2026 Compare Cities Rankings:
Ithaca, NY vs Santa Clarita, CA

#1 Most Secure Places to Live 2011 (Small Towns)

#1 Emerging Metropolitan Areas

#2 Best Green Cities

#3 Most Secure Places to Live in the U.S. (Small Towns)

#22 Most Competitive Private Colleges

#2 Most Comfortable Summer Cities

#2 Top 10 Cities to Beat the Heat

#43 Best Cities for Board Gamers

#47 Gloomiest Places in America

#50 America's Top Hygge Cities

For a small city, its downtown has grown significantly and serves as the hub of the community. The Ithaca Commons remains the central gathering space for locals,  More

Great place to live. Lots to do, vibrant culture, and beautiful scenery. Don't fear the winter--it's even beautiful then. Only complaint is the housing market. Way  More

I was born, raised, educated there (Ithaca High and Cornell). In my opinion, before leaving to pursue my career, it seemed like the most beautiful, clean, low crime,  More

It’s called awesome Town for a reason! Great schools, great People and climate! It’s a treasure!   More

Wonderful community! Beautiful paseo paths throughout great for bike riding, roller skating, scooters, walks and jogs. Great weather, 30 minutes from the beach, lots  More

My husband and I moved into our first home in 1989 - just as the Valencia Mall broke ground. I still miss the Bob's Big Boy at the corner of Valencia Blvd. and Magic  More