Ithaca, New York, may be small in size, but packed with charm, character, and opportunities. Situated within the scenic Finger Lakes region, Ithaca is best known as being home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, yet it offers much more than college-town energy. From waterfalls and wine trails to dynamic arts and culture scenes, this city truly has it all if you're searching for your rental.
Location and Setting
Ithaca lies at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, about an hour's drive from Syracuse and two from Rochester. The region is famed for its natural beauty, boasting more than 150 waterfalls within 10 miles of downtown. Living here means being surrounded by lakes, forests, gorges, and state parks while still having access to an easily walkable downtown core.
Living in Ithaca
Life in Ithaca offers its special rhythm, one in which academic endeavor, outdoor adventure, and civic involvement all collide. The city is highly eco-conscious with farmers markets, co-ops, and community gardens as regular fixtures of city life. Its residents love kayaking on Cayuga Lake during summer and hiking Buttermilk Falls or Taughannock Falls State Park year-round.
Ithaca's downtown Commons are at the core of social life in Ithaca. They offer locally owned bookstores, coffee shops, international restaurants, year-round events like Apple Fest and outdoor concerts, cozy yet friendly spaces filled with personality.
Ithaca Rental Market: Student-Friendly and Surprisingly Diverse
It is no secret that Ithaca, with two major colleges nearby, enjoys an enviable rental market. Strong demand among students, faculty members, and young professionals for housing of various kinds, ranging from historic houses to sleek new apartment complexes, and offering lease agreements to coincide with academic calendars.
Average Rent in Ithaca, NY:
- Studios: $1,000 – $1,400/month
- One-bedroom apartments: $1,300 – $1,700/month
- Two-bedroom apartments: $1,800 – $2,100/month
- Coliving spaces: ~$750/month per bedroom
Rental prices may fluctuate based on your proximity, so planning early can make the difference when looking for housing options.
Best Neighborhoods for Renters
Each Ithaca neighborhood offers something special. Here are a few favorites among renters in Ithaca:
- Collegetown - Ideal for Cornell students, this area facilitates convenient access to campus, food spots, and bus lines as well as lots of student rentals and apartment buildings.
- South Hill - Home to Ithaca College and famous for its peaceful streets. An ideal option for off-campus student housing and young professionals.
- Downtown / Fall Creek - An exciting, walkable area boasting Victorian homes, small businesses, and close proximity to downtown.
- East Hill/Belle Sherman - It is a tranquil residential community close to Cornell and walking trails, ideal for quiet living.
- West End/West Hill - More affordable and gaining in popularity among renters looking for larger homes or coliving solutions.
Education and Student Housing
Cornell University and Ithaca College together enroll over 25,000 students who require off-campus housing options for classes. Many choose apartments nearby, often walking or bicycling to classes for convenience.
Off-campus options could include:
- Furnished apartments
- Private bedrooms in coliving units
- Utilities and amenities included
Landlords and property managers in Ithaca are adept at working with students, with rentals designed specifically to suit college life, including study spaces, flexible leasing options, and roommate matching services.
History, Culture, and Community
Ithaca's story is intertwined with its surroundings. Once part of the Iroquois Confederacy, Ithaca became an academic and cultural center in the 19th and 20th centuries. Nowadays, Ithaca embraces progressive values with an emphasis on sustainability, diversity, and the arts.
On any given weekend, you are sure to come across street murals, live theater performances, and local music performances.
Transportation and Accessibility
Ithaca is small and easily navigable by bike, on foot, or bus. Most residents bike, walk, or take advantage of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit's (TCAT) bus system, which offers affordable routes around town and to both college campuses.
- Bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) provides access to major East Coast hubs.
- Car-free living can easily be achieved in central areas like Collegetown and Downtown.
- Many rentals include parking or offer off-street options for your vehicle rental.
Why Rent in Ithaca, NY?
Ithaca offers the beauty and energy of both Finger Lakes and university towns rolled into one. No matter if you are a student looking for off-campus housing near Cornell or looking for peaceful living with great schools, Ithaca offers rentals that meet these criteria and more. From modern downtown apartments to serene hillside homes, the housing market in Ithaca reflects its vibrant and welcoming character.
Discover the top Ithaca apartments, student rentals, and off-campus housing near Cornell or Ithaca College today on Tripalink—your journey begins here.
