Communities with character.

Ithaca & County Neighborhoods

Whether you live in one of Tompkins County’s smaller towns, or in the City of Ithaca itself, you will find community here. Each neighborhood and municipality has it’s own character, natural beauty, and wonderful people.

Tompkins County, New York

Tompkins County is one of Upstate New York’s most naturally beautiful, economically prosperous, and intellectually engaging places. Situated in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions, Tompkins County is a gateway to small towns, rural villages, and growing urban centers. Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes runs through much of the county.

Tompkins County has just over 100,000 residents and throughout each year, around 30,000 students arrive to study at Cornell and IthacaCollege. Navigate the interactive map below to see a snapshot of the different communities and neighborhoods in Tompkins County and Ithaca.

Tompkins County & Ithaca are located on land that once belonged to the native Cayuga Tribe of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The City of Ithaca

The city of Ithaca is centrally located at the heart of the county, surrounded by the Town of Ithaca, and on the southern tip of Cayuga Lake. Ithaca is known as one of the smartest cities, best college towns, and best places to live in the U.S..

Ithaca has inspired some of the most influential and brilliant writers, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs in American history and is often referred to as 10 square miles surrounded by reality. Ithaca continues to inspire thousands of students, residents, and visitors every year, and continues to grow into what Mayor Svante Myrick calls The best small city in America.

Ithaca is named after the Greek city of the same name, and the home of Odysseus in Homer’s seminal epic, “The Odyssey.”

Find your home here.

Housing & Real Estate

Moving Here

Numerous local companies want to help make your home just perfect for you and your family. See below a list of trusted local contractors who can support you in your new home construction or remodeling project. Even if you just need fresh carpeting, we’ve got you covered.

Movers & Storage

Truck Rentals

Extended Stay Rentals

CSP Management

With over 30 years of experience, C.S.P. Management is Ithaca’s most trusted rental agency. If you are looking to live in Ithaca and its surrounding areas, C.S.P. has the experience to find the right place for you. Some of our newest properties, like Ivy Ridge Townhomes, even welcome your furry friends!

Available Apartments

Apartments

Numerous property managers and services can help you find the right apartment or house to rent in our community. A few great local resources are included below!

Buy A Home or Land

Let one of our fantastic local real estate agents help you find the perfect new home in our community.

Build or Remodel Your House

Numerous local companies want to help make your home just perfect for you and your family. See below a list of trusted local contractors who can support you in your new home construction or remodeling project. Even if you just need fresh carpeting, we’ve got you covered.

Utilities, Energy, and Related Services

Local utility and service providers listed below have service territories within Tompkins County. Some delivery areas vary by municipality, so check with the providers to determine who can serve your location. We’ve also included local solar installers and companies you can purchase community solar energy from, as well as some local contractors which can help with energy efficiency measures or installation of new HVAC systems. Contact the Tompkins Chamber if you need any additional support with relocation!

Electricity, Gas, and Fuel

TV, Internet, Phone Service Providers

Safety & Security

Solar and Energy Efficiency Contractors

It takes a village.

Schools, Education, & Childcare

“It feels good to build something special for my children and every other child in this wonderful community.”

– Dr. Luvelle Brown, Superintendent, Ithaca City School District

School & Child Care Options

Nationally Recognized

Ithaca & Tompkins County are known for their prestigious higher education institutions, but the area schools are also nationally recognized. The robust arts and outdoor recreation qualities of the area are taught early and often. Classes are small, graduation rates are high, and several districts have won multiple awards for their excellence in teaching and varied programs.

There are opportunities in several different educational philosophies, including Montessori, Waldorf, Alternative High Schools, and a unique array of strong public school systems. Complimented with Ithaca’s vibrant culture and natural resources, growing up in Ithaca is an advantageous start in life!

K-12 Public Schools

K-12 Public Schools

TST BOCES Districts adjacent to Tompkins County

Private Schools & Alternative Education

Childcare & Early Childhood

Ithaca & Tompkins County have several options for child care and early childhood education. Whether you choose a private provider, group family day care, child care center, or rely on before & after school program care–there are many options to support your family as you balance raising a family with your work obligations. Check below for resources!

Designed with you in mind.

Transportation

“Over 40% of Ithacans walk to work—one of the highest rates in the United States.”

– U.S. Census

Transportation Options

Transportation in Tompkins County

From reliable, clean, and friendly public transportation to walkable communities, to affordable car share options, Tompkins County has designed it’s transportation infrastructure with users and communities in mind.

According to census statistics, over 40% of Ithacans walk to work—one of the highest rates in the United States. Newly introduced digital bus tracking and on-demand service are helping to keep Ithaca & Tompkins county a fast-paced and easy to get around community.

Public Transportation

Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. (TCAT), Ithaca, NY, has been officially recognized by its industry peers as being the best transit system of its size in North America. TCAT’s 33 bus routes transport both out‑of‑county and in‑county residents to and from Cornell University, Ithaca College, Tompkins Cortland Community College as well as retail, entertainment, commercial, residential and professional centers. TCAT operates 22 hours a day, seven days a week and 360 days a year.

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

As a major international and national gateway to Cornell, Ithaca College, TC3 and other major employers, Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport has three major airlines offering jet service to Philadelphia, Detroit, and Newark (Washington D.C. Service begins in October 2018). Fly Delta, United, or American to over 200 one-stop destinations worldwide.

Fly Ithaca

Regional & NYC Travel

New York City is more accessible from Ithaca than ever before – only a four hour drive by car, bus, or rideshare, everything the city has to offer is at your fingertips. Other major cities within a few hours of Ithaca include Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and Philadelphia.

Bike Walk Tompkins

Bike Walk Tompkins was formed to advocate for the needs of active transportation users, encourage more people to walk and bike more often, and inspire the community to consider walking and biking as everyday modes of transportation.

Bike Walk Tompkins

Ridesharing & Care Share

Lyft and other ridesharing apps are available day and night in Ithaca & Tompkins County, and provide a quick and easy way to get from point a to point b. Did you know that Lyft’s co-founder John Zimmer got the idea for ridesharing while studying at Cornell University in Ithaca?

Additionally, Ithaca Car Share is a membership service offering 24/7 self-serve access to fuel-efficient cars, a minivan, and a truck conveniently located around town.

Learn More with Way2Go

Way2Go is Tompkins County’s transportation information hub, helping riders find and choose transportation options that meet their needs.  We facilitate new community solutions to advance our vision for all people and communities to have the transportation they need to thrive.

Purchase or Lease a Car

Ithaca has dealerships offering new and used cars from every major make and model. Check out dealerships that are members of the Tompkins Chamber for options to purchase or lease.

Tompkins Chamber

Medical & Assisted Transportation

Resources are available for individuals needing assisted transportation in Tompkins County. Details can be found locally by calling 2-1-1 or reading information from Way2Go below.

Volunteer Opportunities

Check out the numerous volunteer opportunities available with United Way Volunteer Tompkins

Learn More