Finger Lakes & Greater Rochester
Ithaca, New York
City in Tompkins County
The City of Gorges, home to Cornell
Ithaca is the seat of Tompkins County at the southern end of Cayuga Lake, built around deep gorges and waterfalls. Cornell University and Ithaca College anchor an education- and technology-driven economy.
History & Local Character
Ithaca grew as a mill town at the head of Cayuga Lake and became a college city with Cornell's founding in 1865. Its gorges, farms and colleges shaped a progressive local culture.
Housing & Real Estate
Housing includes Victorian houses, student rentals, apartments and newer developments, with high demand and limited supply.
Restaurants & Shopping
The Commons, Aurora Street and Cayuga Street hold a dense mix of restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars, with a strong farm-to-table and vegetarian scene.
Schools & Education
Ithaca City School District serves the city, with Cornell University, Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College nearby.
Parks & Recreation
Taughannock Falls, Robert H. Treman, Buttermilk Falls and the Cayuga Lake waterfront provide gorge trails, swimming and boating.
Transportation & Accessibility
Route 13, Route 79 and Route 89 serve the city, with Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to the northeast and Cornell's campus on East Hill.
Local Businesses
Restaurants, shops, bookstores, breweries and technology firms line the Commons and surrounding streets, supported by students and a strong local-food economy.
Nearby Attractions
- Cornell University
- Ithaca Falls
- Taughannock Falls State Park
- Ithaca Farmers Market
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Strong education and technology employment
- Exceptional gorge and lake recreation
- Walkable Commons and food scene
Considerations
- Very tight housing market
- High rents relative to local wages
- Isolation from larger metros
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ithaca a city?
Yes. Ithaca is a city in Tompkins County and the county seat.
Why is Ithaca called the City of Gorges?
Several deep gorges and waterfalls cut through the city, including Ithaca Falls, Cascadilla Gorge and Fall Creek Gorge.