A neighborhood of two colleges in New York’s Finger Lakes region
East Ithaca’s location within Central New York plays a significant role in the neighborhood’s character: not only is the Ithaca suburb wedged between Cornell University and Ithaca College, but easy access to the Finger Lakes region’s natural spaces and recreational opportunities helps foster an active lifestyle. “The Ivy League draws a lot of people,” says local Realtor Jordan Jacobsen of Warren Real Estate of Ithaca, noting that Cornell is the region’s No. 1 employer. “There’s a dense population on the east side because people want to be near campus.” This mix of students, faculty, and other residents produces a dynamic community, Jacobsen adds. “Both universities create a real melting pot because you have people coming from all around the world to this small place.”
Ithaca College is a highly rated private college that specializes in media, the arts and music.
Close to East Ithaca is the Ivy League institution known as Cornell University.
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Apartments for students and a range of single-family home styles
East Ithaca’s housing inventory runs the gamut; half of the residential neighborhood comprises apartments – occupied mainly by graduate students – while the other half is a mix of townhouses, condos and single-family homes. Contemporary condos and duplexes ranging from $148,000 to $360,000 pepper between more common prairie-inspired split-level and bilevel ranches built in the 60s, which can run between $300,000 and $500,000. A few Craftsman cottages and midcentury examples round out the larger homes in the neighborhood, most listing from $465,000 to $720,000. Single-family homes sit further back on modest lots, many hidden from street view by dense trees and landscaping, adding to the neighborhood’s green appeal.
There are many unique homes in East Ithaca that add charm to the neighborhood.
Mid-century split-level styled houses are still a popular choice in East Ithaca.
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Highly rated Ithaca City public schools and two private universities
Ithaca City School District serves East Ithaca’s younger pupils among its 5,000-student body. Kids may start at Belle Sherman Elementary for prekindergarten through fifth grade before advancing to DeWitt Middle. Both earn an A-minus overall grade from Niche. Ithaca Senior High School maintains an A grade, with top marks in academics and diversity. The school awards the New York State Seal of Biliteracy to outstanding students who pursue and maintain biliteracy and bilingualism. East Ithaca residents have postsecondary options at their doorsteps, with the campuses of Ithaca College and Cornell University less than 2 miles away.
Scenic trails through East Ithaca
Natural escapes from East Ithaca’s dense suburban feel await at neighborhood parks like Grandview Park and Hungerford Heights Park, two small respites featuring short walking loops and playgrounds. The paved Vincent and Hannah Pew Trail connects the Pine Tree Wildlife Preserve, East Ithaca Nature Preserve and Tudor Park, the latter two of which also have playgrounds. Just north of East Ithaca, the East Ithaca Recreation Way runs east-west for 3.55 miles along the former Elmira Cortland and Northern Railroad tracks and is highly sought after for hiking, biking, dog walking and even horseback riding. Additional trails wind along the Six Mile Creek and Ithaca Reservoir, with scenic stops, including Second Dam and Potter’s Falls. “Ithaca is known for its nature, but we have a narrow window of good weather, so people take advantage of it,” says Ithaca native and local Realtor Jamie Jensen of Howard Hanna Real Estate. “We have a lot of dog lovers and nature lovers who walk the trails on a daily basis.” Though East Ithaca is home to a handful of Cornell University’s recreational centers, like the Reis Tennis Center and Oxley Equestrian Center, university students also make the most of the natural surroundings – especially the gorges – on hot summer days, says Jensen. “You’re not supposed to swim in them, but everyone does.”
The East Ithaca Recreation Way is a multi-purpose trail that runs parallel to Cascadilla Creek.
Residents can head to the Reis Tennis Center where they can play tennis and squash year round.
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Conveniences at East Hill Plaza and enjoying Ithaca’s wine country
Off Pine Tree Road, the East Hill Plaza strip mall houses convenient shops where residents can run errands, like picking up prescriptions at Walgreens or grocery shopping at P&C Fresh. East Hill Antiques showcases an eclectic display of well-loved artifacts and vintage products. Next door, the East Hill Collegetown Bagels location offers a casual yet cozy atmosphere for a morning coffee or quick lunch. Across the street, the East Hill Market fills with alternating local vendors every Wednesday from May to October for a weekly farmers market. For drinks with a view, locals head to the many wineries scattered around Ithaca – “We’re in wine country, after all,” Jacobsen says. “Wineries up and down the 11 Finger Lakes draw people from New York City, New Jersey, even D.C., especially in the summer.” Six Mile Creek Vineyard off Slaterville Road is an especially popular destination for East Ithaca residents. Imbibers can sample wines and distilled spirits within the vineyard’s tasting room, set inside a restored 19th-century Dutch Colonial barn overlooking rows of lush grapevines and the scenic Ithaca Reservoir. The venue hosts several special wine tastings and Cayuga Wine Trail events throughout the year, such as a Holiday Shopping Spree and Wine and Herb Festival. Live music regularly plays on the vineyard’s covered patio as the weather warms up.
Known locally as CTB, Collegetown Bagels is an Ithaca institution
Six Mile Creek Vineyard in East Ithaca is one of the oldest wineries in the Finger Lakes region.
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Celebrating community at the annual Ithaca and Apple Festivals
“Every season, local events center around Ithaca, but one of the biggest is the Ithaca Festival in Downtown,” Jensen says. “We bring together local artists, and you can get amazing food, jewelry, and art and listen to great music.” A parade on the first Thursday in June kicks off the annual celebration, and live music performances keep the energy high throughout the weekend while folks peruse over 100 crafts and food vendors. “Then we do it again in the fall with the Apple Festival,” Jensen adds. Apples of every kind get their time in the spotlight during this three-day, early-October event, which revolves around local farmers and fall-style artwork. Scents of warm spices and fresh apples entice festivalgoers as they dig into baked goods, donuts and hot apple cider.
Route 79 in and out of East Ithaca
East Ithaca residents rely on cars, though parts of the neighborhood are walkable and bikeable. Route 79, or Slaterville Road, runs through the neighborhood, connecting through neighboring Belle Sherman into Downtown Ithaca. The Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit serves the many bus stops scattered around the area; the 51 line links to Collegetown, Cornell University and Eastern Heights, while the 52 links directly to Downtown. East Ithaca is 6 miles south of Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, a 14-minute drive away.
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
Video By
Kyle Keyes
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