Loading listings
Oswego is a lakeside city of approximately 17,000 residents situated on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in Oswego County, upstate New York. The city is closely tied to SUNY Oswego, which sits directly on the lake and is a major economic and cultural anchor for the community. Oswego is widely known for its extreme lake-effect snowfall, which can produce some of the highest seasonal totals in the continental United States. Despite the harsh winters, the city has an active waterfront during warmer months, with a historic harbor, Fort Ontario State Historic Site, and seasonal festivals. The downtown area has local restaurants, shops, and services within reach of the campus.
The most in-demand area, with residential streets closest to the main academic quad.
A concentration of student-occupied houses and apartments within walking distance of campus.
Larger living spaces at lower prices, accepting a longer walk for more room.
Near the Port of Oswego, attractive in warmer months, though winter wind off Lake Ontario is a factor. Outer neighborhoods offer lower rents and more parking for students with cars.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Oswego.
Oswego is served by CENTRO, the regional transit authority, which provides limited bus service connecting parts of the city and county. Service frequency is low and routes may not align well with student schedules, so most residents treat the bus as a supplement rather than a primary mode of transport. Students planning to rely on public transit should verify current route maps and schedules before choosing an apartment location.
Students living in the blocks immediately east and south of campus can walk to class in most conditions, though heavy lake-effect snow events can make even short walks difficult. Biking is feasible in spring, summer, and fall, but ice and deep snow make cycling impractical for much of the winter semester. A sturdy pair of winter boots and warm layers are essential for anyone walking to campus from November through March.
A car is the most practical way to get around Oswego for grocery shopping and off-campus errands, and most off-campus apartments offer some form of parking. Street parking exists throughout the residential neighborhoods but may be subject to snow emergency restrictions during major storms. Students with cars should confirm that their apartment includes or is near reliable parking before signing a lease.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Oswego regularly receives some of the heaviest lake-effect snowfall in the United States, with seasonal totals often exceeding 150 inches. Individual storms can drop several feet of snow in a short period, so students should plan their housing accordingly.
Browse student housing near each Oswego-area university.