Student Housing Ithaca, NY

Ithaca is a vibrant, beautiful city in New York, located on the tip of Cayuga Lake. It is best known as the home of Cornell University, one of the best universities in the U.S. The city is home to several other top universities in the country and therefore, invites several thousand students to pursue their higher education in various fields.

One of the most common problems that these students face is finding the perfect property for student housing in Ithaca. The rent for student properties in Ithaca ranges between $629 and $2069 per month. There are various options available for students; however, not every property is the best for them. Here is when University Living comes to their rescue. With a pool of more than 65k+ accommodations across 640 global cities, all properties at our marketplace are verified and come with actual pictures of the property to build trust in the students. Owing to the best practices followed by University Living, we have a strong experience of more than a decade in providing student accommodation in New York.

When it comes to student housing in Ithaca, there is an abundance of options for students to choose from. These properties for students are divided into two main types: Student Housing (PBSAs) and Private Apartments. This type of format for properties is common for student housing USA across all major cities. It is important to choose the right type of student accommodation as this helps save rent while having the ease of convenience. These have been discussed briefly below:

Student Housing

These are the most preferred type of student rooms in Ithaca. These properties are also popularly called PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) as these are built specifically for students and offer a lot of facilities that a student might require. The best part about these properties is that their rent includes utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills. These have been further divided into 4 major types to cater to a more diverse range of students.

• Shared Apartments: A shared apartment is one of the most affordable types of property for student housing in Ithaca. This is because in these properties, students get to have a room that is shared among 2/3 occupants and come with a shared bathroom, living room, and a kitchen. Since a property is shared among various occupants, the per person costs are reduced further down.

• En-Suite Accommodation: This is the most preferred type of student property in Ithaca. In these properties, students have a personal room with a bathroom. The living room and kitchen are shared among other occupants of the property.

• Non En-Suite Accommodations: These types of properties are very similar to an En-Suite accommodation but they have a minute difference. Unlike its counterpart, a Non En-Suite Accommodation does not come with a bathroom. Rest everything is the same in both these properties.

• Studio Apartments: These apartments are the most comfortable and private properties for student housing in Ithaca that you might get. In these properties, students get to have an entire independent unit to themselves that comes with a huge room, an attached bathroom, and a kitchen. These properties do not include a living room.

Private Apartments

A private apartment is one of the best and perfect properties for student housing in Ithaca. These properties are leased as independent units and are available for working professionals as well. They generally come with some sort of furnishings. These properties include 2/3 bedrooms with bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. All of this is for just one person. Students must note that the rent for these properties does not include utility bills like electricity, gas, and Wi-Fi bills.

Ithaca is a captivating city nestled at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes region. Known for its famous pun, "Ithaca is Gorges," the city is a natural wonderland featuring over 150 waterfalls within a 10-mile radius, including the spectacular 215-foot Taughannock Falls, which is also taller than Niagara Falls. Beyond its dramatic gorges and lush trails, Ithaca boasts a vibrant, bohemian spirit fueled by its two renowned universities, Cornell and Ithaca College, which bring a diverse, global energy to the town.

This college town offers a surprising wealth of culture and cuisine, purportedly having more restaurants per capita than New York City itself. From the legendary vegetarian dishes at Moosewood to farm-to-table fare and award-winning Finger Lakes wines and ciders, the local food scene punches well above its weight. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the pedestrian-friendly Ithaca Commons, the seasonal Ithaca Farmers Market, live music venues, and unique attractions like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. With its stunning natural beauty, intellectually curious atmosphere, and strong sense of community, Ithaca offers a high quality of life that makes it a truly magical place to live or visit.

When it comes to student housing in Ithaca, there are plenty of options for students to choose from. However, not every property is the best. Students must choose the right property as this decides how you will be spending the next few years of your life in the city. We’ve mentioned the top 5 properties for students in the city below, and these properties are located near some of the top universities and major public transit stations in the city. The rent for these properties ranges between $629 and $2069 per month!

• Auden Ithaca

• Cayuga Place

• Catherine Commons

• Cayuga Lofts

• Collegetown Terrace

Note: Book the top student housing in Ithaca at never-before-seen prices only at University Living!

Ithaca is one of the most affordable and cost-effective cities in New York. It seems like the city forgot the concept of inflation. Since there is a high student concentration in the city, there are several affordable spots that provide good meals but at an affordable price. The cost of living is a personal concept which is determined by the expenses you make, the area you live in, and the type of lifestyle you undertake. The table below highlights some of the major expenses you can make as a student in Ithaca.

Note: Students must note that these figures are tentative and might change based on their actual expenses and lifestyle. If you wish to have a better understanding on the cost of living in Ithaca, you can use University Living’s exclusive cost-of-living calculator.

Ithaca is a beautiful city with vibrant and aesthetic neighborhoods. The city houses more than 100,000 residents that makes this city even more beautiful. Although students can stay in any neighborhood that they feel comfortable in, it is suggested that they live in those areas that already have an established community. There are several neighborhoods in Ithaca that have a strong student community and have great options for student housing in Ithaca. Some of the top areas for students in the city are:

College town

One of the top neighborhoods for student housing in Ithaca is College Town, and it is the undisputed epicenter of off-campus student life at Cornell University! It is a dense, lively neighborhood and has some of the highest concentration of students in the city! College town directly borders Cornell University and therefore, is just a short 3-4 minute walk from the area. This neighborhood is famous for its unmatched convenience and student life. College town is also known for the renowned Cascadilla Gorge Trail, which is a stunning gorge with waterfalls and walking paths that cut right through College town, connecting the neighborhood directly to campus. What a great way to reach the university, isn’t it? It is also home to 2 of the top bars in Ithaca: Rulloff's, Chapter House, and The Nines. Also, multiple coffee shops like Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and other local cafes can be spotted on in the neighborhood for a quick caffeine hit! The average rent for student housing in College town ranges between $1600 and $2000 per month!

