Why Buy Here?

Most people who live in and around this vibrant community in New York State’s Finger Lakes Region would respond to this question with a resounding, “Why buy anywhere else?”

In fact, the virtues of Ithaca living are becoming more of an open secret. See for yourself . . .

Between the magnificent scenery, with its dramatic gorges and waterfalls, the world class educational institutions, and the remarkable array of cultural and artistic offerings, Ithaca and its environs are hard places to resist for putting down roots.

During the Great Recession that began late in 2008, despite national economic worries, home values in Tompkins County never depreciated significantly and continue to improve! For a detailed analysis of local economic trends, please see the page of Elia Kacapyr, Macroeconomics professor at Ithaca College.

Ithaca’s largest employer, and our local Ivy League institution, Cornell University, continually draws inspired world-class thinkers to our region, as residents and visitors. Ithaca College, begun in 1892 as a music conservatory, is a smaller, dynamic liberal arts college overlooking Cayuga Lake. 15 miles to the northeast, in Dryden, NY, Tompkins Cortland Community College rounds out our trio of well-rounded local higher educational institutions. One of the 30 Community Colleges in the State University of NY system, TC3 offers more than 50 academic programs to students of all ages.

With education as our primary industry, one can always find intellectual and artistic stimulation. Countless writers and artists have called this area their home, either as students or as professionals in their fields.

Those with school aged children are also drawn to the Ithaca area. Ithaca is home to highly rated public schools, as well as a burgeoning selection of private school offerings and a strong homeschooling network. For comprehensive information about local public and private schools, please see the Tompkins County School Listing compiled by the League of Women Voters.

Despite our winters (think cold and cloudy), one might be surprised at how many seniors relocate to the Ithaca area. Initially following grandchildren, a fond memory, or a lark, area seniors soon discover that high quality physical and mental health services are reliable and accessible (the Cayuga Medical Center, Ithaca Free Clinic, Family & Children’s Service, to list a few) as well as the area’s cultural programs and lifelong learning opportunities.

Even as our reputation as a wine making region grows, other small farms making artisan products like cheese, dairy products, and organic produce of every imaginable type, are great sources of bounty for the table. Ithaca boasts an extraordinary number of restaurants and eateries to appeal to every taste. As New York State’s burgeoning farm industry continues to reinvent itself for a more sustainable future, Ithaca is leading the way in innovative approaches to bringing its products to the table.

Our City hugs the headwaters at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, a forty mile stretch of fresh water reaching depths well over 400 feet. Aquatic sports enthusiasts enjoy the lake in all seasons, and even those who don’t partake can appreciate its beauty from our many parks, roadways, and our award winning Farmers Market.

Come visit and discover why Ithaca stands out as a fun, festive and enriching place to live and to do business in Central New York State!

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