Utica, NY Rent To Own Homes

Rent-to-Own Homes in Utica, NY: What You Need to Know

Known as the Handshake City for its welcoming atmosphere, Utica, New York is a small city of a little more than 62,000 residents. Located in the Mohawk Valley in Oneida County, the city first began to make its mark at the time of the American Revolution.

Housing Availability 

Utica is a city filled with different housing types. Single-family units make up most of the homes, though apartment complexes and multi-family homes are also available. The average home is 78 years old, though many homes in the city are nearing the century mark. The median home price here is $102,200, making it an extremely affordable city to buy.

Schools and Higher Education

Utica is served by two public school districts, the Utica City School District and the Whitesboro Central School District. Combined, they offer 21 schools to the students of the city. 35 private schools, including thirty preschools, are also located in the area. There are four options in Utica for those going on to college, along with an additional 21 colleges and universities within 50 miles of the city. The schools located in Utica include Utica College, SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica Rome, Saint Elizabeth College of Nursing, and Mohawk Valley Community College: Utica Branch.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in this Upstate New York city is about 20% less than the average city in the United States and more than 40% less than in New York City, just a few hours south. Most monthly expenses, including transportation and groceries, are right at the national average. Utilities are the one monthly expense that is notably higher than average here. The median income in Utica is $31,173. While salaries are a bit on the low side, comparably low expenses mean that one can live quite well on this salary.

Getting Around in Utica

Most residents choose personal vehicles to get around the city. While some prefer bicycles, this option is less practical during the colder months when snow is likely on the ground. Centro is the public bus transportation servicing Utica, as well as four other Upstate New York cities. The various routes provide an easy option for residents and visitors to move about the city.   

Weather & Climate

Winters in Utica are both cold and wet, with most precipitation during the colder months coming in the form of snow. Summers, conversely, are hot and humid, with a fair amount of rain. The city is partly to mostly cloudy for the vast majority of the year. January, the coldest month here, has an average low temperature of 15ºF. The average high temperature in July, the hottest month, is 81ºF. With an average of 96 inches of snow per year, Utica gets three and a half times the national average of 28 inches. For snow lovers, this is pure paradise.