Central New York is ruled by the city of Syracuse, at the crossroads of major interstates I-90 and I-81. Being a hub city for the transport of cars and goods for the entire Northeast, Syracuse has enjoyed sustained growth and prosperity throughout the century.

The city itself has a population of 150,000, but the metropolitan region based in Onondaga County is home to some 730,000 people. Its role as the economic and educational hub of central New York State is assured with a high ranking in national transportation and several major universities hailing from the city.

Syracuse University is the biggest university here, along with two SUNY schools: SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Syracuse is also a major employer in the region. Major corporations like Magna International, Wegmans Food Markets, Penn Traffic Company, Niagra Mohawk, and Lockheed Martin Corp. all have major offices and plants in the city.

Despite warnings of decline, Syracuse has remained optimistic with plans for 800 new jobs from the Bank of New York, 300 new technical positions for Lockheed Martin, and a $5 billion DestiNY USA Resort.