ve heard is very nice, but I’ve also heard there’s a lot of security risks, I feel there’s been a lot of break ins.
Jackson: The Syracuse city police data reports over 2,200 property crimes so far in 2026, including nearly 300 burglaries. Two of the new housing developments, The Standard and Skyler Commons, are located within blocks from the university’s department of public safety. For NCC News, I’m William Jackson.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) – Walking along University Avenue this summer, it’s difficult to miss the number of new student housing developments under construction.
The Syracuse University off-campus housing website has over 150 separate listings of apartments, dozens of which were either built or renovated within the past five years.
Many upperclass students at the university appreciate the number of options being offered, even if it lengthens the selection process. “I looked at quite a few [apartments], probably 10-15,” Shawn Sutherland, a rising senior said.
One major ripple effect of the growing number of housing options is more competitive pricing. Several apartment complexes have lowered their starting rates in recent months, allowing students to expand their search.
Another major factor for students seeking housing is safety, with many wanting to stay as close to campus as possible.
“I’m a female living with all girls, so [looking for] something relatively close, not on the outskirts of campus, was important,” Rachel Holmes, a senior, said.
Holmes, who looked at four apartments before deciding on one, said she wanted to be near as many students as possible. “We didn’t want to live on our own,” she said.
Several of the new developments are located on or near University Avenue, including The Standard and Skyler Commons.