Retiring to Ithaca (New York, York, McGraw: apartments, income, rental)

[Carolgre]

I'm researching retiring to Ithaca, New York and have some important questions I need answered.
1) Is it possible to live in Ithaca without a car? I've heard that downtown Ithaca is quite pedestrian friendly. I'd need to get to supermarkets, libraries, drugstores, vets' office, doctors' office, etc.
2) What is the public library like? I couldn't live anywhere without good access to books?
3) What are the rents for a studio/one-bedroom like in an area near public transportation? I would be living on limited Social Security + pension income.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

[whit_x]

I grew up in Ithaca, heres what I can try to do.

Originally Posted by Carolgre

I'm researching retiring to Ithaca, New York and have some important questions I need answered.
1) Is it possible to live in Ithaca without a car? I've heard that downtown Ithaca is quite pedestrian friendly. I'd need to get to supermarkets, libraries, drugstores, vets' office, doctors' office, etc. It can be done, but to get to the grocery stories during the winter may be a bit tricky
2) What is the public library like? I couldn't live anywhere without good access to books? Really good for a town the size of Ithaca Brand new building (in a former Woolworths
3) What are the rents for a studio/one-bedroom like in an area near public transportation? I would be living on limited Social Security + pension income.
It depends on where. Are you looking at areas near downtown, or senior housing further south?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!

[Carolgre]

Originally Posted by whit_x

I grew up in Ithaca, heres what I can try to do.

Thank you for your reply. I would be looking to rent in downtown Ithaca. I received information from the McGraw House but I really don't know that much about it. Do you know of any other reasonably priced apartments in downtown Ithaca. I'm talking $600 - $900, possibly $1,000 a month for a studio or one bedroom.

Thanks.

[Ex-Ithacan]

Hi Carolgre. I too grew up in Ithaca (many years ago). McGraw House has a website ( Senior Housing McGraw House Ithaca, NY Apartments Senior Rental Living ) which includes a virtual tour. I know there are a couple of other housing possibilities which might fit your needs. Center Ithaca is a mixed use building in the heart of the downtown Ithaca Commons. There is also Cityview apartments which is a block up south hill from downtown (it is a steep and fairly long block though). I'm sure there are also smaller apartment buildings in the downtown area, as well as more expensive options, but I hope this helps some.
You should also be advised that there is not a super market located downtown. I think the closest on is about 7 or 8 blocks away. But as whit pointed out, there is a very good bus system for a city the size of Ithaca. And I believe as more housing units are built downtown (with 2 large projects currently underway) someone will decide to open up a market for the convenience of the growing downtown residential population. Best of luck in your search.