Trusted Off-Campus Housing for Syracuse University, SUNY ESF, Le Moyne, and Upstate Students Since 1973

Living in the Syracuse University Neighborhood

The Syracuse University neighborhood is a vibrant, safe, and welcoming place for students to live. The American Planning Association ranked the area among the Top 6 Neighborhoods in the United States, and Travel + Leisure magazine named Syracuse the #1 College Town in America in 2014. The University Hill and Westcott neighborhoods are at the heart of this thriving student community, offering walkable streets, local restaurants, parks, and easy access to campus.

University Hill Realty has been part of this community for more than 50 years. The company was founded in 1973 by Norman Roth, a graduate of both SUNY ESF and Syracuse University. Since then, we have proudly provided housing for more than 15,000 Syracuse students, earning a reputation for well-maintained homes, responsive service, and dependable management.

Safety and Security

We understand that parents’ number one concern is their child’s safety. That is why every one of our homes includes the same comprehensive safety and security features, including:

  • Exterior security lighting on all four sides of every home
  • Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors
  • Glass block basement windows for added security
  • Vinyl thermal-pane replacement windows with double locking systems


For maintenance needs, students have access to a 24-hour online tenant portal where they can submit repair requests anytime. In addition, tenants can call our after-hours emergency repair line for urgent issues. Our office is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, ensuring help is always available when needed.

Well-Maintained, Energy-Efficient Homes

University Hill Realty is committed to providing some of the highest-quality student housing near Syracuse University at reasonable rents. Our homes are regularly updated and maintained with modern improvements such as:

  • Energy-efficient systems and Energy Star appliances
  • New roofs and rebuilt porches
  • Vinyl thermal-pane windows
  • Modern furnaces for efficient heating
  • Stainless steel appliances, including dishwashers
  • Beautiful hardwood floors that are sanded and sealed

We also include weekly trash removal, landscaping, and snow removal at no additional cost.

Professional Cleaning and Turnover

Before each new lease begins, every home undergoes a thorough turnover process. Our team professionally cleans each property and:

  • Paints 100% of all walls and ceilings
  • Re-sands and seals hardwood floors
  • Steam cleans all carpets

This ensures every home is fresh, clean, and ready for new residents at move-in.

How Leasing Works for Students

Many parents ask how the leasing process works for student housing. At University Hill Realty, we make the process straightforward and transparent.

Typically, students form a group and select a home together. Each student signs a lease agreement and provides a guarantor if required. Once the lease is signed, students secure their housing for the upcoming academic year.


Our office staff is always available to answer questions about lease terms, move-in dates, utilities, or maintenance procedures. We aim to make the leasing process clear, simple, and stress-free for both students and parents.

A Smart Financial Choice

Many students reserve University Hill Realty housing months in advance because it offers significant savings compared to dormitory living.

Typical monthly costs for our housing average:

  • $500 per month in rent
  • Approximately $75 per month for utilities

This brings the total to roughly $575 per month.


By comparison, dormitory housing often costs $1,600 or more per month, not including the added expense of mandatory meal plans. Students living in our homes can also save money by preparing their own meals.


For families mindful of the rising costs of education and student loan debt, off-campus housing can provide better living space at a significantly lower cost.

Local, Family-Owned Management

University Hill Realty is a locally owned, family-run company that has been serving Syracuse students for more than five decades. Unlike large corporate housing providers, our management team lives and works in the Syracuse community and takes pride in maintaining our homes and responding quickly to tenant needs.

Our long history, hands-on management, and strong reputation have made University Hill Realty a trusted housing provider for generations of Syracuse students and their families.

Schedule a Tour or Learn More

If you would like to learn more about available housing or schedule a tour, we encourage you to contact our office. Many students reserve homes months in advance to secure the best locations near campus.


We would be happy to answer any questions and help your student find safe, comfortable, and affordable housing near Syracuse University.