Oakland , General info:
9/10

Oakland is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Alameda County. Oakland is located in Northern California in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Combined statistical area#Largest CSAs-twelveth-most-populous metropolitan area in the United States. Based on 2006 statistical data, Oakland is the 44th-largest city in the United States.

Rand McNally named Oakland as having the best weather in the United States.

Oakland is a major West Coast port, and is home to several major corporations including Kaiser Permanente and Clorox, as well as corporate headquarters for nationwide businesses like Dreyer's and Cost Plus World Markets.

Oakland , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Like any big city...

Oakland , Different stuff:
9/10

Symbols of Oakland’s arrival as a modern 20th century metropolis -- the Beaux Arts-style City hall and Rotunda Building, the Tribune Tower, and the Art Deco-style Financial Center building

Oakland , Don't miss:
8/10

Dunsmuir House, Grand Lake Theatre, Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, Children's Fairyland, Parkway Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Preservation Park, USS Potomac-National Historic Landmark

Oakland , Food:
9/10

Jack's Bistro, Horatio's, Garibaldi's on College, Citron, ...

Oakland , Hotels:
8/10

Clarion Suites Lake Merritt Restaurant & Hotel, Jack London Square Lodging, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oakland Airport, Regency Inn, North Oakland, Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove, Oakland Marriott

Quality Inn, Imperial Inn, Fairfield Inn by Marriott

Oakland , Safety:
9/10

Not so safe in here ...

Syracuse , General info:
9/10

Syracuse is a city in Central New York, USA. It is the county seat of Onondaga County and the economic and educational hub of Central New York, a region with over a million inhabitants.

Syracuse is served by the Syracuse Hancock International Airport in nearby Salina, near Mattydale. The airport is served by 17 airlines (9 major), which provide non-stop flights.

Syracuse , Different stuff:
9/10

Syracuse is known for its snowfall. Boasting 115.6 inches (293.6 cm) on average, the Syracuse metro area receives more snow on average than any other large city in the United States.

The Everson Museum of Art, which opened in 1968 features one of the most extensive pottery collections in the United States along with works of American art, dating from the 18th century to the present.

Syracuse has gained the nickname "the City of Festivals" for good reason. There are numerous festivals year round.

Syracuse , Don't miss:
6/10

The Great New York State Fair is a spectacular twelve-day summer extravaganza of New York State. Lasting from the end of August to Labor Day, it features 375 acres of family fun, mouthwatering foods, incredible animals, fascinating exhibits, top-flight entertainment, exciting competitions and much more.

Syracuse , Food:
8/10

Virtually every cuisine in every price range can be found in Syracuse, with something to satisfy every appetite.

Syracuse , Hotels:
9/10

Whether you're coming with a family of four or fifty friends, you'll always have a place to call home in Syracuse. From full-service national hotels to quaint B&Bs, you'll find just what you're looking for.

Syracuse , Safety:
9/10

Crime rate is a bit higher than average but it is a pretty safe city.