South Lansing is a small neighborhood in Lansing, New York, not far from Cayuga Lake. Although just a few minutes north of Cornell University, it has an almost rural feel. Like most of New York's Finger Lakes region, the area around South Lansing is defined by steep gorges carved from the land by retreating glaciers. These narrow canyons feature plunging waterfalls, riotous streams and water-carved stone cliffsides. Those long-ago glaciers also produced exceptionally rich soil. Unsurprisingly, agriculture is a primary economic engine in the area. “Lansing has a small-town vibe to it, but this is definitely farm country,” says Eileen Stout, owner of Rogue’s Harbor Inn in South Lansing. “It’s not densely populated, and there are plenty of dairy cows, corn and soybeans around here.”
South Lansing has many farms producing local fruits and veggies.
Large homes on spacious lots are popular in South Lansing.
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Recreation on Lake Cayuga and on Emilie Jonas Falls Nature Trail
With abundant waterfalls, hiking trails and nearby Lake Cayuga, there is plenty for outdoor lovers to do. Emilie Jonas Falls Nature Trail, just over a mile away, features a 65-foot waterfall where determined hikers can reward themselves with a swim at the base. Just minutes from South Lansing, Myers Park sits on the shores of Lake Cayuga. Home to 31 acres of outdoor space, it offers a swimming area, a playground, volleyball nets, a basketball court and a horseshoe pit. Overnight camping with electricity and water hookups is available and, during the summer months, the park hosts a series of outdoor concerts. A highlight of Ludlowville Park, a small, tree-lined green space with a playground, gazebo and picnic tables, is its stunning views of the 35-foot Ludlowville Falls. Lansing’s The Rink is an indoor athletic facility where residents can enjoy ice skating and hockey, as well as soccer and lacrosse year-round. The center also has a 4,200-square-foot fitness center for weightlifters and bodybuilders.
The Waterfall at Ludowville Park is a gorgeous place for South Lansing locals to take a hike.
Store your canoe on the canoe racks at Meyers Park.
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Homes on large lots and wooded country lanes
“South Lansing is more spread out than Ithaca,” says Melissa Shames, a Realtor with Howard Hannah, who lives in the Cayuga Lake area. “There is a lot more distance between homes. Because it is so rural, most homes have septic systems, but all are on municipal water.” Homes sit on large lots, well back from wooded country lanes. Don't expect to see sidewalks in this spread-out community. Home styles include older farmhouses, Cape Cods, bungalows, ranch-style houses and colonial-style homes. Prospective buyers should expect to pay between $244,000 and $400,000 for a ranch-style home built in the latter half of the 20th century. Colonial-inspired homes constructed within the past 20 years usually sell for between $440,000 and $550,000.
Bungalow homes are just one of the many styles of homes in South Lansing.
You can find many renovated farm homes in South Lansing.
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Lansing Central School District gets an A from Niche
South Lansing's three schools fall under the Lansing Central School District, which has an overall A rating from Niche. Raymond C. Buckley Elementary School has a B-plus rating and a 10-1 student-teacher ratio, while Lansing Middle School has an A-minus rating and a 10-1 student-teacher ratio. With a 95% graduation rate and an average SAT score of 1310, Lansing High School holds an A rating and a 12-1 student-teacher ratio. Cornell University is 6 miles from South Lansing and Ithaca College is 9 miles.
Lansing Middle School is the public middle school for Lansing, NY.
Lansing High School is home to the Lansing Bobcats.
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Fresh bread at Ithaca Bakery, hearty menu at Corner Pub
There is a Dollar General in South Lansing where locals can pick up essentials. For more extensive shopping, Cayuga Heights is 4 miles south. Here, one will find BJs Wholesale, Target and other retailers. Grocery shoppers can check off their lists at Aldi or Tops and pick up a loaf of fresh bread from Ithaca Bakery. From June to October, the Ithaca Farmers Market in DeWitt Park is open on Tuesday afternoons, which draws crowds from across Tompkins County. Area farmers sell seasonal produce, cheese, dairy products and locally grown meat, and local vendors sell arts, crafts and gifts. While shopping may be limited in South Lansing, there are plenty of restaurants, breweries and wineries in the area. East Shore Roadhouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The eatery features locally grown and sourced ingredients. Rogues Harbor Inn is a local hotel founded in 1837 and its Corner Pub offers a hearty menu featuring sandwiches, burgers and steaks. “Lansing has an interesting mix of people, including Cornell professors, farmers and local artists," Stout says. "And all of them mingle at the Corner Bar,” Salt Point Brewing Co. is minutes from South Lansing. The brewery focuses on producing simple but classic beers and wood-fired sourdough pizza. Six Mile Creek Vineyard is about 10 miles away, just below Ithaca. Wine lovers will appreciate the scenic drive and the vineyard’s lovely views.
BJs is the largest big box store in South Lansing.
Guests at the Rogues Harbor Inn enjoy the eclectic pub downstairs.
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Community events include Reggae Fest, Apple Harvest Festival
The Al-Huda Islamic Center, which opened in 2021 in South Lansing, is where local Muslim families and university students gather for fellowship and prayer. In June, the annual Ithaca Reggae Fest returns to Stewart Park. The music-filled event also features dancing, youth activities, yoga, skateboarding, craft vendors and food trucks. Crisp fall weather marks the return of Ithaca’s Apple Harvest Festival, a three-day celebration of food and fun that introduces attendees to all things apple, including tasty new takes on cider.
Getting around South Lansing
South Lansing is a car-dependent neighborhood 8 miles from downtown Ithaca via East Shore Drive. The neighborhood is 5 miles from Ithaca International Airport. Drivers who commute to Syracuse can take NY 13 to Interstate 81 for the 50-mile drive. Tomkins County Consolidated Area Transit does provide bus service from South Lansing to Cornell and Ithaca. The closest hospital is Cayuga Medical Center, on E. Shore Drive in Ithaca.
Photography Contributed By
Vincent Mauriello
Video By
Taylor Noll
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa Shames,
an experienced agent in this area.
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