Why Ithaca, NY?
Ithaca is home to spectacular waterfalls and lakes, organic farms and wineries, a thriving music and arts community, and an invigorating climate year-round. Located at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the 11 Finger Lakes, Ithaca is consistently rated among the most livable cities in the United States.
With more restaurants per capita then New York City, Ithaca has a bustling social scene with dozens of bars and restaurants, as well as music venues, theaters, and a farmers’ market that’s been named one of the best in the country by Zagat.
Ithaca even has its own winery, Six Mile Creek Vineyard, which is one of 16 wineries, one cidery, one meadery, and four distilleries located along Cayuga Lake. The lake and the surrounding gorges offer great spots for outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, jogging, swimming, or simply taking in the beautiful scenery, which includes more than 100 waterfalls.
Check out this sampling of Ithaca’s recent accolades:
- Ithaca ranked #1 college town in New York state,September 2019
- Ithaca named Best College Town in America, by Livability, September 2018
- Ithaca ranked among the 20 Best College Towns for Food in America, April 2015
- Ithaca named among best small cities for young single women, March 2015
- 10 Cheapest Urban Cities for TwentySomethings, February, 2015
- Ithaca named 9th Most Exciting College Towns by MSN Real Estate, May 2014
- The Finger Lakes ranked 8th must-visit spot on the "Wine Tours of the World" feature from ABC News, April 2014
- Tompkins County named 2nd "Healthiest County in New York" by CountyHealthRankings.org, April 2014
- Ithaca named one of "America's Most Romantic Towns" by Travel + Leisure, January 2014
You can learn more about living in Ithaca on the Living In Ithaca webpage, including information on housing/neighborhood maps, dining, and graduate support services.