$335,846Average Value$216Average Price per Sq Ft0Homes For Sale
History runs deep in this walkable corner of Ithaca
An established neighborhood of Ithaca, Southside is a historically Black community that celebrates a rich history spanning over 150 years. Historic landmarks include the oldest church of Ithaca, St. James AME Zion Church. The small chapel was a known information hub for the Underground Railroad, frequented by pioneers Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. The church’s history and the neighborhood’s other historical aspects have helped Southside build a diverse community that celebrates its cultural heritage and fosters a spirit of unity and pride. Southside continues to be a significant center of African American community life today. Just steps away from the bustle of Downtown, Southside offers a highly walkable residential corner of Ithaca, pulling residents who appreciate the neighborhood’s quiet streets while benefiting from proximity to Downtown’s attractions. “Southside’s walkability and proximity to Downtown are some of the neighborhood’s biggest appeals,” says local Realtor Claudia Lagalla of Howard Hanna. “You can walk to just about anything you need, from pharmacies to coffee shops.”
Community events that celebrate history and champion diversity
Established in 1934, Southside Community Center is a longstanding neighborhood mainstay that continues to be an active community resource center. An epicenter for events and culture, the center cultivates an awareness of the neighborhood’s historic contributions and celebrates the presence of African Americans in the greater Ithaca community. Summer camps and after-school programs keep local kids engaged, while larger festivities, like the annual Juneteenth Jubilee, involve the whole neighborhood with a day of parades, food and beverages. The city’s many diverse events usually occur at the Downtown Ithaca Commons, a 4-block, pedestrian-only area in the heart of Downtown lined with local shops, galleries and eateries. “Downtown has festivals in the Commons all year long, including winter,” Lagalla says. “The Ithaca Festival in early June is one of the biggest – it’s definitely popular and always packed.” A community staple since 1977, the weekend-long event features local artisans, food and drink vendors and live music – all kicked off with a Thursday evening parade. The Tompkins County Public Library sits just east of the Southside neighborhood and hosts a robust events calendar with community happenings appealing to all ages. The library’s Black History Month celebration lasts all month and features speakers, storytimes, and more. Regularly scheduled events include literacy-centered ones like Spanish Storytimes and tween book clubs, while others like Learn To Sew and Technology One-on-Ones focus on personal development and skill building.
The South Side Community Center is the pride and joy of South Side Ithaca.
South Side Ithaca honors the 26 soldiers of the 26th regiment in the US Colored Infantry.
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Downtown Ithaca’s Restaurant Row just steps away
A vibrant array of eateries along Restaurant Row in Downtown celebrates the city’s diversity – all a few minutes walk from Southside. Stacked along Aurora Street, the cluster of restaurants represents a variety of countries: The Lotus serves rich Korean dishes, Viva Taqueria & Cantina offers sizzling Mexican cuisine; Le Café Cent-Dix’s menu consists of elegant French plates; and seasonal Italian favorites complement craft cocktails at Mercato Bar & Kitchen. For American flavors, locals enjoy elevated signatures and sandwiches at Simeon’s American Bistro, while Cajun specialties tempt regulars at Creola Southern Steakhouse. Grocery stores like Wegman’s and Trader Joe’s, located less than a mile down South Meadow Street, fulfill produce and pantry needs. Apart from the slew of local stores and specialty shops in Downtown Ithaca, residents can also head to the Creekside Plaza and South Meadow Marketplace shopping centers for retailers like T.J. Maxx, Old Navy and DICKS.
If you're looking for gourmet pub grub & cocktails, Red's Place near South Side is popular.
The Hound & Mare near South Side Ithaca offers made-to-order egg sandwiches and baked goods.
