Utica, NY has a rich and interesting history. Established in 1758 in Oneida County, the city grew into an important center for trade and industry during the 19th century. As one of the first boomtowns of the Industrial Revolution, Utica was known for its textile mills, paper mills, and woolen goods mills powered by dozens of water-driven factories along the nearby Mohawk River. In the late 1800s, railroads arrived and allowed people to travel to this city with ease and boosted its economy even more. By 1920 it became the major commercial center of Central New York, but eventually petered out as larger cities surpassed it. Today, Utica is still a great place to check out all kinds of historical sites – including some old factory buildings that serve as reminders of its industrial past – enjoy delicious food or marvel at vintage architecture scattered throughout downtown.
Utica has emerged as an attractive area to work, live, and play. Recently, Utica’s gritty spirit has been revitalized with a growing sense of pride and optimism setting the tone for more exciting things to come. It’s a city full of life with an indelible mark on history that continues to reveal itself today.
Demographics
According to worldpopulationreview.com: Utica is a city located in Oneida County New York. It is also the county seat of Oneida County. With a 2023 population of 66,198, it is the 11th largest city in New York and the 631st largest city in the United States. Utica is currently growing at a rate of 0.46% annually and its population has increased by 1.4% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 65,283 in 2020. Spanning over 17 miles, Utica has a population density of 3,950 people per square mile.
The average household income in Utica is $55,700 with a poverty rate of 33.26%. The median rental costs in recent years comes to – per month, and the median house value is -. The median age in Utica is 34.2 years, 33 years for males, and 35.9 years for females.
Public Education
According to Wikipedia: The Utica City School District is the most racially diverse school district in Upstate New York. District schools include Thomas R. Proctor High School, James H. Donovan Middle School, John F Kennedy middle school and ten elementary schools. Utica’s original public high school, the Utica Free Academy, closed in 1987.The city is also home to Notre Dame Junior Senior High School, a small Catholic high school founded in 1959 by the Xaverian Brothers.
Higher Education
Utica has a mix of public and private colleges and universities; three state colleges and four private colleges are in the Utica–Rome metropolitan area. SUNY Polytechnic Institute, on an 850-acre campus in North Utica and Marcy and is one of 14 doctorate-granting universities of the State University of New York (SUNY). Mohawk Valley Community College is the largest college between Syracuse and Albany, and an Empire State College location serves Utica and Rome.
Real Estate Market
According to redfin.com: In January 2023, Utica home prices were up 14.3% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $166K. On average, homes in Utica sell after 47 days on the market compared to 47 days last year. There were 28 homes sold in January this year, down from 53 last year.
The Utica housing market is not very competitive. The average sale price of a home in Utica was $165K last month, up 13.8% since last year. The average sale price per square foot in Utica is $105, up 15.4% since last year.
Attractions
Get in touch with nature at the Utica Zoo- Connect with nature while visiting exotic and domestic animals from all over the world. With over 200 animals from 99 different species, and many educational events and programs. Located in the Roscoe Conkling Park, 1 Utica Zoo Way, Utica.
Take a Ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad- Provides a unique and memorable experience from the Mohawk valley in Utica, linking central New York with the northern Adirondacks, traveling through a region that cannot be seen any other way. 330 Main St Suite 102, Utica.
Watch a Game at Utica Memorial Auditorium- The Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium is the home to the Utica Comets, Utica City FC, and various community events, concerts and more. 400 Oriskany St W, Utica
Watch a Performance at The Stanley Theatre- Live performances, theatrical events and educational presentations, The Stanley Theatre, operated by the Central New York Community Arts Council, Inc. (CYNCAC), remains the center for excellence in arts and entertainment in Upstate New York’s Mohawk Valley. 259 Genesee St, Utica.
Admire Art at the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute- A regional fine arts center. The institute has three program divisions, museum of art, performing arts and school of art. fine arts center dedicated to serving diverse audiences by advancing the appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of the arts. 310 Genesee St, Utica.
Sport Courts
Utica Tennis Courts- 210 Memorial Pkwy, Utica.
Utica University Sports Dome- 1600 Burrstone Rd, Utica.
Harold T. Clark, Jr. Athletic Center- Located in: Utica University- 1600 Burrstone Rd, Utica.
Wildcat Field House- Located in: SUNY Polytechnic Institute- 100 Seymour Rd, Utica.
Quinn Park- Basketball Courts- 1001-1099 St Vincent St, Utica.
Restaurants
Ventura’s- Classy, long-running sit-down spot offering Italian cooking featuring a house brand of sauce. 787 Lansing St, Utica.
Ocean Blue Restaurant & Oyster Bar- Elevated seafood destination set in spacious surrounds serving oysters, craft cocktails & more. Landmark Building, 118 Columbia St, Utica.
The Tailor and the Cook- Farm-to-table American cooking, a flower-lined patio & a deep wine list in a circa-1800s building. 94 Genesee St, Utica.
Willows of Utica- Seasonal New American cuisine served in a simple dining room with white tablecloths & a fireplace. 900 Culver Ave, Utica.
The Celtic Harp Restaurant and Pub- Homey, relaxed pub for beer, from local to iconic, plus whiskey, Irish eats, trivia nights & DJs. 805 Varick St, Utica.
Nightlife
Gerber’s 1933 Tavern- Moonshine cocktails & classic sandwiches served in a prohibition-era setting with vintage music. 16 Liberty St, Utica.
Parliament Nightclub- Exotic nightclub adventure, that brings VIP talent, and top shelf liquor. 700 Varick St, Utica.
Varick Bar & Grill- Local Pub with a ventilated room for smoking. Pub menu and pool table. 616 Varick St # 1, Utica.
The Green Onion Pub- Located in: Uptown Theatre for Creative Arts, the pub has excellent, unique craft beers in a vintage environment. 2018 Genesee St, Utica.
Five Points Public House and Events Center- Located in: Irish Cultural Center, an Irish pub that would fit right in on the Emerald Isle. 623 Columbia St, Utica.
So, if you’re looking for an exciting and enjoyable place to visit, head to Utica, NY! With plenty of culture and history, the area is sure to deliver an unforgettable experience. Whether you want to take in the beauty of local Adirondack Scenic Railroad or parks, connect with nature at the Utica Zoo and explore its river trails, or catch some live entertainment at Utica Memorial Auditorium, there are countless options available to you. Plus, after a long day of sightseeing, travelers have plenty of delectable restaurants and vibrant nightlife scenes waiting for them.
Utica offers something for everyone – from families to college students and professional athletes – it’s the perfect place for fun, adventure, and relaxation. Check out all that this great city has to offer today!
