Recent trip to Ithaca
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12/8/2007
Traveled to Ithaca over the Thanksgiving holiday to relive the sights and sounds after a ten year hiatus. I haven't been to Ithaca in ten years since my graduation from college. Ithaca has certainly changed, in some ways for the better and in some ways not.
Driving through the residential streets of south hill, it becomes apparent that nothing has really changed. The houses still look the same for the most part and in some cases much worse vs ten years earlier. The roads are much worse. I'm not sure if the City of Ithaca has paved a road in ten years or so.
The Commons aka the "main drag" is virtually unchanged except for some new businesses and restaurants. Ithaca is still its old hippy self and very "green". The Commons certainly does draw some interesting looking characters but you can find such people in almost any city or village. People here really care about the environment and especially what kind of food they put into their bodies. It was very cold as I strolled through the commons, a balmy 29 F degrees BUT sunny!
Ithaca has many wonderful restaurants and coffee houses to choose from. Unfortunately, since my last visit Starbucks has moved into the downtown area. According to the locals, Starbucks was banned for as long as possible until Cornell overpowered the local activists. Speaking of Cornell, Cornell is the powerhouse of Ithaca. Cornell is the largest employer in Tompkins county. Between Cornell University and Ithaca College, Ithaca draws and maintains many intellectuals on all levels. Don't be surprised if your local barrista has a masters or PhD to boot. A new high rise hotel has sprung up since my last visit. It looks like a 9 or ten story Hilton Garden Inn.
The housing market has remained steady even over the course of the recent market downturn. Ithaca has about 30,000 residents but adds another 30,000 people or so during the school year. Ithaca has very good schools-education is a darling of the city. The schools on all levels are excellent.
The outdoor culture is amazing. There is plenty of activities to do in the great outdoors. Ithaca is known for its gorges and waterfalls. Ithaca also is home to many beautiful state parks. If you like wine tasting be sure to visit the local wineries, especially as you drive north along Lake Cayuga. Just name the activity and you can do it or find it in Ithaca such as mountain biking, 4-Wheeling, skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, swimming, biking and hiking just to name a few.
If you're considering moving to Ithaca, NY just be aware of the cost of living. Buying a home is not too expensive, but maintaining it can be more so. The property taxes are very very high(2.8-3.8% avg) and sales taxes are 8.25%. Welcome to NY. Heating Oil costs can also add to your monhtly bills during the harsh winter months.
If you like snow, wind and cold this is your place. You will get plenty of it during the long winter months. If you want more snow you can travel north and east to Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo. The summer and fall months are so splendid to say the least. The weather is beautiful from May to October.
Rick | Carlsbad, CA