A city in Upstate New York, incorporated in 1832, that is the population center of the Utica-Rome Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Like many mid-sized cities in the Northeast and Rust Belt, Utica was a thriving manufacturing, political and cultural community in the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th century. After a period of decline, it has recently seen a wave of urban investment and redevelopment. Public and private investments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars include: a $480 million downtown medical center campus scheduled for completion in 2022, reclamation and residential development of multiple industrial-era buildings, an expanded downtown arena/auditorium that recruited professional hockey and indoor soccer franchises.
While challenges and lingering negativity stemming from decades of decline remain, the city is seeing increasing numbers of next-gen residential professionals and entrepreneurs. The international distance running community has known about the city's welcoming culture and upbeat summer vibe for decades, as Utica is home to one of the world's largest 15K competitions, the Boilermaker Road Race. And then there's the critically acclaimed FOOD, present in an astounding number of urban farm-to-fork, ethnic and international restaurants, cafes and eateries.
Like many mid-sized cities in the Northeast and Rust Belt, Utica was a thriving manufacturing, political and cultural community in the late 19th and early-to-mid 20th century. After a period of decline, it has recently seen a wave of urban investment and redevelopment. Public and private investments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars include: a $480 million downtown medical center campus scheduled for completion in 2022, reclamation and residential development of multiple industrial-era buildings, an expanded downtown arena/auditorium that recruited professional hockey and indoor soccer franchises.
While challenges and lingering negativity stemming from decades of decline remain, the city is seeing increasing numbers of next-gen residential professionals and entrepreneurs. The international distance running community has known about the city's welcoming culture and upbeat summer vibe for decades, as Utica is home to one of the world's largest 15K competitions, the Boilermaker Road Race. And then there's the critically acclaimed FOOD, present in an astounding number of urban farm-to-fork, ethnic and international restaurants, cafes and eateries.
When someone asks me for an example of quintessential Utica cuisine, I point them to the New York Times article on Utica greens, "Utica Greens: A Central New York Staple With Multiple Identities."
by HughConway May 17, 2019
The saddest city in America. Imagine being forced to eat a turd sandwich and when you're done eating it someone kicks you in the krotch and has sex with your mom. It's like 10 times sadder than that.
by MrSpongebobBrownPants September 15, 2019
by ThankgodIleftUtica December 14, 2013
We took a wrong turn and drove through Utica and the kids kept asking what had happened in this place to make the people look so bizarre.
by Wiseguy68 December 01, 2016
A shithole. Located right in the middle of New York State and centrally located 5 hours away from 3 major cities (just far enough to be out of reach). Most people living there are either retarded or want to get the hell out. Did I mention it sucks?
by Nasty Nate March 01, 2005
by Uncle Des November 26, 2009
Small, once promising Upstate New York City. Now looks like missile testing grounds. Home of the original "Big wig" wanna-bes and wacky, limp politicians that trade offices every election. Site of corruption and future massive power line. Using plywood as window dressing is catching on, as well as being almost totaly jobless.
"Utica is relatively equivelent to a banana republic, DON'T move there and if you must drive by on the New York State Thruway, roll up your windows, Close heater/air vents, and lock the doors.
by FormerUtican # 927,305,364,976,485,315,468 June 16, 2006