TOMPKINS COUNTY
County Offices
320 North Tioga Street
Ithaca 607-274-5431
http://tompkinscountyny.gov/cclerk
Chamber of Commerce
904 East Shore Drive
Ithaca 607-273-7080
www.tompkinschamber.org
Blending rustic and rural towns with those in closer proximity to the capital city of Ithaca, Tompkins County is proud of its breathtaking natural beauty, charming village atmosphere, and rich sense of history. This scenic region encompasses many appealing contrasts, from farms and vineyards, to the gorges, waterfalls, lakes and scenic valleys of the Finger Lakes, to the thriving campuses of Ithaca College and Cornell University. The county is home to more than 100,000 residents, with the majority living in and around the city of Ithaca. Some of the smaller towns in the area are experiencing steady growth, attracting newcomers to spacious lots for new home construction that are set against a backdrop of natural beauty and rural charm. Agriculture still plays a vital role in many corners of the county, although the influence of yesterday’s industrial revolution can still be seen in manufacturers that offer opportunities for employment close to home.
Services
The main campuses for Cornell University and Ithaca College provide the majority of activity in the area both economically and emotionally. The two institutions fuel the city’s cultural scene and foster its creative spirit. Combined, the schools bring almost 30,000 students into the community each fall, and with them, PhD’s in every field from astrophysics to zoology. These institutions anchor and enrich the entire region, introducing the fine and performing arts, cultural events, and the possibility of an outstanding higher education close to home. Public and private schools for students from pre-kindergarten through high school deliver a strong core curriculum and many special programs in well-equipped classrooms that integrate the latest advanced technologies with personalized attention.
State-of-the-art healthcare, emergency clinics, family practice clinics, and professionals in a wide range of medical specialties are strategically located to meet routine needs. Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca is a 204-bed acute-care hospital and state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment center providing comprehensive, high quality services to the residents of Tompkins County and adjacent counties. The latter is widely acclaimed for its dedication to the finest in care. Medical centers located throughout the region also offer a variety of services.
Transportation in the area is served by good secondary roads and indirect access to major State and Interstate Routes. Air service is available via Ithaca/Tompkins regional Airport. Local bus transportation is available via the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit bus routes that serve many of the towns in the county as well as the city of Ithaca.
Lifestyle
Whether you prefer the simple pleasure of homemade ice cream from a local dairy farm or an evening of professional theatre or tasting wine from one of dozens of wineries, Tompkins County has what you are looking for. Around every corner the scenery changes and a new adventure begins. Residents are able to access a wide range of natural environments close to home, from heavily forested land to verdant hills, sparkling lakes, and open space. The county’s communities are equally diverse, harmonizing the rural countryside with industrial and suburban development.
Boasting towns that have been settled for centuries, the region is rich in tradition and proud of its heritage. Active historical societies combine with many fascinating facilities to preserve and display artifacts and memorabilia from yesterday. Ithaca is also home to the arts with options such as The Ithaca Ballet, housed at the Ballet Center of Ithaca, the ballet is a professional ensemble corps, having a varied repertoire of classical and contemporary works. Nationally known, and a member of Regional Dance America, the troupe tours the Finger Lakes Region. Then there is the Cornell Department of Music which presents more than 100 concerts each year. Ithaca is also home to several professional theaters (Kitchen Theatre, Hangar Theatre, Icarus Theatre), a civic orchestra, much parkland, the Sciencenter for children, and the Museum of the Earth. Local live music is prominent in the culture of Ithaca, the home of several nationally known bands. The Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts provides grants and Summer Fellowships at the Saltonstall Arts Colony for New York State artists and writers.
Opportunities for relaxation and recreation in Tompkins County are virtually without limit. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy first-rate fishing, boating, water sports, hunting, biking, hiking, and camping. Special programs, recreation centers, fitness clubs, and sports leagues combine with parks, swimming pools, skating rinks, tennis courts and golf courses in many communities. With its harmony of rural and suburban settings all within the finger lakes region, few locations in the nation can rival the quality of life available in this area.
