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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kristopher Buchan,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Seeking the perfect blend of contemporary style and carefree home maintenance with quick and easy access to the natural beauty of Ithaca? The condos at Eastwood Commons are your journey's end. This lofted, open-concept flat is enveloped in 4-season light, with every room displaying the bounty of nature that surrounds it. A spacious primary bedroom provides a private retreat, complete with a full
Melynda Johnson-WissarWarren Real Estate of Ithaca Inc. (Downtown)
Extremely well maintained and updated 2 bdrm condo just over a mile from Cornell campus and Veterinary College. This move-in ready, easyliving condo has central AC, beautiful cherry hardwood floors, an updated kitchen with granite countertop, stainless appliances and full-sized washer and dryer. On the main floor is a spacious combination living room and dining room with large windows and an
Located in the Commonland Community, this charming home offers comfortable, low-maintenance living just minutes from downtown Ithaca, Cornell University, and Ithaca College. The main level features an open living and dining area that opens seamlessly to the kitchen, complete with pantry and first-floor laundry. Upstairs, hardwood floors lead to a spacious primary bedroom, full bath, and a
Exceptional turn-key duplex investment with a proven rental track record and multiple income strategies already in place. This fully renovated and professionally maintained property has been successfully operated using a blend of academic-year leasing and summer short-term rental demand, offering investors a rare ready-to-perform asset in one of Ithaca’s strongest rental corridors. The upper
Seeking the perfect blend of contemporary style and carefree home maintenance with quick and easy access to the natural beauty of Ithaca? The condos at Eastwood Commons are your journey's end. This lofted, open-concept flat is enveloped in 4-season light, with every room displaying the bounty of nature that surrounds it. A spacious primary bedroom provides a private retreat, complete with a full
Melynda Johnson-WissarWarren Real Estate of Ithaca Inc. (Downtown)
Charming and cozy Cape style cottage only minutes from either Cornell or Ithaca college. Well-maintained home with hardwood floors and a great deep backyard! Affordable Homes with Character this close to the Cornell campus don't come on the market too often! Room for expansion or additions possible! Enjoy a serene and lush yard with space for cooking out, setting up a hammock, feeding the birds
Rare opportunity to develop single family homes so close to Cornell and Ithaca College! Adjacent to Eastwood Commons, this large residential lot is in an established neighborhood in the Town of Ithaca with all public services at the street, sidewalks and TCAT Bus Stops. The East Hill Rec Trail and 6 Mile Creek Natural Area just steps away. Bring your builder!
The shiniest penny on Penny Lane, this split level two bedroom, one bath located in Commonland Community is an end unit that has been made new with many updates: professionally painted rooms, brand new stainless steel dishwasher, carpets, luxury vinyl flooring, refinished maple counters and window sills, new vanity top - even the large picture window in the living room is new! A large catio is
Hilda MoleskiWarren Real Estate of Ithaca Inc. (Downtown)
Tired of looking at fixer uppers? Build yourself a new home! Just a mile to the Cornell campus is this opportunity to build a quality home with municipal services. Bring your plan and bring your builder! In Belle Sherman Elementary school district, near Cornell Vet School, East Hill Plaza shopping, 6 Mile Creek Natural Area, East Hill commute trail, downtown Ithaca or Ithaca College, location,
Plaza East / Summerhill apartment and townhouse community (aka IthacaHome) is located in the East Hill Plaza area of Ithaca, New York, approximately one mile from the Cornell University campus. We offer units ranging from two to four bedrooms and host a diverse community of undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, visiting scholars and local residents. Our tenants appreciate the secluded,
Ithaca's premier luxury patio home community on Blue Heron Way. Newly constructed 1 or 2 car garage, 2 bed / 2 bath units now leasing. No expense spared in creating single level luxury units. Beautiful kitchen w/ quartz counters, island w/ custom farmhouse sink, garbage disposals, counter depth fridge, exterior vented microwave range / hood, modern cabinetry & more. 2 full baths, 1 a primary
- Beautiful duplex - walk to Cornell- 3 bedrooms and 1 bathrooms. - Large kitchen and large living room. - Washer and dryer and off street parking (private driveway).- Furnished. - Huge beautiful fenced yard. - Rent is $1,950 per month. We only rent the entire apartment (not by room). - Pets allowed with a small fee. - Address 139 Honness lane. - Available
138 Honness Ln:- 2 BR 1 Bath Units located on the East Ithaca Recreation Way- 12 month lease starting August 2026 (26-27 school year)- Fee Parking.- Free Garbage (no need for tags).- Furnished (or not) including full size bed, desk, chair, dresser, dining set, 50" TV. - Open layout. - Huge yard for barbecue. - Rent includes: parking, snow removal, garbage (no
Private Bedroom available in sunlit and spacious 3-bedroom fully furnished apartmentAvailable September 15th, 2025 (flexible move-in date)$985/monthgoConfirm: 86LT*other 2 bedrooms occupied by male graduate studentsEasy access aprox 10-15 min to Cornell campus by walking/bike path (access across the street from the driveway)Bus 51 stops at driveway goes directly to
150 Honness Ln- Beautiful house with private fenced yard- 3 Bedrooms- 2 car garage- walking distance to Cornell University- Fenced yard- 2 Full bathrooms - 2 Minute from the East Ithaca Recreation Way- Available August 2026- Pets are welcome- Free garbage
FaceTime or Zoom with us! For the ultimate high-rise or garden-style living experience, make your new home at Fairview Apartments. Fairview Apartments offers pet-friendly studio, 1, and 2 bedroom apartments and 2 and 3 bedroom town homes for rent in East Ithaca, NY. Located just steps from Cornell University and with striking lake views, these homes offer convenient living in the heart of it
Newly updated 3 bedroom 2 bath home on Ithaca's East Hill!Enjoy the convenience of being 2 miles from Cornell Vet School, and just minutes to campus, downtown Ithaca, and East Hill PlazaThis home has been freshly updated and ready for you to make it home! As you enter the home notice the large living room with a walk through kitchen leading to a dining room. Dining room features
Located at 143 Maple Avenue in upper College town are our premium apartments. These distinctive accommodations are intended for graduate students, post-doctoral scholars, faculty, other professionals -- those who appreciate the highest quality and energy efficient accommodations that are located close to the Cornell University campus.
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