Fall Creek

For those who love to stay in a quieter and more residential neighborhood than College town, one of the best places for student apartments in Ithaca is Fall Creek. This neighborhood is located just north of downtown and east of the creek it's named after, and is a 15-minute walk to the university! Students can also commute through the TCAT bus routes, which serve the area and provide easy access to Cornell University. One of the most aesthetic places in Fall Creek is the Ithaca Falls, which is a stunning and powerful waterfall located right within the neighborhood. It is a beautiful natural attraction and a popular spot for photos and recreation! The area is also home to one of the best gastropubs in the city, known for its cocktails and cheeseburgers, the Northstar Public House. One of the most beloved local coffee shops that has a great vibe and is perfect for studying or catching up with friends is The Botanist Coffeehouse and is always filled with students! The Ithaca Farmers Market is also just a 5-minute walk away and is a must-visit for shopping on weekends. The average rent for PBSAs in Fall Creek ranges between $1200 and $1700 per month!

Downtown Ithaca

Centered around the Ithaca Commons, Downtown Ithaca is the cultural and commercial heart of the city and is home to a mix of professionals, students, and long-time residents. It is also known for its vibrant nightlife and top bars, restaurants, and theatres! Located a short 10-minute bus ride from the university, Downtown Ithaca is one of the top locations for students in the city. Ithaca Commons is a huge marketplace which is strictly Pedestrian-only, and features a collection of the top local boutiques, restaurants, and street performers in the city, and also houses the historic State Theatre. One of the best places for small plates and good wine is Just A Taste, and you can expect an average wait-time of 30 minutes during weekdays and about 1-2 hours during weekends! For caffeine heads, Gimme! Coffee is the best coffee shop in Ithaca, which is known for its expertly roasted beans and excellent coffee. Some of the other popular downtown bars are The Westy & Felicia's Atomic Lounge, and are known for their great outdoor seating and creative cocktails. The average rent for student properties in Downtown Ithaca range between $900 and $1400 per month!

East Hill

Undoubtedly, one of the most affordable neighborhoods for student housing in Ithaca, is East Hill. A strong student community of the students of Cornell University and Ithaca College can be found residing in East Hill, and both universities are a short 15-minute bus ride from the neighborhood! East Hill also houses the Buttermilk Falls State Park, one of the most stunning state parks with waterfalls, swimming holes, and hiking trails in the entire state of New York. It is also famous for the Cornell Botanic Gardens, which is a beautiful, free arboretum and botanical garden on the edge of Cornell's campus in the city. The neighborhood also has some of the most affordable food joints in the city which are also known for their huge portions. The average rent for student properties in East Hill is $600 and $1000 per month!

Ithaca is home to more than 35,000 students and in order to cater to the transportation needs of these students, the city boasts an expansive network of public transit systems that help the residents of the city travel from one corner of the city to another. Some of the top modes of public transport for students in Ithaca are the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) Buses and have been explained briefly below:

Ithaca BikeShare

Another one of the main modes of transit for students in the city is the Ithaca BikeShare service! Operated by Drop Mobility, Ithaca BikeShare is the regional e-bike share system serving Ithaca and nearby suburbs. These services offer pedal-assist electric bikes for short trips around the town and for the daily university commute. Students can rent these E-Bikes on an hourly, daily, and weekly rental plan! Ithaca BikeShare provides a convenient, app-based way to rent bikes for commuting, errands, or exploring the city.

Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) Buses

One of the top modes of public transit for students in Ithaca is the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) Bus service. These buses provide excellent connectivity to Cornell University, downtown Ithaca, shopping centers (Ithaca Mall, Target, Walmart, Tops, Aldi), and residential neighborhoods. Some of the top bus routes for students in the city are Route 81, 30, 92, and 32! Students can make use of the Student Transit Passes, as both Cornell University and Ithaca College provide free or subsidized travel for students!

Ithaca is home to several tourist attractions that are visited by several thousands of visitors every year. The city has various museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks that are absolutely loved by students. Some of the top attractions in the city are mentioned below:

Buttermilk Falls State Park

Located in the southern part of Ithaca, the Buttermilk Falls State Park is a stunning waterfall that is literally as white as Buttermilk! It has an old-fashioned swimming hole in the center of the creek, which is a perfect place to spend on a scorching summer day! The Park features adventurous hiking trails through a deep gorge with 10 waterfalls, plus a rim trail offering spectacular views of Cayuga Lake. Whether you want a short walk or a camping experience, this is the best place in the city for some recreation! The Buttermilk Falls State Park is also famous for housing the world-famous Lucifer Falls.

Cornell University Campus & Botanical Gardens

With 150-year-old brick buildings to the iconic McGraw Clock Tower, the Cornell University Campus & Botanical Gardens are some of the most visited places in the city. The McGraw Clock Tower has a spiral of 161 stairs which lead you to the top of the tower to hear chimes played three times daily during the school year by Cornell students. The Cornell Botanical Gardens is spread across 25 acres of land and houses some really gorgeous arboretum, gardens, and natural areas. If you are truly a nature lover, you cannot miss the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Sapsucker Woods, which offer spectacular bird watching experiences!

Ithaca Falls Natural Area & Cayuga Lake

Tumbling through a deep gorge, the Ithaca Falls is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the east of the Rocky Mountains and is indeed a natural wonder. This location is easily accessible from downtown Ithaca. The Cayuga Lake is the longest lake out of New York's Finger Lakes, and visitors can go for boat tours, fishing, or just enjoy the scenic views! One of the best parts of the lake is the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, which features vineyards and wineries producing exceptional Rieslings and small-batch ciders!