Neighborhoods in Ithaca, NY

As Ithaca’s first planned suburb, Cornell Heights Historic District stands as a beacon of 19th-century American residential development and architectural grandeur amidst the Fall Creek Gorge’s natural setting in Central New York. Conceived initially as an exclusive enclave for the distinguished faculty of the adjacent Cornell University, the

East Hill is an Ithaca neighborhood bordered by Cascadilla Gorge Trail to the north and State Street to the south. It is conveniently situated about 2 miles from Cornell University and a mile from Downtown Ithaca. Residents benefit from living in a dense residential neighborhood within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops and parks. “The

The scenic Forest Home neighborhood, located on the banks of Fall Creek, is in northeastern Ithaca and is surrounded by the meadows and fields of Cornell University’s botanical gardens and golf course. “Forest Home is its own little enclave, it feels separated from everywhere else,” says Johan Dulfer, an associate broker with Berkshire Hathaway

Walking just a few blocks east of College Avenue in Ithaca, it quickly becomes apparent that the Bryant Park/Belle Sherman neighborhood is much more of a year-round residential community than the busy Cornell University's Collegetown area. Here, one finds grassy front lawns and quiet residential streets. “Belle Sherman is one of the top three

Downtown Ithaca is a diverse neighborhood of historic buildings, hip stores and vibrant artwork. Just a half mile from Cornell University’s Campus, the area has a college-town vibe. “The college kids keep this community young at heart,” says Allison Hogue. Their presence also enables many local businesses to flourish, she says. As Downtown Ithaca

Like most of the greater Ithaca area, the South Hill community is surrounded by gorges, waterfalls, forests and lakes. Life in this suburban district has a rural feel despite being home to Ithaca College and just minutes from city amenities and Cornell University. “There are definitely different faces associated with South Hill. A combination of

Fall Creek is an Ithaca neighborhood just north of downtown that captures both the vibes of an established community and the energy of a hip college town. Since the late 18th century, the area has been the site of paper mills, foundries and factories. When those industries left in the second half of the 19th century, Fall Creek began to grow as a

Northwest Ithaca's main appeal is access to the Cayuga Medical Center and Ithaca’s natural spaces within the Finger Lakes region of Central New York. Though many are affiliated with the hospital, residents enjoy the neighborhood’s sparse feel while being less than 4 miles from Downtown. “Northwest Ithaca is not crowded at all,” says Johan Dulfer,

East Ithaca’s location within Central New York plays a significant role in the neighborhood’s character: not only is the Ithaca suburb wedged between Cornell University and Ithaca College, but easy access to the Finger Lakes region’s natural spaces and recreational opportunities helps foster an active lifestyle. “The Ivy League draws a lot of

Just across Cayuga Lake Inlet from downtown Ithaca, hilly streets provide stunning views of the waterfront. Despite West Hill’s access to the city and its conveniences, the community’s rolling hills and acres of farmland and woodland give it a rural feel. “Not only is West Hill close to downtown and the Cayuga Medical Center,” says Melissa

Ithaca’s North Side is a triangular-shaped community bounded by Cascadilla Creek to the east, Route 13 to the west, and Cascadilla Street to the south. The mostly residential neighborhood of apartments, multi- and single-family homes was developed in the 1930s after the city rerouted Cascadilla Creek and drained the land around it. The original

Washington Park, like much of Ithaca, appeals to potential homebuyers for a variety of reasons. Some are drawn to the community’s walkability factor. Others appreciate the historic nature of the community. The park that is the community’s namesake opened in 1871. And still others enjoy the local vibe. Ithaca is home to Cornell University and

An established neighborhood of Ithaca, Southside is a historically Black community that celebrates a rich history spanning over 150 years. Historic landmarks include the oldest church of Ithaca, St. James AME Zion Church. The small chapel was a known information hub for the Underground Railroad, frequented by pioneers Harriet Tubman and Frederick

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