Downtown Ithaca is a diverse neighborhood of historic buildings, hip stores and vibrant artwork. Just a half mile from Cornell University’s Campus, the area has a college-town vibe. “The college kids keep this community young at heart,” says Allison Hogue. Their presence also enables many local businesses to flourish, she says.
As Downtown Ithaca is primarily a commercial district, home inventory is low. While some Victorian and Italianate-style homes are here, many of the houses are foursquares with front porches. As with most of the city, most homes sit close to sidewalks with little front yards. Most homes do have private driveways, and some have detached garages. Homebuyers can expect to pay between $260,000 and $536,000 for an American Foursquare home.
Local children begin school at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School. The student-teacher ratio at the school is 7-1, and Niche has given it a B-minus grade. DeWitt Middle School is rated A-minus and has an 8-1 student-teacher ratio. The rating for Ithaca Senior High School is A. The average SAT score for the school is 1350.
Cornell University is an Ithaca-based private Ivy League university focused on research. About 22,000 students attend the university, including more than 5,100 international students from 120 countries. Notable alums include Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg of the Supreme Court and Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Just a few blocks from the Commons, DeWitt Park has been recognized as Ithaca’s gathering spot for more than 200 years. The open green space also serves as a divider between the city’s commercial and residential areas. It has served as a spot for speeches and protests, and a place to remember Tompkin County’s war heroes. Today, Ithacans enjoy its shaded paths and benches. The Ithaca Farmers Market is held at the park on Tuesdays during the summer. The entire Finger Lakes region has narrow gorges formed eons ago by retreating glaciers featuring plunging waterfalls, cascading streams and water-carved cliffsides. Ithaca is no exception. Cascadilla Gorge Trail is a 10-minute walk from Washington Park. This stunning, three-quarter-mile trail leads from Downtown Ithaca to the Cornell University campus. In the course of the walk, hikers pass eight waterfalls, ranging in size from eight to 80 feet. The Bernie Milton Pavilion in the Commons is an outdoor concert venue that takes advantage of sloping grounds that help create a natural-looking stage and allow listeners in the back to have as advantageous views as those in the front.
The Downtown neighborhood is seeing a real resurgence, says Hogue. The commercial corridor runs through the area and is home to many restaurants and coffee shops. Located in the heart of Downtown Ithaca, The Commons is a four-block pedestrian shopping area with over 100 independently owned and operated businesses and shops, including everything from boutiques to street entertainers. Benjamin Peters is an upscale men’s clothing store and Home Green Home specializes in organic products for the home. Avid readers can visit Autumn Leaves Used Books. Wine drinkers may enjoy checking out Cellar d’Or. Grocery shoppers can check off their lists at GreenStar Food Coop in the mall or walk a half mile to Wegmans.
There are plenty of dining options in the area. Gimme! Coffee is a popular spot to grab a morning cup of joe. Saigon Kitchen and State Diner are popular dinner spots. Luna Inspired Street Food is a favorite spot for tacos.
The annual Apple Harvest Festival returns with crisp fall weather. During the three-day festival, visitors are introduced to all sorts of facts and information regarding the apple, including delectable new recipes and apple cider. The Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off helps everyone fend off the cold-weather blues in winter. During the warmer months, nearby Stewart Park hosts Ithaca’s annual Reggae Fest in June. The music-filled event includes food trucks and craft vendors along with dancing, kids’ activities, yoga and skateboarding.
New York’s Highway 13 cuts through the city and meets Interstate 81. Commuters to Syracuse can follow that for the 53-mile drive to Salt City. The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is 5 miles via NY 13. The Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Company provides bus service throughout the area. Although this is a walkable neighborhood, residents may prefer to have a vehicle during inclement weather. Winters are cold and snowy. Due to the snowfall and the very hilly terrain, drivers should note that snow tires and chains are often necessary in winter.
Brian DeYoung
Berkshire Hathaway HomeService
(607) 882-6581
76 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Ithaca
$490,000 Price
Kristopher Buchan
Tompkins Cortland Real Estate
(607) 250-1293
181 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Ithaca
$343,740 Price
Jamie Jensen
Howard Hanna
(607) 391-2590
98 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Ithaca
$420,000 Price
Karen Hollands
Howard Hanna
(607) 269-4358
210 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Ithaca
$930,100 Price
Jolene Rightmyer-Macolini
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Heritage Realty
(607) 366-5949
112 Total Sales
1 in Downtown Ithaca
$343,740 Price
David Huckle
Pyramid Brokerage Company
(607) 366-9376
45 Total Sales
4 in Downtown Ithaca
$465K - $2M Price Range
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
$1,395 - $2,450 per month
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
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A residential neighborhood minutes from Cornell and downtown Ithaca
A walkable community of engaged neighbors and great parks
A scenic, thriving neighborhood near Downtown Ithaca
Historically rich, highly walkable neighborhood south of Downtown Ithaca
A neighborhood of older homes in a young-at-heart college town
A quiet community just steps from Cornell University
