Syracuse, NY, is located in the heart of Central New York and serves as a cultural and economic hub for the region. The city is home to notable institutions such as Syracuse University, providing a vibrant college-town atmosphere and a diverse community. With its rich history, various parks, and proximity to attractions like the Finger Lakes, Syracuse offers a balance of urban and outdoor living.

Onondaga County, located in central New York, is known for its rich history and diverse communities. The county seat is Syracuse, which offers a variety of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. Residents enjoy access to numerous parks, lakes, and recreational activities, along with a strong education system and healthcare facilities.

Cortland County and Tompkins County are often considered part of the New York State region called the Southern Tier; the ski country demarcation line runs through Cortland County. Tompkins County, which features Ithaca at the end of Cayuga Lake, is also considered part of the Finger Lakes. Oneida County and Herkimer County are often considered part of the New York State region called the Mohawk Valley, although the "Central New York" and "Mohawk Valley" definitions overlap, and neither definition is mutually exclusive.

Tompkins County, Cortland County, Oneida County, and Herkimer County are only Central New York in the broader sense of the phrase "Central New York".

Only Onondaga County, Cayuga County, Oswego County and Madison County are always considered "Central New York".

The major colleges and universities in the region include Cornell University, Colgate University, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Hamilton College, Le Moyne College, SUNY Oswego, SUNY Cortland, Utica College, Ithaca College, Syracuse University the SUNY ESF, Cazenovia College, Morrisville State College, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

Central New York is the central region of New York State, roughly including the below counties.