Ithaca Area for Politically Right 0f Center (New York, Dryden: house, income)

[orlandoyankee]

I've read in several publications that the Ithaca area is really thought of as a good retirement location (except for the winter weather of course). I've been through Ithaca in the summer a few years ago and was very impressed with the area. I've read threads where people with progressive (liberal) views have been somewhat leary of moving to an area with a predominently conservative population base. My concern is the opposite. I am predominently conservative in my political thinking. But, not to the extent that I am going to jump off a roof because Obama got in. I see that Tompkins County went 2 - 1 for Kerry in 2004. I assume it was at least that this year. Will a right-of-center person feel at least somewhat comfortable in the Ithaca area for retirement. Or, would I have to mask my political leanings so to not have altercations all the time. Just looking for a beautiful area to retire to and enjoy life.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by orlandoyankee

I've read in several publications that the Ithaca area is really thought of as a good retirement location (except for the winter weather of course). I've been through Ithaca in the summer a few years ago and was very impressed with the area. I've read threads where people with progressive (liberal) views have been somewhat leary of moving to an area with a predominently conservative population base. My concern is the opposite. I am predominently conservative in my political thinking. But, not to the extent that I am going to jump off a roof because Obama got in. I see that Tompkins County went 2 - 1 for Kerry in 2004. I assume it was at least that this year. Will a right-of-center person feel at least somewhat comfortable in the Ithaca area for retirement. Or, would I have to mask my political leanings so to not have altercations all the time. Just looking for a beautiful area to retire to and enjoy life.

Actually, many of the communities just outside of Ithaca in Tompkins County are pretty moderate, if not conservative. You might like a community like Dryden, Newfield, Groton or some of the other more rural towns. Trumansburg and Lansing are probably moderate from what I know too. I think even in the city of Ithaca, people generally won't go crazy on you for your views, in my opinion. So, I wouldn't worry about it.

[rubygreta]

I look at the hardcore radicals/leftists/socialists/anarchists in Ithaca with bemusement. Although the city is overwhelmingly liberal, the kooks are a minority of the population. I would not worry about it at all. And as a prior poster said, the suburbs are more middle of the road. Great place to live, except for January, February and March.

[Tioga]

Tioga county..to the SE of Tompkins county might be a better fit for you.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Tioga

Tioga county..to the SE of Tompkins county might be a better fit for you.

Same with Schuyler County too. Watkins Glen is a beautiful community in the Finger Lakes in that county.

[havoc315]

I see nothing wrong with being a minority political view in any region. It's not like you will be burned at the stake for being conservative in your political thinking. If anything, it can open up heated political debates, which some people find enjoyable.

I usually prefer political discussions with intelligent people, with political philosophies opposed to my own.

I think you'd be perfectly comfortable in Ithaca. Sure, you might shake your head sometimes at the liberalness, but I don't think it would affect your daily living.

[orlandoyankee]

Thanks to all for the replies. Having grown up in NYC, I know full well how liberal a locale can be. Ithaca and it's surrounding area is a terrific place. Hopefully, I can make another trip up there in the spring.

[Ellie C.]

Wait, you're in Florida and you want to retire to New York? You're doing it backwards! Remember that it snows here - a lot! Plus we have pretty high property taxes, and state income tax to boot.

It's beautiful, no doubt about it.

As far as politics, you'll find friends here. There are people who wear their political views on their sleeve, but most people outside of Ithaca proper are not "in your face" with their views.

[orlandoyankee]

Originally Posted by Ellie C.

Wait, you're in Florida and you want to retire to New York? You're doing it backwards! Remember that it snows here - a lot! Plus we have pretty high property taxes, and state income tax to boot.

It's beautiful, no doubt about it.

As far as politics, you'll find friends here. There are people who wear their political views on their sleeve, but most people outside of Ithaca proper are not "in your face" with their views.

Yep, I know all about NY. I grew up in the Bronx and spent the first 30 years of my life there. I've spent almost that much time in FL. When I first came down here, I found the people and the locale very welcoming and friendly. I was never a fan of hot weather but I tolerated it. Over the years, I have seen the Orlando area change drastically. And a lot of that change was not for the better. I can go on and on but that wouldn't serve any purpose on this board.

I can personally tolerate 3-4 months of cold, cloudy weather better than a solid 6 months of HOT, HUMID weather. I actually love snow. I love to watch it come down. The remaining 8-9 months of upstate NY is what I really miss. I've lived in the northern Catskills for a while and I really thought I had died and went to heaven. However, that area has become a bit too pricey for my budget.

I am retiring in 2 years so income taxes are not too much of a problem for me. I won't be making the bucks I have been making here. And neither will driving in snow bother me. I believe my wife has had all she can take of FL and is ready for a change. Not saying that we will definitely end up there. But, it is no longer off the table. One never knows.

[orlandoyankee]

Originally Posted by Ellie C.

Wait, you're in Florida and you want to retire to New York? You're doing it backwards! Remember that it snows here - a lot! Plus we have pretty high property taxes, and state income tax to boot.

It's beautiful, no doubt about it.

As far as politics, you'll find friends here. There are people who wear their political views on their sleeve, but most people outside of Ithaca proper are not "in your face" with their views.

Just for my own curiosity, define "pretty high property taxes". I know NYS property tax rates are high. But, for a $200-250K house in the Ithaca area, what would I expect for taxes? And is there some kind of reduction for seniors?