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Workers cottages cluster on residential streets
The slew of closely clustered single-family homes along Southside’s residential streets also reflect the neighborhood’s history. Cape Cods and Craftsman bungalow styles pepper in between the more common workers' cottages here, many of which were built between the early 1900s and 1970s. Prices typically range between $100,000 for a handyman special to $442,000 for larger, newly-renovated saltbox styles. A few rental properties and apartments are also available, though occupied mainly by graduate students from nearby Cornell University. “Southside has mostly long-term residents,” Lagalla says. “Rentals are often grad students, but there are not a lot of undergrad students because they prefer the busyness of Collegetown.” Due to its location along the Six Mile Creek and inlet, Southside does have a risk of flooding. “Almost all of that area is a valley, so it’s a flood zone because it’s at sea level,” Lagalla says. “Parts of that flood zone require flood insurance.” Some areas experience more than 3 feet of flooding in heavy rain seasons.
Some homes in South Side Ithaca were once Catholic worker's cottages, and a few still are.
Ranch-style homes are incredibly popular in South Side Ithaca.
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Top-rated education in Ithaca
Ithaca City School District serves students of Southside, with top-rated schools, including Belle Sherman Elementary and DeWitt Middle. Both schools earn A-minus overall grades from Niche, with top marks for teachers and diversity. Ithaca Senior High School maintains an A Niche score and is ranked the No. 1 best public high school in Tompkins County. The school rewards the New York Seal of Biliteracy to exemplary students who pursue and maintain biliteracy and bilingual education. Ithaca’s two private universities, Cornell University and Ithaca College, are within a few miles of the neighborhood.
Students enjoy playing soccer at Belle Sherman School.
Ithaca Senior High School's team colors are red and yellow.
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From state parks to the Cayuga Lakeside
Though Southside does not have parks, the neighborhood is just minutes away from Ithaca’s natural spaces. Residents can hop on the Six Mile Creek Walk, a short, paved trail that hugs the water along the neighborhood’s east side. Access points to the vast Cayuga Lake are within 3 miles from Southside: boaters can dock their vessels at the Allen H. Treman State Marine Park, and Stewart Park provides the public with scenic waterfront trails. Just 2 miles south of the neighborhood, Buttermilk Falls State Park is a destination for Southside residents. A respite from the city's more bustling parts, the sprawling 811-acre wooded park abounds with hiking trails winding through curved bridges and steep stone steps along the deep gorge, leading to rushing waterfalls and scenic outlooks.
Buttermilk Falls State Park offers a campground, trails, and swimming.
Residents of South Side Ithaca often come to Stewart Park to gaze at the majestic Cayuga Lake.
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Downtown Ithaca and beyond
Though walkability is a huge factor in Southside, residents also have easy access to major thoroughfares like New York State Route 13 and Route 79. Commuters can connect to neighboring communities through the many bus stops, serviced by Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, scattered along West Clinton Street and West Green Street. Frequent flyers enjoy proximity to Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, less than 6 miles north.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brian DeYoung,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Transit
Airport
Ithaca Tompkins International
11 min drive
Bus
Green & Fayette
Bus
Green & Meadow
Bus
Plain & Center
Bus
Clinton & Corn
Bus
Clinton & Fayette
Bus
Clinton West Plaza
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
South Side
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
South Side Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in South Side, Ithaca sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in South Side, Ithaca over the last 12 months is $630,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A charming craftsman home on a quiet block of downtown Ithaca, sheltered from the street by gorgeous flowering cherry and plum trees and quaint perennial landscaping. A welcoming front porch invites you to sit with a cup of coffee, or evening aperitif while enjoying the sunset. Upon entry, a large foyer gives plenty of space to greet guests. Living room to the right, with lovely leaded glass
Fayerty CokeleyWarren Real Estate of Ithaca Inc. (Downtown)
This rare 9-bedroom gem in downtown offers investment potential and exciting renovation opportunities! With expansive rooms and soaring ceilings, this home exudes grandeur and is just waiting for someone to restore it to its full glory. Imagine the possibilities as you bring this space back to life, preserving its historic charm while adding your own modern touches.Convenience is key, with
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brian DeYoung,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
876
Median Age
42
Population under 18
16.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,500
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$88,491
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.6%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
52.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
18.8%
% Population in Labor Force
68.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
41''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
87/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
85/ 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.
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.
