Cortland 77 Exceptional
Cortland Livability #201 ranked city in New York#3,105 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Cortland

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

What's it like Living in Cortland?

Cortland is a mid-sized city located in the state of New York. The city has a population of 19,302 people. In Cortland, there are 4,957 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (92% White). Given that fact, Cortland could be considered less diverse than other cities. With an average age of 27 years old, Cortland could be a great place to live for young adults as this age is well below the national average. In Cortland, only 33% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Cortland is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Cortland could be a positive experience compared to other cities in New York if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Cortland and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New York and national averages.

Cortland, NY receives 75 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #231 in New York and #3,651 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Cortland ranks well in multiple categories! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Cortland scores well for amenities (A-), cost of living (B) and housing (A+) There are some categories that Cortland does not rank well for, including: employment (D). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.

Living in Cortland offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Cortland provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Cortland market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Cortland is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Cortland come in at $206,757, which is 58.9% lower than the New York average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Cortland, the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 48.2% lower than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Cortland

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Cortland?

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Compare Cortland, NY Livability

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      Cortland transportation information

      Statistic Cortland New York National
      Average one way commute17min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work68.8%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool13.8%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.8%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.1%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk10.8%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home3.5%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The Cortland, NY data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.