Rustic beauty, small-town charm and lower home prices in Tioga
Tioga, a small town about 29 miles south of Ithaca and 34 miles east of Binghamton, offers single-family home prices below the national median. Much of the area is rural farmland and woodland, but hamlets like Tioga Center have a more suburban feel. "It's very friendly and welcoming," says Tiffany Middendorf, town clerk. "Everybody tries to include everybody." Tioga is known more for its scenery than commercial activity. Trips to Owego, 10 miles away, for groceries and community events are a part of the routine. "It's more peaceful and quiet than Owego," Middendorf says. "There is a lot of wildlife and scenery. It's especially pretty in the fall."
Farmhouses and ranch-style homes with pastoral views
Most homes for sale were built in the mid- to late 20th century, though construction in the area ranges from the early 19th century to today. Many of the town's homes are spread across country roads with acreage and pastoral views. "There are lots of farms and farmland in the town of Tioga," Middendorf says. Hamlet homes are often closer together, sometimes along sidewalk-lined streets, according to Middendorf. Historic farmhouses reflect the town's rural character with front porches, wood floors and unpaved driveways leading to detached garages. Ranch-style homes from the mid to late 20th century often have red-brick facades and more modern touches, like sliding glass doors or attached garages. Home prices range from about $40,000 to $440,000, depending on size and features. The median sale price is $180,000, compared with the U.S. median of $420,000.
Relax and play at Ransom Park
Bordered by the Susquehanna River, Tioga offers a rustic recreation scene set with tranquil streams and trails weaving through untouched woodland. Ransom Park is a pocket-sized green space in Tioga Center, providing a quiet, well-maintained area to relax in nature or play a friendly basketball game. "It has a playground for the kids, a walking trail. There are picnic pavilions for people to rent," Middendorf says. Pipe Creek flows through the park into the river — a popular spot to reel in rock bass and northern pike. Nearby, Tioga Senior High's swimming pool is open to the community in the mornings and evenings, and the public Germany Hill Golf Course offers nine holes. About 10 miles away, Hickories Park is another riverside park, featuring campgrounds, volleyball courts and the Rebecca Weitsman Memorial Dog Park. "You can kayak from [Hickories Park]," Middendorf says. "There's a boat launch."
Academic and athletic opportunities at Tioga Senior High
Tioga is part of multiple school districts, including the Tioga Central School District, rated B-plus by Niche. Kids can start at the A-minus-rated Tioga Elementary before moving to the B-rated Tioga Middle and B-minus-rated Tioga Senior High. Home of the Tigers, Tioga Senior High's football team won three straight Class D state championships from 2021 to 2023. The high school also offers dual-enrollment courses for credit at Tompkins Cortland Community College.
Groceries, dessert and more in Owego
Aside from a few farms, there isn't much commercial activity in Tioga. "You would go to the next town over, which is Owego, for groceries," Middendorf says. Price Chopper carries all of the essentials, while family-run John's Fine Food offers a variety of pantry staples, butcher cuts and locally sourced produce.
Downtown Owego blends historic red-brick charm with a lively mix of secondhand shops, cozy cafes and riverfront restaurants. Carol's Coffee and Art Bar offers hot coffee and homemade bagels in an inviting space, adorned with colorful works from local artists. A community staple for over 30 years, Owego Original Italian serves indulgent favorites like hand-breaded eggplant parmesan and shrimp scampi. Across the street, Confection Connection specializes in gluten-free treats like boba, tiramisu and strawberry cupcakes. For a more elegant dessert experience, Leonardo's Wine Bar pairs fruity red wines with fudge.
Outside of downtown, Middendorf recommends Metro's for an evening out — a laid-back spot serving pizza, burgers and wings with beer on tap. "It's been there for about 50 years," she says. "They have a miniature golf course there."
A week of activities at the Tioga County Fair
Tioga residents often head to Owego for community events, like the Tioga County Fair in August. The weeklong celebration includes carnival rides, live entertainment and flavorful festival food, including Korean beef rice bowls from Red Horse Grill and fried pickle chips from Papa's Patties. Fairgoers also enjoy a demolition derby, 4-H competitions and rodeo fun, like bull riding and barrel racing.
Tioga thoroughfares and Ithaca's hospital and airport
Residents generally drive to get around Tioga. State Route 17C provides connecting access to Owego and Binghamton, while Strait Corners Road, a thoroughfare, leads north toward Ithaca. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital is 18 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 34-mile drive.
