A residential street in Ithaca becomes its own neighborhood
Named for the street that the neighborhood is set on, Spencer Road is a wooded, residential strip of classic-style homes that runs parallel to the bustling NY State Route 13. This sliver of southern Ithaca boasts convenient proximity to shopping centers to its north, the Ithaca College campus to its east, and the bounteous, beautiful spaces of Buttermilk Falls State Park to its south. Yet, the road itself maintains a suburban feel with a slow pace and quiet surroundings.
Humble homes with classic architecture
A mature canopy of trees shades the established homes along Spencer Road, many set further back on modest lots framed by front lawns and towering trees. Though the street doesn’t have sidewalks, residents still walk the road, which doesn’t see a lot of thru-traffic. The small cottages and bungalows feature classic architectural styles, including Craftsman, Colonial Revival and Dutch Colonial influences. “A good portion of Spencer Road is a mix of older home styles, and there are a few townhouses as well,” says Johan Dulfer, a local broker with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Heritage Realty. Prices may range from $98,000 for a fixer-upper to $267,500 for a larger two-story bungalow style.
Spencer road is home to some very unique Cape Cods, another popular home type found here.
Homes on Spencer Road are often perched on a hill above the road with stairways leading up.
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Nearby big box retailers and local eateries
Spencer Road funnels into Route 13, a major thoroughfare that runs north-south stacked with hotels, casual franchise eateries and other local and regional businesses. The neighborhood butts right up against South Meadow Square and Marketplace, two adjacent shopping centers housing a slew of grocery stores and convenient establishments such as Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and T.J. Maxx. “Wegmans and a lot of the stores down there are walkable from Spencer Road,” Dulfer says, adding that the convenient proximity is an appeal for residents. Panera and Five Guys in the shopping plaza and KFC and Subway to the south of the neighborhood offer fast-casual and franchise dining options.
Hungry locals can also stop into diverse eateries along Route 13. Authentic Szechuan-style dishes sizzle at easygoing Spicy Asian, while the vibrant Old Mexico serves classic Mexican favorites like fajitas down the street. “MIX is also a really popular place for Spencer Road because it’s right there on the corner,” Dulfer adds. It’s especially popular on Sundays. Patrons order from an extensive menu of craft cocktails and eclectic small plates as the dimly lit restaurant fills with live jazz and blues music on Sunday evenings.
Trader Joe's is a well known but eclectic grocery chain in Spencer Road.
MIX in Spencer Road is a vibrant spot offering eclectic small plates & seasonal cocktails.
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Recreation at Ithaca College campus and Buttermilk Falls
Proximity to an abundance of Ithaca’s recreational spaces is a significant draw for Spencer Road residents. “The folks on Spencer Road especially enjoy being around nature and living up against South Hill,” Dulfer says. “The Hill has gorges and beautiful scenery that residents take advantage of.” South Hill is home to the South Hill Recreation Way and the Ithaca College campus, which boasts the expansive Ithaca College Natural Lands. Hikers, bikers and bird-watchers flock to these open spaces to enjoy a slice of central New York’s nature. The South Hill Town Recreation Way takes hikers on scenic trails along the Six Mile Creek, leading to breath-taking spots like the rushing Potter’s Falls and Second Dam. Just south of Spencer Road, the Buttermilk Falls State Park spans 811 acres, overflowing with wooded trails and campgrounds. Hikers wander over curved bridges and climb stone stairs along the deep gorge to reach the foaming Buttermilk Falls, a cascading waterfall that stands 165 feet tall. Kids also enjoy the playground at Baker Park, or honing their skateboarding skills at the Ithaca Skatepark across the street.
Even in the Summer, students can be found walking the Ithaca College campus near Spencer Road.
Sit and relax at Buttermilk Falls State Park.
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Outdoor events at Visions FCU Amphitheater
Just minutes from Spencer Road, the Visions FCU Amphitheater attracts locals to its green field and venue for various free community events. The amphitheater’s summer calendar includes family-friendly events such as sunrise yoga at 7 a.m. on Sundays, Thursday evening Comedy Nights, and a slew of musical performances and concerts. Locals grab a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy concessions at each event.
The Visions FCU Amphitheater located in Spencer Road has summertime concerts on the weekends.
The botanic gardens at Cornell University near Spencer Road has thousands of plant species.
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Strong academics in Ithaca City School District
Students living in the Spencer Road neighborhood attend schools within the Ithaca City School District, including Fall Creek Elementary School, which earns a B-plus Niche score. Kids advance to A-minus-rated Boynton Middle School, where they can participate in strong athletic and arts programs, including a top-performing concert band. Exemplary students at A-rated Ithaca High School can earn the New York State Seal of Biliteracy when they pursue and maintain bilingual programs. Ithaca College and Cornell University are both postsecondary options for Spencer Road residents.
The iconic red and yellow colors of Ithaca High School is memorable to Spencer Road students.
Boynton Middle School serves the neighborhood of Spencer Road in Ithaca, NY.
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Spencer Road to Route 13 to Downtown
As one of the area’s main thoroughfares, NY Route 13 connects Spencer Road residents directly into Downtown Ithaca and other neighboring communities. Commuters may take the handful of bus stops, serviced by the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, along Elmira Road. For further travel, residents get to the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, which is about 6 miles north, in about 13 minutes.
Public transportation can be found throughout Spencer Road in many convenient locations.
Route 13 is the primary thoroughfare connecting Spencer Road to downtown Ithaca.
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
Terri Starr,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Buttermilk Falls State Park
Transit
Airport
Ithaca Tompkins International
13 min drive
Bus
Elmira & Spencer
Bus
Elmira & Meadow
Bus
359 Elmira Rd - Fairfield Inn
Bus
323 Elmira Rd - Byrne Dairy
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Spencer Road
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Spencer Road, Ithaca sell after 131 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Spencer Road, Ithaca over the last 12 months is $238,750, up 34% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Location location location! This beautiful wooded lot is tucked away peacefully in the heart of downtown Ithaca, alongside a babbling stream, surrounded by its own trees. Just around the corner from everything that Ithaca has to offer; restaurants, shopping, you name it! Less than 2 miles to Cornell University, Ithaca College, Collegetown, Ithaca Commons & Ithaca Farmers Market. This property is
Enjoy maintenance-free living in a quiet and conveniently located community. This beautiful property is sure to provide quality living. Forest Edge is conveniently located in Ithaca, close to Cornell University, Ithaca College, and the Commons. You are in the heart of area shopping, restaurants, outdoor recreation, and the Finger Lakes Wine Region of New York.Forest Edge Townhomes offer
Quiet Duplex on Spencer Road split into house and basement apartment. Off street parking and shared backyard. Tenant pays for gas, electric and trash in each unit. Credit, background check and references required during application process. One month security deposit also required. Available July 1st, 2025. Pets negotiable for fee and/or additional pet rent. Email for showing or with inquiry
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Terri Starr,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
358
Median Age
35
Population under 18
28.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$49,482
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$60,123
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.1%
College Graduates
52.4%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
28.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
73%
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®
31/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
42/ 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.
