The city of Syracuse is the economic and educational center of central New York, a region of over one million residents. The previous mayor of Syracuse, Matthew Driscoll, dedicated his administration to sustainable municipal practices. Through his efforts, Syracuse was ranked #17 on Popular Science Magazine’s list of America’s 50 Greenest Cities. The city’s new nickname, the “Emerald City,” reflects its new commitment to the environment. Syracuse’s new mayor, Stephanie Minor, appears equally committed to sustainability and the environment.

The green initiatives of Syracuse are supported in its suburbs by new home builders. The town of Clay, which is located to the northwest, is the city’s largest suburb, with a population of around 58,000. Ryan Homes offers the new home community of Lawton Valley Hunt in Clay, with Energy Star-certified homes from the $160s in a country setting.

Waterhouse Landing, also by Ryan Homes, has planned, affordable single-family homes from the $190s on one-third acre home sites with huge back yards. Only 37 homes are planned for this community, which is also located in an excellent school district.

The new builder homes in Clay stack up favorably against the re-sale homes in terms of real estate values; in general, you can buy a new green home for less than what you would pay for an older home. You can see photos of the Ryan new home listings and search for other new homes in Syracuse by visiting New Home Source.

Top image courtesy of Doug Kerr.