Ithaca 77 Exceptional
Ithaca Livability #192 ranked city in New York#2,855 ranked city in the USARanks better than 90% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Ithaca

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Schools Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Ratings Ratings

    Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.

What's it like Living in Ithaca?

Located in the state of New York, Ithaca is a mid-sized city with a population of 31,399 residents. With a population density of 5,827 people per square mile, Ithaca is well above the nation's average density level. At 68%, the majority of the Ithaca population is White; this is followed by 17% Asian and 6% Black. Ithaca tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 22 is far below the national average. Ithaca is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 21%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Ithaca will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 17 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Ithaca could be a positive experience compared to other cities in New York if you know where to look. 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 Ithaca and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, health & safety, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New York and national averages.

Ithaca, NY receives 76/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #199 in New York and #3,078 in the USA. Compared to the national average, Ithaca ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Based on the grades for each individual category, Ithaca has been rewarded with high marks for education (A). On a more negative note, Ithaca does not have favorable grades for the following: crime (D). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

If you're considering living in Ithaca, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Ithaca provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Ithaca: Experience! The Finger Lakes, Ithaca Farmers Market, and Rasa Spa.

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Ithaca shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 196 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Ithaca. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Ithaca are affordable. The median home price for Ithaca homes is $476,073, which is 5.4% lower than the New York average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Ithaca, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 8.3, which is 48.2% higher than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Ithaca

See all the best places to live around Ithaca

How Do You Rate The Livability In Ithaca?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Ithaca, NY Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Ithaca transportation information

      Statistic Ithaca New York National
      Average one way commute17min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work28.6%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.4%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit12.5%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.4%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk30.7%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home17.9%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The Ithaca, 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.