Presidential Plaza Harrison in Syracuse, NY

Pros

• It is conveniently located and offers multiple dining and wine options.
• The apartment complex is very nice, secure, and has a friendly security crew.
• The reviewer valued the idea of a small food shop and affordable $1 coffee on Tuesdays.

Cons

• They would give five stars if the little food shop and the $1.00 coffee on Tuesdays were still available, but now there are only food vending machines.
• They view replacing the little food shop and coffee with vending machines as a negative change.

Review

Presidential Plaza Harrison in Syracuse is best suited for active seniors who want an apartment-style living arrangement with dependable security and immediate, walkable access to a broad outside dining and social scene. The location rewards those who prize convenience and connectivity, family visits, friends’ outings, and easy access to nearby eateries and wine spots, without sacrificing the privacy and independence of an in-building residence. It works well for residents who prefer to outsource meals to nearby options while maintaining a stable, secure address. The sense of city life blended with a resident-friendly apartment environment makes it a practical hub for staying engaged rather than retreating.

That said, this community may not be ideal for anyone who expects a built-in café, small shop, or coffee service on site. A prominent drawback cited in reviews is the absence of an on-site food shop and the reliance on vending machines for daily snacks and quick picks. That lack of in-house convenience matters to residents who want grab-and-go options without stepping off the property. For those who value a turnkey daily routine, where coffee, light meals, or a quick snack are available inside, alternatives with more comprehensive in-building amenities will feel more aligned with expectations.

On the upside, the property reads as a very nice apartment complex with credible security. A friend who has lived there for years underscores stability and a solid security presence, which translates into peace of mind for residents and their families. This combination, well-maintained living spaces plus a vigilant security team, reduces everyday stress and supports independent living. The security element, in particular, is a meaningful differentiator for seniors who want to minimize worry while remaining connected to city life and social opportunities just beyond the door.

The lack of in-house conveniences does not exist in a vacuum, but it does shape daily choices. The vending-machine approach to food offerings may strain the expectations of senior living, where predictable routines and convenient access to refreshments often matter as much as the housing itself. The absence of a casual on-site food shop can dampen spontaneity, reducing opportunities for casual meet-ups or informal gatherings right within walking distance of one’s residence. For residents who rely on a predictable, convenient on-site routine, this gap could be a deciding factor when comparing to properties with more integrated dining or shopping options.

Nevertheless, the strong positives largely offset these gaps for many buyers. The ease of accessing diverse dining and social venues nearby means meals and outings are straightforward, reducing cooking burdens and the need to drive to errands. The secured environment remains a core strength, delivering reassurance to residents and families about safety and daily life. With an overall rating of 4.4 from seven reviews, there’s a clear signal of steady satisfaction; most residents are comfortable with the balance of independence and city-life conveniences, and they value the sense of connectivity the location affords. In practical terms, this is a setting where reliability and proximity to amenities translate into tangible, day-to-day comfort.

Ultimately, decision-makers should frame this choice around clear priorities. For those prioritizing easy access to nearby eateries and a secure, well-maintained apartment environment, Presidential Plaza Harrison stands out as a sensible option. It suits seniors who want city-adjacent life with a stable, private residence and are comfortable relying on external dining and services rather than in-building offerings. For those who insist on on-site coffee, a small shop, or more turnkey, campus-style conveniences, alternatives, communities with stronger in-house dining or shop spaces, will likely serve better. In short, the best fit is active, connected seniors who value reliability, security, and proximity; for others, a more integrated on-site amenity package will be a decisive factor.

Physicians

• Titoff, Victoria Upstate Neurology Clinic (0.1 miles)
• Neurology Infusion Center (0.1 miles)
• Jon B Loftus MD (0.1 miles)
• Orthopedic Appliances-Cny (0.2 miles)
• Upstate University Hospital OB/GYN Clinic (0.3 miles)
• Upstate Urology (0.3 miles)
• University Surgical Associates (0.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Strong Hearts Cafe (0.2 miles)
• John H Mulroy Civic Center (0.2 miles)
• XO Taco (0.2 miles)
• Eleven Waters (0.4 miles)
• A Mano (0.4 miles)
• Modern Malt (0.5 miles)
• Pastabilities (0.6 miles)

Hospitals

• University Hematology/Oncology (0.3 miles)
• Bio Essex & Humanities (0.3 miles)
• Crouse Hospital: Human Resources (0.4 miles)
• Crouse Promptcare (0.5 miles)
• Suny Upstate Medical University University Hospital (0.5 miles)
• Syracuse VA Medical Center (0.6 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital Health Center (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Cafe Kubal (0.4 miles)
• Original Grain (0.5 miles)
• Tous Les Jours (2.5 miles)
• Cafe Kubal (2.8 miles)

Transportation

• Centro Transit Hub (0.4 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (1 miles)
• Amtrak (2.5 miles)

Parks

• Clinton Square (0.6 miles)
• Burnet Park (2.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Syracuse Community Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Gifford & West Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Kinney Drugs (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Wegmans (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Islamic Society of Central New York Mosque (1.2 miles)
• May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society (3.1 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Destiny USA IMAX & RPX (2.2 miles)