Ithaca

Home to prestigious Cornell University and Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY is a Gorge-ous College Town that’s home to more than 30,054 people. To live here costs around $227,500, and the town also offers affordable housing (Cayuga View Apartments; Conofer Village at Ithaca, Ellis Hollow, and more) and many other benefits as well, in addition to a vibrant night life.

Cornell University is a 2 as well as 4-year college, which offers an outstanding education. While you’re visiting the campus, check out the Johnson Art Museum or stroll around the beautiful Cornell Botanical Garden. Ithaca College is a private school with a breathtaking scenery of the stunning Cayuga Lake, as well as an unforgettable view of many naturally-formed gorges and waterfalls. Found on Ithaca’s South Hill area, Ithaca College is known as the northern US’s best 10 colleges (U.S. News & World Reports, 1996-2010; in 2010, it was 7 best) and its alumni have made groundbreaking moves in the broadcasting business.

In addition to the colleges, the Ithaca City School District offers a wonderful education and are very well-received by their communities. Ithaca City School District includes Boynton Middle school, Alternative Community school, and Dewitt Middle School. Your children will know they have become a part of a caring community here, and the staff of Ithaca City School District will work hard to establish a high-quality learning environment.

Ithaca’s other benefits include excellent quality medical care (Cayuga Medical Center; Ithaca Free Clinic and Planned Parenthood) excellent child care facilities (Ithaca Community Childcare Center, Drop-In Children’s Center, St. Paul’s Nursery School, and more), a fantastic library (Tompkins County Public Library) several gyms (Finger Lakes Fitness, Planet Fitness, East Lake Recreation Club, City Health Club) and the Short Line Bus and Greyhound Lines for transportation (these can take you all the way to NYC if desired!). The crime rate is average for the area, but Colleges unfortunately sometimes bring a bit of turbulence to the area; therefore, expect a little more hustle and bustle than surrounding areas.

Planning a trip to Ithaca? You can stay at either of these fantastic and unique locations: The William Henry Miller Inn, the Inn on Columbia, the Hilton Garden Inn, the Holiday inn, the Courtyard Marriot, the Country Inn and Suites, the Inn at Gothic Eves, and the McLallen House Bed & Breakfast. Once in town, visit either the Cornell and Ithaca campuses, and have a famous vegetarian meal at the Moosewood Restaurant, which has been ranked 13th amongst the highest rated influential restaurants in the United States (Bon Apetite Magazine). While you’re here, don’t forget to buy a copy of their vegetarian cookbook! As far as other restaurants go, there are too many worth of mention, but highlights include Bandwagon Brew Pub, Blue Stone Bar & Grill, Hal’s Delicatessen, Ithaca Ale House, and Kilpatric’s Publick House. My tastes are rather specific, but you can find most cuisines represented including Indian, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Italian, and even Tibetan!

Ithaca has lots of parks and beautiful landscapes. Parks include the Great Views at Taughannock Falls State Park and Fall Creek Gorge, as well as Buttermilk Falls State Park (which has a swimming area, as well as huge waterfalls) and Robert Treman State Park has good hiking trails for the experienced.

Downtown Ithaca Commons (which includes the Moosewood Restaurant) has more than a hundred stores, including a full range of healthcare services including Chiropractors, Therapy, Dentists, Message, Physicians, Acupuncture, and Nutritionists, as well as Green Street Pharmacy. Five bookstores are here as well, including Autumn Leaves Used Books, colophon Books, and the fantastic Comics for Collectors which is worth a trip to satisfy your inner geek. There’s a whole lot more to explore and discover! For more information, you can visit: http://www.downtownithaca.com/.