Ithaca offers a tight-knit but active community in Central Michigan
The Central Michigan city of Ithaca offers buyers a small historic downtown, plenty of single-family homes and access to plenty of outdoor entertainment. Founded in the 1850s and named after the town in New York State, the Gratiot County seat is primarily rural but does have manufacturers and a large soybean processing plant as economic drivers. The community is also within commuting distance of Lansing and Mt. Pleasant. “From the clients that I have worked with, it would be your mid-Michigan small town community that has all the amenities that you would need without having to go to a big city,” says Melissa Allen, a Realtor with Century 21 Lee-Mac Realty, who has 17 years of experience. “I feel like there is a lot of hometown pride for the residents that live there.”
Historical homes and newer builds, which sell faster than average
Homes here vary from Ranch styles and New Traditionals to historic Victorians and Craftsman styles. The median home price is $255,000, lower than the national average, but prices can run from $50,000 to $480,000 depending on size, condition and location. Properties closer to downtown are typically on gridded streets with large lots and oak trees accenting lawns. Houses with more acreage are on the outskirts of town.
Allen says Ithaca has attracted a mix of families and commuters. “Central Michigan still has prices that are attainable by the majority of homebuyers and not overpriced for the market,” she says. Properties also tend to move faster in Ithaca, spending 44 days on the market, lower than the national average of 70 days.
Public and private school options available
Public school students can attend Ithaca Public Schools, graded B-minus on Niche. Private religious institutions for early education include Ithaca Seventh-day Adventist School and Countryside Christian School, both unranked.
Multiple parks, local history and an annual agricultural fair entertai
Ithaca has multiple green spaces. McNabb Park features soccer fields and biking trails. Woodland Park has walking paths, pavilions and a playground. North of town is The Fields Golf Course, a public facility with a 5,600-yard, Par 70 layout. The 5,800-yard North Star Golf Course south of town is also open to the public.
The Gratiot County Historical Museum on Center Street is popular for local history and has no admission fee. The Gratiot Ag Society Fair lasts five days every June and features games, a tractor pull and multiple farm animals on display.
Dining in downtown, grocery stores in Ithaca and Alma
Most restaurants are concentrated downtown or along Center Street and feature a mix of chain and local spots. Downtown eateries include Los Hermanos Mexican Restaurant and The Hearthstone Oven, serving breakfast items, sandwiches and baked goods. Pins Bar and Grille offers burgers, pizza and games like bowling and axe throwing.
Ithaca has several boutique shops downtown and a farmers market from May through October. The community has a Ric’s Food Center and smaller convenience stores. Big box and grocery stores are 10 miles north in Alma.
Flooding and storms present, but no lake effect snow
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency flood maps, there is a slight risk of flooding. Severe storms and tornadoes can also be factors, but according to Allen, this area does not encounter lake effect snow.
Bus connections to Alma and easy highway access
The city of Alma provides bus service to Ithaca and other towns. U.S. Highway 127 runs along the city's eastern edge and connects to Lansing. The Capital Region International Airport is 56 miles south. The community has a primary care facility on Main Street, but MyMichigan Medical Center is 11 miles north in Alma.
