The hamlet of Varna may seem like just a blip along Route 366, just 4 miles east of Downtown Ithaca. Though unassuming and small, the suburb has acquired a dynamic, multi-generational community with a humble sense of pride. “The community of Varna is quiet but diverse,” says Nikola Danev, Assistant Chief for EMS at the Varna Volunteer Fire Company. “Varna has a vibrant community center, respectful neighbors and a sense of community.” With its proximity to Cornell University, the hamlet sees a semi-transient residential base of students and folks associated with the institution, which Danev says adds to the community’s diverse feel. “Generally, it’s graduate and PhD students, but it’s a nice melting pot of great people,” he says.
A vibrant community center anchors Varna
The Varna Community Center, run by the Varna Community Association, is a cornerstone of the hamlet. “The Center does a number of things for the community and is a great addition to community life,” Danev says. “It plays a very important role; a number of community groups meet there, there are various community-based events, and it serves as a childcare during the day and as a place to vote.” The center has a full schedule, from Tai Chi classes to volunteer-led Pancake Breakfasts. The Varna Community Association’s GEO WHIZ is its largest event. Organized like a spelling bee, the educational geography quiz raises money for the association and takes place in early November each year. The Varna After School Program, the center’s most significant and best-known program, serves kids through a blend of educational and fun activities like games and crafts. Small food businesses, start-ups and food trucks take advantage of the center’s industrial kitchen and occasionally serve their offerings during events. The association publishes a newsletter, The Varna News, four times a year to inform neighbors about events and other hamlet happenings.
Cornell Botanic Gardens and recreation at the community center
Situated just east of Cornell University, Varna butts against the Cornell Botanic Gardens, which overflow with a diversity of blooms and plants. “Almost all of the Cornell Botanic Gardens connect to Varna, with huge hiking and biking sections and nature walking areas,” Danev says. The Cayuga Trail and Monkey Run are especially popular for their wooded paths and scenic outlooks along the creek. Comprised of 4,000 acres, the gardens also contain the Arboretum Center, Sculpture Garden and Houston Pond, all within walking distance from Varna. The Varna Community Center offers many recreational options for kids and adults alike. The center’s playground is open to the public from dawn to dusk, and others take advantage of its basketball court, woodland trail and tetherball setup. Locals access two short footpaths from the bridge across from the center’s playground, connecting to the Hillside Acres Mobile Park or the Dryden Rail Trail. Most of the Dryden Rail Trail winds through Varna and connects to the Ithaca Rail Trial, offering a destination for bikers and walkers. “Over the weekend, the trail turns into a highway for cyclists going from Ithaca to Varna,” Danev says. “It’s absolutely beautiful and surrounded by scenic nature.” Additional trails include the East Ithaca Recreation Way and the Cayuga Trail.
Humble single-family homes and a mobile home park
Down Route 366, Colonial Revival styles mix with raised ranches and small split-level homes, a few donning colorful window shutters and semi-wrap porches. Further away from the main thoroughfare, homes sit farther back on larger lots, hidden from street view by an established canopy of trees. Single-family homes in Varna may price from $255,000 to $395,000. The Hillside Acres Mobile Home Park makes up a large portion of the hamlet, with over 200 single and double-section homes. Prices within the park range between $34,000 and $135,000, and rentals are also available. A smattering of new construction includes apartments and townhouses, though Danev says most of the town’s growth remains on its outskirts. “There’s a good amount of construction on the periphery of Varna, with a lot of new housing,” he says. “The new housing developments are contributing to Varna, not impeding. People are very excited about it to enhance community living and growth.”
Strong academics in Ithaca City School District
Varna students are part of the Ithaca City School District. Young pupils may begin their studies at Caroline Elementary School, which earns a B overall Niche grade, before advancing to DeWitt Middle School. Students participate in the A-minus-rated school’s various sports and extracurricular activities, including top-performing arts and band programs. Ithaca Senior High School maintains an A, with top marks for teachers and academics. Postsecondary options are within arm’s reach – Cornell University’s campus sits just west of the neighborhood, and Ithaca College is just a few minutes away.
Local Varna eateries and shopping in Ithaca
Residents head towards Ithaca to run errands and get groceries, accessing shops at East Hill Plaza within 5 minutes. The plaza is home to a P&C Fresh supermarket. It sits across the street from the East Hill Farmers Market, which takes place every Wednesday in May through October from 3 to 6 p.m. Varna residents can stop into Collegetown Bagels for a quick bite, head into Downtown Ithaca for a variety of dining options or return to Varna for eateries with a more local vibe. Antlers Steak House serves surf and turf and other elevated staples in their lodge-inspired venue. Its walls are heavy-laden with an array of taxidermy busts, and the deep-stained wooden furniture and fireplace add to a warm ambiance. Brewer’s Kitchen and Taproom lies 2 miles further down Dryden Road. “The taproom has phenomenal food and beer selections with a huge garden and live music,” Danev says.
Life along Route 366
Route 366, or Dryden Road, bisects the hamlet, connecting residents directly to Cornell University’s campus. It takes locals only 11 minutes to get to Downtown Ithaca, which is 4 miles west. Frequent flyers can get to Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, 5 miles away, within 9 minutes.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
827
Median Age
38
Population under 18
19.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$75,116
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$92,578
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99.2%
College Graduates
64%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.3%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
41''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
16/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
