Ithaca, NYBest Places to Live in the US in 2022

Ithaca is a college town through and through, and jobs in higher education are industry heavyweights here. Other major employers include BorgWarner Morse TEC and Cayuga Medical Center. 

Cornell University & Ithaca College

With all that water, perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising that Ithaca can be pretty wet, with an annual rainfall of just over 37 inches and snowfall of 65 inches. January is the coldest (highs average 31 degrees and lows average 15 degrees) and snowiest (18 inches) month. Come May, residents get their revenge with mild weather that lasts through October.

Less than 3 miles from downtown, Buttermilk Falls State Park offers more than 800 acres of natural playground with its namesake cascade, a small lake, woodland hiking trails, camping, picnic areas, playing fields, a natural pool and a wetland area with nature trails.

Most of Ithaca’s residents rent their homes due to higher home costs and lower rent costs. 100% of Ithaca residents have access to high-speed internet at a reasonable price. The city’s average age is fairly young, and the crime rates are relatively low. Although there are no specific incentives for remote workers, there are plenty of coworking spaces, i.e., Foundry Ithaca and The Common Spot, as well as laptop-friendly bars and cafes.

You know that warm, cozy feeling when you settle into your favorite spot with a good book? That’s how Odyssey Bookstore feels the minute you walk through the door. Warm lighting reveals carefully curated shelves with thousands of titles, including special sections highlighting local authors and history.

Enjoy an authentic farm-to-fork experience at the Ithaca Farmers Market, which has been recognized as one of the must-visit markets in the nation. Held at the pavilion at Steamboat Landing from April through mid-December, the market features farmers, chefs and artisans all from within a 30-mile radius of Ithaca.

Soak in the beauty of art and architecture at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art at Cornell University, which is housed in an I. M. Pei building with panoramic views. The art collection includes more than 40,000 pieces, including works by Rembrandt, Whistler, Manet and Matisse.

With beer, bubbles, cider, “boozy sippers” and wine, The Watershed features a great selection of beverages for cocktails (or mocktails) and conversation. 

With a climate similar to Germany’s famous wine-making Rhine Valley, Ithaca has also successfully cultivated cool-climate grapes. Today, the region is home to 25 wineries, including Six Mile Creek Vineyard and Ports of New York Winery.

Scenic surroundings, excellent education systems and quality health care are just a few of the reasons Ithaca is a best place to live in New York.

Whether you’re seeking a fresh start in your career, a stronger sense of community, or a higher quality of life in New York state, Ithaca has you covered. Homebuyers looking for their forever home in Ithaca, NY will get more bounce for the ounce since the median sale price in the city is slightly over $294K, which is under the state and country’s median values. Typically, the Ithaca, NY real estate market has more single-detached houses than condominiums or townhouses, with the majority of the available homes concentrated in central Ithaca, near areas like Collegetown and the downtown core. Contact a local eXp real estate agent to learn more about the homes available in Ithaca.