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Downtown Ithaca

Downtown Ithaca

Neighborhood in Ithaca, New York

Tompkins County 14850

$433,743 Average Value

Hip college-town vibes

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.
The Ithaca Commons is a pedestrian mall that is perfect for shopping, eating or just relaxing in
The Ithaca Commons is a pedestrian mall that is perfect for shopping, eating or just relaxing in
Greenstar Food Co + Op is a locally owned grocery store in Downtown Ithaca and Collegetown.
Greenstar Food Co + Op is a locally owned grocery store in Downtown Ithaca and Collegetown.
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American Foursquares aplenty

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.
Because of its age houses in Downtown Ithaca are often close together.
Because of its age houses in Downtown Ithaca are often close together.
Classic American houses line many of the streets in Downtown Ithaca.
Classic American houses line many of the streets in Downtown Ithaca.
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Peaceful parks and “gorges” trails

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.
From Downtown Ithaca one can take the Cascadilla Gorge Trail up to Cornell University.
From Downtown Ithaca one can take the Cascadilla Gorge Trail up to Cornell University.
Dewitt Park offers a sanctuary of green amongst the bustle of Downtown Ithaca.
Dewitt Park offers a sanctuary of green amongst the bustle of Downtown Ithaca.
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Stellar schools and colleges

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.
DeWitt Middle School is a highly rated, public school located in Ithaca, NY.
DeWitt Middle School is a highly rated, public school located in Ithaca, NY.
Just up the hill from Downtown Ithaca is Cornell with its expanding student population.
Just up the hill from Downtown Ithaca is Cornell with its expanding student population.
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Things to see and do Downtown

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.

Getting around the town

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.
TCAT buses take residents from Downtown Ithaca up to Cornell or Ithaca College.
TCAT buses take residents from Downtown Ithaca up to Cornell or Ithaca College.
Electric Ithaca Bikeshare bikes are a ubiquitous way to get around the city.
Electric Ithaca Bikeshare bikes are a ubiquitous way to get around the city.
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Uncommonly cool shops on the Commons

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.
Benjamin Peters in Downtown Ithaca has been keeping Ithaca's men well dressed for 25 years.
Benjamin Peters in Downtown Ithaca has been keeping Ithaca's men well dressed for 25 years.
Home Green Home in Downtown Ithaca offers home decor with a lush, eco-friendly vibe.
Home Green Home in Downtown Ithaca offers home decor with a lush, eco-friendly vibe.
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Robin Beres
Written By
Robin Beres
James Leynse
Photography Contributed By
James Leynse
Taylor Noll
Video By
Taylor Noll

Agents Specializing in this Area

  • Karen Hollands

    Karen Hollands

    Howard Hanna

    (607) 269-4358

    214 Total Sales

    1 in Downtown Ithaca

    $930,100 Price

    Karen Hollands
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  • Jolene Rightmyer-Macolini

    Jolene Rightmyer-Macolini

    Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Heritage Realty

    (607) 366-5949

    118 Total Sales

    1 in Downtown Ithaca

    $343,740 Price

    Jolene Rightmyer-Macolini
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  • Kristopher Buchan

    Kristopher Buchan

    Responds Quickly

    Tompkins Cortland Real Estate

    (607) 250-1293

    181 Total Sales

    1 in Downtown Ithaca

    $343,740 Price

    Kristopher Buchan
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  • David Huckle

    David Huckle

    Responds Quickly

    Pyramid Brokerage Company

    (607) 366-9376

    45 Total Sales

    4 in Downtown Ithaca

    $465K - $2M Price Range

    David Huckle
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  • Melissa Miller Fedrizzi

    Melissa Miller Fedrizzi

    Responds Quickly

    Re/Max In Motion

    (607) 882-6002

    159 Total Sales

    1 in Downtown Ithaca

    $335,000 Price

    Melissa Miller Fedrizzi
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  • Claudia Lagalla

    Claudia Lagalla

    Responds Quickly

    Howard Hanna

    (607) 603-7979

    159 Total Sales

    3 in Downtown Ithaca

    $395K - $500K Price Range

    Claudia Lagalla
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Schools

Source:
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
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Karen Hollands, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Ithaca Tompkins International

10 min drive

Bus

Ithaca Commons - Green St

Bus

Albany & Salvation Army

Bus

Tompkins County Library

Bus

State & Mlk & Meadow

Bus

Mcgraw House

Bus

State & Mlk & Plain

Bus

Ithaca Commons - Seneca St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Ithaca US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Downtown Ithaca Demographics and Home Trends

On average, homes in Downtown Ithaca, Ithaca sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Ithaca, Ithaca over the last 12 months is $725,000.

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$725,000
Median Sale Price
$725,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
1

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
50
Median Year Built
1900
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,022
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,407
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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Homes for Rent

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Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Karen Hollands, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value

Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,679
Median Age
34
Population under 18
13.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$41,101
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,739

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.2%
College Graduates
81.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
51.5%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
41''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

91 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

98 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Learn How Walk Score Works

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Fall Creek

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North Side
North Side

A scenic, thriving neighborhood near Downtown Ithaca

South Side
South Side

Historically rich, highly walkable neighborhood south of Downtown Ithaca

Washington Park
Washington Park

A neighborhood of older homes in a young-at-heart college town

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Reviews

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New York Tompkins County Ithaca
Downtown Ithaca
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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Ithaca
Karen Hollands
Howard Hanna Section Image
Karen Hollands
Karen Hollands
Howard Hanna
Agent experienced in this area
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