Information for Residents
About Ithaca
Ranked by multiple publications as being one of America's smartest cities, most secure places to live, healthiest cities, best green places to live, best / affordable place to retire, number-one emerging city, Ithaca offers something for everyone.
So what has caught the attention of so many people? It's simple, the quality of life our residents enjoy. Imagine the comfort of a small city with all the luxuries of a big city environment, that's Ithaca! Our neighborhoods are well kept, safe, distinct and diverse and our housing stock ranges from modern condominiums to century-old historic homes. Whether you rent or own, you are sure to find a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle.
Ranked by multiple publications as being one of America's smartest cities, most secure places to live, healthiest cities, best green places to live, best / affordable place to retire, number-one emerging city, Ithaca offers something for everyone.
So what has caught the attention of so many people? It's simple, the quality of life our residents enjoy. Imagine the comfort of a small city with all the luxuries of a big city environment, that's Ithaca! Our neighborhoods are well kept, safe, distinct and diverse and our housing stock ranges from modern condominiums to century-old historic homes. Whether you rent or own, you are sure to find a neighborhood that matches your lifestyle.
Daycare & After-School Programs
Other Government Services
Schools
Neighborhood Associations
The City of Ithaca has a very active and engaged citizenry and almost every neighborhood has an association that works on issues of mutual interest to the residents. We hope you will consider joining your neighborhood association! Information on the West Hill Neighborhood Association is available online.
Demographics
The City of Ithaca is home to 30,014 people and approximately 3,000 families according to the 2010 census. The median age in Ithaca is 22 years, in part due to the proximity of Cornell University and Ithaca College. Our ethnic makeup is 74% white, 13.7% Asian, 6.7% Black, 5.3% Hispanic and 0.4% American Indian and Alaskan Native.
Government
The City of Ithaca has a Mayor-Council form of government. The Mayor is elected at-large while the 10 council members are elected by wards. There are 5 wards and each has 2 representatives.
Geography
The 491-square-mile area of Tompkins County is characterized by rolling farmlands, forested hills and deep gorges with spectacular waterfalls. The highest elevation is 2,099 feet at Connecticut Hill and the lowest is 382 feet at Cayuga Lake. More than 1/3 of the U.S. population lives within a day's drive.
Climate
The climate in Tompkins County provides for a variety of outdoor activities ranging from boating, swimming, and hiking in the summer to skiing, sledding, and ice skating in the winter. The average temperature is 22.6ºF in January and 68.7ºF in July. The average yearly rainfall is 36.7 inches, and the average snowfall is 68.2 inches.
The City of Ithaca has a very active and engaged citizenry and almost every neighborhood has an association that works on issues of mutual interest to the residents. We hope you will consider joining your neighborhood association! Information on the West Hill Neighborhood Association is available online.
Demographics
The City of Ithaca is home to 30,014 people and approximately 3,000 families according to the 2010 census. The median age in Ithaca is 22 years, in part due to the proximity of Cornell University and Ithaca College. Our ethnic makeup is 74% white, 13.7% Asian, 6.7% Black, 5.3% Hispanic and 0.4% American Indian and Alaskan Native.
Government
The City of Ithaca has a Mayor-Council form of government. The Mayor is elected at-large while the 10 council members are elected by wards. There are 5 wards and each has 2 representatives.
Geography
The 491-square-mile area of Tompkins County is characterized by rolling farmlands, forested hills and deep gorges with spectacular waterfalls. The highest elevation is 2,099 feet at Connecticut Hill and the lowest is 382 feet at Cayuga Lake. More than 1/3 of the U.S. population lives within a day's drive.
Climate
The climate in Tompkins County provides for a variety of outdoor activities ranging from boating, swimming, and hiking in the summer to skiing, sledding, and ice skating in the winter. The average temperature is 22.6ºF in January and 68.7ºF in July. The average yearly rainfall is 36.7 inches, and the average snowfall is 68.2 inches.