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The TCAT is actually exceptionally extensive and living outside of the the core city would not necessarily require two cars at all. Although, two cars would be convenient. Also, as I've said, Ithaca is such a small place that, assuming they have at least one car, living in the suburbs wouldn't be too different an experience from living right on the commons unless you absolutely can't bear to drive even 10-15.
With that said, Ithaca's COL is driven up by the insanely expensive college town, which rely's on a steady supply of thousands upon thousands of well to do college students willing to pay any price necessary to live close to classes and the party seen. It's also driven up by the ritzy professor dominated areas (Philly has ritzy areas as well, but they make up a comparatively smaller portion of the city). The OP may have no interest in either of these. Their are plenty of very affordable areas right in the city of Ithaca.
One last thing to note is that I don't think OP has stated whether they lived in Philly itself or an outlying suburb. Their current situation may be a lot less urban that we assume which would make Ithaca less of a culture shock.
As far as the OP's criteria goes:
Good restaurants: Obviously New Haven will have more choices, but also more competition for any available jobs. The University dominant nature of Ithaca may mean the restaurant to available chef ratio will be more in your favor in Ithaca although this is speculation.
Education program: I can't comment
Nature: Ithaca by a landslide.
Culture: New Haven will certainly have more overall, but Ithaca punches far above it's weight so to speak. Also, judging by the initial post, they may fit in better with the general vibe of the culture and nightlife in Ithaca. Although, since New Haven is so much larger, they could certainly find their scene their as well.
Once again, I am far from impartial, but I wish the OP well in their decision.
I also think that the housing boom in Downtown Ithaca has a lot to do with the COL for the city. Many people that work there live in many of the smaller communities in Tompkins and surrounding counties too.
One last thing to note is that I don't think OP has stated whether they lived in Philly itself or an outlying suburb. Their current situation may be a lot less urban that we assume which would make Ithaca less of a culture shock.
True and a good point.
I'm a bit more skeptical about the TCAT for their situation though. The OP would in theory be commuting to Cortland or Syracuse for classes, and I don't think there's bus service for that (not on TCAT anyway - I'm not sure if Cortland has bus service or if you could glom onto Greyhound). And particularly once she started doing site placements, she'd almost certainly need a car.
As for the s/o, working in food service he's probably looking at a lot of evenings and weekends. AFAIK, the last weekday bus to Dryden is at 7pm, and weekends I think there are only a couple buses total. If you were talking about someone working a typical M-F gig, the bus and 1 car would be more viable. For their situation, I'm a bit more wary.
I'm a bit more skeptical about the TCAT for their situation though. The OP would in theory be commuting to Cortland or Syracuse for classes, and I don't think there's bus service for that (not on TCAT anyway - I'm not sure if Cortland has bus service or if you could glom onto Greyhound). And particularly once she started doing site placements, she'd almost certainly need a car.
As for the s/o, working in food service he's probably looking at a lot of evenings and weekends. AFAIK, the last weekday bus to Dryden is at 7pm, and weekends I think there are only a couple buses total. If you were talking about someone working a typical M-F gig, the bus and 1 car would be more viable. For their situation, I'm a bit more wary.
Ah, I see. I assumed the OP would be doing their program in Ithaca so I wasn't thinking about the need to get to Cortland or Syracuse It definitely changes things if that is the case. Is this something that can't be done at Cornell or IC. The odd pairing of potential locations somewhat made me assume the OP intends to do the program at any Ivy. New Haven and Ithaca really don't share anything else in common.
Still though, regardless if they live in New Haven or Ithaca, they are likely going to want two cars. It's just the nature of these cities and their regions.
Ah, I see. I assumed the OP would be doing their program in Ithaca so I wasn't thinking about the need to get to Cortland or Syracuse It definitely changes things if that is the case. Is this something that can't be done at Cornell or IC. The odd pairing of potential locations somewhat made me assume the OP intends to do the program at any Ivy. New Haven and Ithaca really don't share anything else in common.
Still though, regardless if they live in New Haven or Ithaca, they are likely going to want two cars. It's just the nature of these cities and their regions.
I believe that IC and Cornell have an Education Department and possibly Tompkins-Cortland Community College may have a program too. I'll have to check on that, but if that is the case, the OP could start there and possibly transfer to Cortland, Cornell or IC.
Last edited by ckhthankgod; 06-02-2014 at 06:22 PM..
Still though, regardless if they live in New Haven or Ithaca, they are likely going to want two cars. It's just the nature of these cities and their regions.
One car may be sufficient for both places. If one is working at Cornell or in the downtown area a car isn't necessary if you're on a bus route. Parking is rather limited on Cornell campus even for many employees.
One car may be sufficient for both places. If one is working at Cornell or in the downtown area a car isn't necessary if you're on a bus route. Parking is rather limited on Cornell campus even for many employees.
Another interesting aspect is that there is some bus service from the bus systems in adjacent/nearby counties like Cortland Transit, CTran(Elmira/Chemung County) and I believe Tioga County too. So, those may be options if they don't mind living further out.
A town like the previously mentioned Dryden may be a good choice if the OP wants to go to the more affordable Ed program at Cortland State, as Dryden is essentially in between the 2 cities.
I'm not sure of the status of Cornell's education program. From what I heard they closed their MAT program, which I believe was how most people used to get their certificate via Cornell - if you had to be around a 5th year anyway why not get the cert plus a masters?
Whether they have a stand-alone undergrad teaching cert, that I can't say. Nor do we know how much add'l work the OP would need to get it, nor whether they'd meet admissions criteria. Thus I tend to agree with the previous person who suggested Cortland is the most likely avenue.
Off-topic, but one of the interesting things with the Ed school at Cornell is that it's part of the 'statutory' school, Cornell being a mix of private school (liberal arts/law/hotel) and state land grant institution (Ed/veterinary/ag).
To be honest, outside of ice cream at Purity or the Cornell Dairy Store and breakfast at the State Diner, the other restaurants I have been to aren't there anymore. With that said, this is a great guide: Ithaca Menus: Restaurant Menus for Ithaca Restaurants in Ithaca, NY
Last edited by ckhthankgod; 06-03-2014 at 12:21 PM..
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