great city neighborhoods in Ithaca, NY? (South Hill, Sherman: home, college, live)

[noisynora]

thinking about relocating to Ithaca from Connecticut. Seems like the city might have all we would like in a new place to call home.
We have a young son with a 3 1/2 year old who lives with us. We are nearing retirement age, but not really interested in going there yet, so quite a few working years still in us.
Would like an older home neighborhood, established, within walking distance to amenties, but no problem getting in the car to get where we need to go...
thanks for any input!

[ckhthankgod]

I'm guessing that the Belle Sherman neighborhood would be a good place to look. Perhaps the South Hill area near Ithaca College too.