Our Community : Ithaca
Ithaca, New York is the “Number One Emerging City in the U.S."?, (Cities Ranked and Rated, by Sperling and Sander, 2004.) Located in the heart of New York’s magical Finger Lakes Region, Ithaca offers something for everyone.
Found in Tompkins County, Ithaca and the surrounding region were formed when Ice Age glaciers moved through the area, leaving behind tremendous gorges and amazing waterfalls. Over 150 waterfalls lie within a ten-mile radius of downtown Ithaca. Sitting at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, the largest and deepest of the Finger Lakes, Ithaca maintains a reputation as one of the top 10 bass fishing areas. Over 128 different species of fish have been discovered in the region. ‘Ithaca is Gorges,’ boasts the local bumper stickers, and it is easy to see why residents take pride in their home.
Serving as the county seat, Ithaca has been voted one of the most attractive cities in the state. With more restaurants per capita than New York City, it has become the cultural center for the region. Ithaca Commons, in the downtown area, was awarded ‘New York’s Top Design Project’ by the American Institute of Architects.
Cornell University was founded here in 1868, and today, Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College serve the region. These internationally respected institutions are the reason for the unparalleled percentage of writers, authors, scientists and researchers in the city. Ithaca’s population of over 29,000 (Census 2000 data), prove to be some of the most intellectual and creative in the nation. While education is Ithaca’s primary industry, it’s not the only one. The Tompkins County Area Development Association lies ready to aid new businesses coming into the area. Tompkins County remains one of the fastest-growing counties in the state.
Theater, music and the arts are all a deeply important part of Ithaca living and the choices of concerts and production to attend, as well as art shows and galleries, is boundless. The Ithaca Festival draws more than 45,000 people annually, serving as a showcase for local artists, craftsmen and musician. July’s Grassroots Music Festival is another example of the many events awaiting Ithaca residents and visitors.
Ithaca, NY combines small town atmosphere with all the amenities of big city living. The lush and stunning natural beauty both within and surrounding the city wins the hearts of all who visit. Designated “America’s Most Enlightened City” by the Utne Reader, in 1997, it is easy to see why Ithaca residents adore their home.