Caroline
Town Offices
2670 Slaterville Road
Slaterville Springs 607-539-6400
www.townofcaroline.org
Chamber of Commerce
904 East Shore Drive
Ithaca 607-273-7080
www.tompkinschamber.org
South and east of downtown Ithaca and home to more than 3000 residents, The Town of Caroline was formed from the Town of Spencer (now in Tioga County) in 1811. Caroline is a small town with a unique character and strong sense of community. It’s a town where neighbors know each other, and where community events are a big part of being a resident. In 2005 the town became the 2nd municipality in New York to purchase wind power for 100% of its electricity use. Residents and visitors will find the area a delight for outdoor recreation, the community is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, farms, and several small communities. The town is home to more State forest land than any other town in Tompkins County including the Shindagin Hollow State Forest, Potato Hill State Forest, Hammond Hill State Forest, and Robinson Hollow State Forest. Some of the area’s best hiking, mountain biking and XC skiing can be found in this area. For families with children, students in the town are dispersed into several school districts: Dryden, Ithaca, Candor, and Newark Valley. A school located within the town is the Caroline Elementary School of the Ithaca City School District. Residents enjoy a traditional small town atmosphere living in this community and an enviable quality of life.
Danby
Town Offices
1830 Danby Road
Ithaca 607-277-4788
http://townofdanbyny.org/content
Chamber of Commerce
904 East Shore Drive
Ithaca 607-273-7080
www.tompkinschamber.org
Danby is home to a little more than 3000 residents. It is located in the south part of the county and is located just 6 miles south of Ithaca. Danby is a rural community known for its sweeping farmland views and outdoor recreation. Danby State Forest and Jennings Pond are local favorites. Buttermilk Falls State Park is located partially within Danby offering an abundance of outdoor opportunities to its residents. The park offers a beach, cabins, fishing, hiking, hunting (bow-hunting deer), a nature trail, pavilions, a playground, playing fields, recreation programs, and a campground with tent and trailer sites. The park also has nine other waterfalls, but Buttermilk Falls is the main attraction. The nature trails in the park include Gorge Trail, which follows the Buttermilk Creek as it cascades dropping about 500 feet along the trail. Featuring a rural expanse with scattered farmland and open space Danby offers a tranquil home. Housing covers the range of older homes in long-established neighborhoods along quiet, tree-shaded roads but also includes rambling old farmhouses and newer construction. Attractive and affordable housing, outstanding nearby schools, and the opportunity to enjoy a slower pace of life that is deeply rooted in rural America are all magnets to this community, especially when combined with the superb recreational amenities in the area.
Dryden/Dryden Village
Town Offices
93 East Main Street
Dryden 607-844-8888
http://dryden.ny.us
Chamber of Commerce
904 East Shore Drive
Ithaca 607-273-7080
www.tompkinschamber.org
Dryden is a small community located between Ithaca and Cortland with a total population for the town, including the village of approximately 13,000 residents. Surrounding communities that are also partners in the Dryden Central Schools include all or parts of Freeville, McLean, Etna, Harford, and Varna. This is is an area of rolling hills, farmland, wide-open spaces, lakes, and forests. The town is home to many historic structures dating back to its earliest days. Southworth Library located on West Main Street is one of Dryden’s best known historic structures. Downtown Dryden has gone through a lot of changes in its history but in has kept its small town charm for all to enjoy. For families with children, education is an important part of life in this area with the Dryden Central Schools offering a solid education. There are over 2200 students enrolled in the district. Higher educational opportunities are available at Tompkins Cortland Community College, which is located just outside the northeast corner of Dryden, towards Cortland. Cortland is home to the State University of New York at Cortland and 10 miles to the west of Dryden is Ithaca, NY, home of Cornell University and Ithaca College. Whether looking for small town charm or just a quiet piece of land to call home Dryden and Dryden Village offer the opportunity to enjoy either or both.
Enfield
Town Offices
168 Enfield Main Road
Ithaca 607-273-8256
http://townofenfield.org
Chamber of Commerce
904 East Shore Drive
Ithaca 607-273-7080
www.tompkinschamber.org
Located west and southwest of Ithaca, Enfield is a quiet rural community that is home to approximately 3500 residents. Enfield Center is approximately ten miles west of the City of Ithaca. The Town is bordered on the east by the Town of Ithaca, on the north by the Town of Ulysses, on the west by the Town of Hector in Schuyler County, and on the south by the Town of Newfield. Enfield encompasses 37.4 square miles. The area around Enfield offers its residents a taste of small town living and the rural lifestyle that this region is known for. Outdoor recreation and living are the keys in this area. The town is home to spectacular Enfield Glen and Lucifer Falls in Robert Treman State Park. The Newfield Covered Bridge, built in 1853, is the oldest in the state. Connecticut Hill (elev. 2,097) and Arnot State Forest are great for outdoor recreation including hiking, camping, fishing and more. The town is served by four public school districts — the Ithaca City School District, the Newfield Central School District, the Odessa-Montour Central School District, and the Trumansburg Central School District. A private school is operated by the First Baptist Church of Enfield. With its close proximity to Ithaca and its amenities and its own rural charm and comfort Enfield is a great place to call home.
