<p>Syracuse has a population of about 140,000 so I wouldn’t call it rural. No its not New York or LA but it is a city. There are 4 hospitals within walking distance of SU and one is a SUNY teaching hospital. Also, by bus a museum, zoo, convention center, and a decent sized mall, soon to be much larger. We have the Syracuse Symphony and Syracuse Stage which are both wonderful, as well as minor league baseball and hockey teams. There is an international airport and a bus/train station all within easy distance. As with any city Syracuse has its problems but it is a warm and friendly place over all.</p>