Why Live in Downtown Ithaca
Downtown Ithaca is a vibrant neighborhood known for its historic buildings, eclectic stores, and lively art scene. Located just half a mile from Cornell University, it has a youthful college-town atmosphere. The area is primarily commercial, with a limited inventory of homes, including Victorian, Italianate, and American Foursquare styles, many featuring front porches and private driveways. Local children attend Beverly J. Martin Elementary School, DeWitt Middle School, and Ithaca Senior High School, with the latter two receiving high ratings. DeWitt Park, a historic gathering spot, offers shaded paths, benches, and hosts the Ithaca Farmers Market in summer. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Cascadilla Gorge Trail provides a scenic walk with eight waterfalls, connecting Downtown Ithaca to Cornell University. The Commons, a pedestrian shopping area, features over 100 independent businesses, including boutiques, bookstores, and specialty shops. Dining options are plentiful, with popular spots like Gimme! Coffee, Saigon Kitchen, and Luna Inspired Street Food. Annual events such as the Apple Harvest Festival and the Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off add to the neighborhood's appeal. Commuters have access to New York’s Highway 13 and Interstate 81, with Ithaca Tompkins International Airport just 5 miles away. The area is walkable, but residents may need vehicles during snowy winters, with snow tires and chains often necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Downtown Ithaca a good place to live?
Downtown Ithaca is a good place to live. Downtown Ithaca is considered very walkable and a biker's paradise. Downtown Ithaca has 2 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 34. The average household income is $74,739 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 81.5% of residents. A majority of residents in Downtown Ithaca are renters, with 95.9% of residents renting and 4.1% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Downtown Ithaca can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Downtown Ithaca neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Downtown Ithaca?
The median home price in Downtown Ithaca is $850,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $170,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.35%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $4,230 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $181K a year to afford the median home price in Downtown Ithaca. The average household income in Downtown Ithaca is $75K.
What are the best public schools in Downtown Ithaca?
The best public schools that serve Downtown Ithaca are:
What are the best private schools in Downtown Ithaca?
The best private schools that serve Downtown Ithaca are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Downtown Ithaca, Ithaca, NY?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Downtown Ithaca, Ithaca, NY?
Home Trends in Downtown Ithaca, NY
On average, homes in Downtown Ithaca, Ithaca sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Ithaca, Ithaca over the last 12 months is $725,000.
Median Sale Price
$725,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$710,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$217
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
3
Median List Price
$850,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%