looking to move upstate NY - Ithaca Area?? (Cortland, Dryden: homes, neighborhoods)

[citygirl1111]

Hi, We lived on LI for all our lives until moving to Litchfield county CT 6 yrs ago. It's at least as expensive (if not more so ) than LI was! We want a to be in or near an artsy area with a walkable downtown that is open to a spiritual retreat center. Shopping is important, as is nature! I have a 5yr old and a 19 yr old- so schools & college is important too!. I've read about Ithaca and it sounds really good, however, I would rather be within a 15min drive of there. Any smaller towns with Nice antique homes- Victorians & such? Anything on a few acres? With reasonable prices? I work in banking and want to also open an antique store,& craft supply store (I have an online shop now). Any suggestions??? OH Also Hospitals around Ithaca? Thanks in advance!!

[Hartwick]

If you are looking to relocate to an area within a 15 minute drive to Ithaca, and also seeking older, Victorian homes, then I'd recommend your considering either Dryden or Slaterville Springs. In either village, you can find older homes on larger city lots, or on acreage. Both would be ideal settings for antique and craft-type businesses although you may get better visability in Ithaca.

Your banking jobs would be in Ithaca which has many banks and branch offices.

Ithaca is famous for it's "Commons" which is located in downtown Ithaca and contains a few blocks of downtown area which is blocked off to vehicular traffic and is within easy walking distance from both the university and college and Ithaca's many fine older neighborhoods. There are several "artsy" stores on the Commons. Shopping is typically found in the Pyramid Mall or other stores located on Route 13.

Both within easy commute to Ithaca on very good roads. The better schools are in Dryden.

As you should already know, Ithaca is home to Cornell University, and Ithaca College. In Dryden, you'll find the Tompkins-Cortland Community College(also known as "TC3").

Ithaca has the Cayuga Medical Center which is JCAHO-approved and provides multi-level services, on a beautiful campus setting.

Good luck on your possible relocation to Ithaca...you and your kids will love it here!!

[citygirl1111]

Hartwick...thank you so much! I'm looking forward to a trip there in March and I cannot wait! My only concern is the "harsh" winters. I would assume that the roads are taken care of efficiently. I really appreciate you sharing all your knowledge!

[homeward bound]

Yes, that's fine advice/perspective from Harwick.

Consider looking into Trumansburg, too. It's a cozy small town very close to Ithaca. Saw a lot of kids playing outside there this past summer, great small-town feeling, nice balance between the traditional small town and college-town artsy-ness, etc.

Good luck, and I hope you'll post again once you've made your move!

[Ex-Ithacan]

I'd second Trumansburg. Great schools, some art community, making the "downtown" more pedestrian friendly, Cayuga Medical Center located on the road between T-burg and Ithaca, and amazing natural beauty a very short drive away(Taughannock Falls & Cayuga Lake). I think you'd like it.