Single female w/dog moving to Ithaca (New York, Syracuse: apartment, renting)

[sheri88]

Hello!

I'm moving to Ithaca after 2 years in Maryland... Originally from Syracuse, so I know what the winters are like. I miss New York!

My question: I'm female, artist, 36, have a large dog. I'd like to live somewhere in Ithaca where I'll feel safe enough to walk my dog, go for a jogs alone... etc.

If possible, I'd love to be in walking distance of a nice cafe, artsy area, and a park area to walk my dog... a labrador who loves water. But I don't mind having to drive a little way to get there either.
I like college towns for the arts and don't mind being around younger people but would not choose to live in an area where I'm completely surrounded by college houses and feel out of place.

I'd be renting $550-$850 range
Thanks a ton for any tips!
-s

[Ex-Ithacan]

Sounds like you might enjoy a place in the Fall Creek Neighborhood, a few blocks away from the downtown Commons. It's still a family oriented area, but close enough to both the business district and Cornell to be able to enjoy both. Even if you can't find anything in FC, the city is small enough for you to be able to get around fairly easily, and not have to worry about your safety. My brother lives in an old apartment building in one of the less desirable hoods, and pays $450 for a 1 bedroom, so rents might be higher in some of the nicer areas. Hope this helps, and I think you'll enjoy the city once you make some contacts there.

[sheri88]

Thanks for the tips Ex-Ithacan,

I'm getting a lot of great info from you on other Ithaca threads as well.
I moved away from CNY seeking more sunlight... but there are many reasons to go back. As long as I manage to escape from CNY for some sunshine in Feb. I should be able handle the cloud again.

Just keep reminding myself that if CNY it were a mecca of sunshine then everyone would want to live there and it wouldn't be affordable and traffic would suck. !!

[vicarian]

Originally Posted by sheri88

Thanks for the tips Ex-Ithacan,

I'm getting a lot of great info from you on other Ithaca threads as well.
I moved away from CNY seeking more sunlight... but there are many reasons to go back. As long as I manage to escape from CNY for some sunshine in Feb. I should be able handle the cloud again.

Just keep reminding myself that if CNY it were a mecca of sunshine then everyone would want to live there and it wouldn't be affordable and traffic would suck. !!

Oh no, that almost gave me a reason to fear global warming .

[warm heatherette]

Your dog will love Ithaca and surrounding area. We take camping vacations there with our dog (also a lab) and she loves the lake, the gorges and the hiking. The Treman Gorge, in particular, is about a two mile long hike with burbling creek (river), waterfalls and many places to wade, swim & frolic in the water. Your dog will thank you for moving there.

[ScranBarre]

As I experienced today with my visit to Ithaca, the city is very compact and walkable, so you should still be within a reasonable walk of most downtown amenities from just about any corner of town. It might not be fun walking down icy sidewalks on hills in the winter from the South Hill neighborhood, but I found this area to be particularly intriguing. A lot of homes were undergoing renovations here, including one small cottage that was being outfitted with solar panels across the entire length and width of its roof. A lot of people were out walking their dogs in this neighborhood as well. Check out my photo tour for a great idea of what to expect in terms of the natural beauty of Ithaca's urban neighborhoods.