Cost of Living in Ithaca, NY (New York, York: apartment complexes, to rent, home)

[NYCNative]

I am considering a move into the Ithaca, NY area. My wife, my 2 1/2 year old son and I are planning to rent for a while and then buy. I have two tentative job offers in the area (similar salary range) and I am trying to determine what is a realistice salary for a family of three with plans of owning a home. We currently renting in Queens, NY. Ideally we would like to do all of this on one income and save my wife's income for future investments.

Thanks for your comments.

[Ex-Ithacan]

I haven't lived in Ithaca for a long time, but I'll offer what I can. Rents are inflated due to the large number of students living off campus. There are some apartment complexes occupied by townies, but there never seems to be quite enough affordable housing in the city. Of course it might not seem so bad if you're coming from NYC. Owning a home will be much cheaper than in New York city. And if you choose one of the small communities outside the city, it will be cheaper still. As far as a realistic salary for a family of three, I could only guess at that. Not sure what other amenities you would desire (one car or two, top of the line electronic equipment or use the computer at the library, etc) My brother works a blue collar job for about $20,000 a year and lives in a run down apartment in a bad part of town (and his car is falling apart), though he does pay a hefty child support amount each month. Maybe a visit to the city and a chat with a realtor might help. On the plus side, Ithaca is a safe city with good schools and plenty of activities (outdoor and inside) to keep you occupied. Plus it's a beautiful setting. Good luck and I hope it all works out for you and your family.

[homeward bound]

You may want to look into Trumansburg, which is just a few miles up the road from Ithaca. On an impressive river, and close to the lake. It's a considerably smaller town, but a very lovely place. Easy-going, family-oriented, had a nice pizza parlor with a real New York slice when I was there last summer. Housing prices should be 15-25% lower. Good schools, lots of people who drive into Ithaca, nice mix of small town and nearby-college-town feel.

Best of luck on your move! I hope you'll post your experiences/impressions once you make it.