If you’re driving south from Syracuse and you start seeing rolling hills that look more like a Windows desktop background than a New York highway, you’ve probably hit the Tully New York zip code. Most people just blow past it on I-81, heading toward Cortland or Binghamton, but honestly? They’re missing out.
The Tully New York zip code, specifically 13159, is one of those places that feels like a secret the locals are trying to keep. It's a small-town vibe with big-time views.
What’s the Deal With 13159?
So, first things first. The Tully New York zip code is 13159. It covers a pretty massive chunk of southern Onondaga County and even spills a tiny bit into the surrounding areas. We’re talking about roughly 5,000 people spread across some of the most beautiful glacial geography in the Northeast.
You’ve got the Village of Tully, which is the heart of the action (if you can call a village with a few traffic lights "action"), and then a bunch of hamlets like Vesper and Tully Center.
The median household income here is surprisingly high, hovering around $94,809 according to 2026 data. People aren't just living here for the views; they’re building lives. It’s a mix of professionals who commute 20 minutes north to Syracuse and families who have farmed this land for generations.
It’s All About the Lakes
You can't talk about Tully without mentioning the water. The Tully Lakes are a chain of "kettle lakes"—basically giant holes left by melting glaciers thousands of years ago. Big Tully Lake is the big dog, but you’ve also got Green Lake, Crooked Lake, and Mirror Lake.
- Green Lake Beach: This is the spot for residents. If you live in 13159, you probably spend your summers here.
- Public Access: There’s a boat launch for Tully Lake that stays busy from May till the first frost.
- The Vibe: It’s not "Lake George" busy. It’s "bring a kayak and maybe see one other person" quiet.
The Real Estate Reality of the Tully New York Zip Code
Look, the housing market here is wild right now. If you’re looking for a bargain, you might be a few years late.
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In late 2025 and moving into 2026, the median home price in 13159 has been sitting somewhere between $344,000 and $449,000 depending on which neighborhood you're eyeing. That’s a massive jump from where it was five years ago.
Why? Because space is the new luxury.
People want the 2-acre lots and the proximity to Song Mountain Resort. They want to be able to ski in the morning and be at a desk in Downtown Syracuse by 9:00 AM.
Recent Sales Show the Range
Just look at the recent activity. A 4-bedroom on Otisco Road recently went for $240,000—which felt like a steal—while a modern spot on Rittenhouse pulled in nearly $700,000. It’s a bifurcated market. You have older farmhouses that need some love and brand-new builds that look like they belong in a magazine.
One thing to keep an eye on: flooding. About 47% of properties in Tully are at some level of flood risk. The same geography that makes the lakes so pretty also means the water has to go somewhere when the snow melts.
Schools: The Knight Life
The Tully Central School District is a huge draw. It's a small district—we’re talking roughly 765 students total across two buildings.
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There’s something to be said for a school where the teachers actually know your kid’s name. The student-to-teacher ratio is about 10:1. That’s almost private school level attention without the $30k tuition bill.
The "Black Knights" are a point of pride here. Whether it's the soccer team or the Junior-Senior High School's art club, the community shows up. Honestly, the school is basically the community center. If there’s a craft fair or a "Can and Bottle Shack" fundraiser, the whole town is there.
What Nobody Tells You About Living Here
It’s quiet. Like, really quiet.
If you’re moving from a city, the silence at night in the Tully New York zip code might actually keep you awake at first.
The Winter Factor
Let’s be real: Tully gets pounded with snow. It sits right in the path of lake-effect bands coming off Lake Ontario. If Syracuse gets six inches, Tully probably gets ten.
But instead of complaining, people lean into it.
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- Song Mountain: It’s right there. It’s the local hill where kids learn to ski before they can properly ride a bike.
- Labrador Hollow: About 15 minutes away, you’ve got the Unique Area. Tinker Falls is a must-see in the winter when it freezes into a giant ice pillar.
- Heiberg Forest: Managed by SUNY ESF, it’s a paradise for cross-country skiing and hiking.
The Commute
Most people in 13159 drive alone to work. The average commute is around 26 minutes. It’s a straight shot up I-81. If you can handle the "Tully Wall" (that stretch of highway where the snow suddenly gets four times worse), the commute is a breeze.
Is 13159 Right for You?
If you want walkability and a Starbucks on every corner, Tully is going to drive you crazy. You'll be driving to LaFayette or Cortland for major grocery runs, though the local shops in the village handle the essentials just fine.
But if you want a place where your neighbors help you plow your driveway and you can see the Milky Way on a Tuesday night, this is it.
The Tully New York zip code represents a specific kind of Upstate New York lifestyle. It’s rugged, it’s scenic, and it’s increasingly expensive as more people realize that "remote work" means you can live anywhere—so why not live somewhere beautiful?
Actionable Insights for Navigating Tully 13159:
- Check Flood Maps: Before buying, use tools like Risk Factor to see if that "scenic creek" in the backyard is going to be in your living room next April.
- School Tax Awareness: School taxes in New York can be a jolt. Make sure you factor the Tully Central School District rates into your monthly mortgage math.
- Get the Gear: If you're moving here, buy a snowblower before you buy a lawnmower. You’ll use it more.
- Visit Tinker Falls: Even if you aren't moving here, take a Saturday to hike the boardwalk at Labrador Hollow. It’s accessible, free, and genuinely one of the best spots in Central New York.
- Local Events: Keep an eye on the Tully Community Connect calendar. The Harvest Festival in October is the best way to see if you actually like the people who live here (spoiler: you probably will).
The 13159 area isn't just a number on an envelope; it’s a high-elevation sanctuary that offers a pace of life you just can't find closer to the city. Whether you're eyeing a lakeside cottage or a hilltop farmhouse, Tully remains one of the most stable and scenic investments in the region.