Groton
Town Offices
101 Conger Boulevard
Groton 607-898-5035
http://townofgrotonny.org
Chamber of Commerce
904 East Shore Drive
Ithaca 607-273-7080
www.tompkinschamber.org
The Town of Groton is nestled in the northeast corner of Tompkins County, deep in the heart of the Finger Lakes Region. The town covers a 50-square mile radius and encompasses the Village of Groton and the Hamlets of McLean, West Groton, Peruville and Groton City. It is home to more than 6000 residents. Groton’s past remains alive in its unique architecture, historic buildings and stately homes. Main Street, in the Village of Groton, has maintained its Victorian flavor and has many stores, small shops and restaurants. Groton is set in lush, rolling hills, open spaces and is surrounded with productive farms and attractive homes. Groton offers small town charm with a sense of community. Outdoor recreation is plentiful with the Owasco Inlet and Fall Creek both favored destinations for fishermen. Stonehedeges Golf Course provides an excellent golfing experience. Sports enthusiasts also enjoy the Groton Rod and Gun Club, the Tri-County Horseshoe Club and the Cortland Microd Association. The Groton Library is exceptional with its vast number of books, a large collection of videos, computers, connections to the Finger Lakes Library System and many children’s programs. Groton School is recognized as one of the best in the region with a majority of graduates going on to college. Besides the school athletic fields there’s the Memorial Park and Pool and the South Sports Complex with its skateboard park and tennis courts. The Town and Village Recreation Committee organize year-round sports, classes and events for people of all ages as well as summer concerts at the gazebo on Conger Boulevard and the Winterfest al bringing together residents and forging strong community ties. Groton is a great place in which to live, work, go to school and be a part of community.
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Ithaca
City Offices
108 East Green Street
Ithaca 607-274-6570
www.cityofithaca.org
Chamber of Commerce
904 East Shore Drive
Ithaca 607-273-7080
www.tompkinschamber.org
The city of Ithaca, named for the Greek island of Ithaca is the county seat of Tompkins County, as well as the largest community in the Ithaca-Tompkins County metropolitan area (which also contains the separate municipalities of the town of Ithaca, the village of Cayuga Heights, the village of Lansing and other towns and villages in Tompkins County.) The city of Ithaca sits on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes. It is best known for being home to Cornell University, an Ivy League school of over 20,000 students (most of who study on Cornell’s Ithaca campus.) Ithaca College is located just south of the city in the town of Ithaca, adding to Ithaca’s “college town” focus and atmosphere. Nearby is Tompkins Cortland Community College. These institutes of higher learning influence Ithaca’s seasonal population greatly. The city’s population is just over 30,000, and the metropolitan area had a population of just over 101,000.
Ithaca is a major educational center in Central New York. The city is home to Ithaca College, situated on South Hill, and Cornell University, overlooking the town from East Hill. The Ithaca City School District, which encompasses Ithaca and the surrounding area, enrolls about 5,500 K-12 students in eight elementary schools, two middle schools, Ithaca High School, and the Lehman Alternative Community School, which provides its students wide-ranging freedom to choose their own curriculum. There are also several private elementary and secondary schools in the area, including Immaculate Conception School and the Cascadilla School. Almost half of our adult population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The economy of Ithaca is based on education and manufacturing with high tech and tourism in strong supporting roles. Ithaca’s economy is very stable, anchored by its two largest employers, Cornell University and Ithaca College, and by the growth of its small, hi-tech manufacturers. The city draws draw commuters from its neighboring rural counties and from throughout the small towns that dot the region.
Ithaca is home to a traditional downtown shopping area that includes the Ithaca Commons pedestrian mall and Center Ithaca, a small mixed-use complex. Two expanding commercial zones to the northeast and southwest of the old city contain large retail stores and restaurants run by national chains. Another commercial center, Collegetown, is located next to the Cornell campus. It features a number of restaurants, shops, and bars, and high rise apartments. Ithaca has many of the businesses characteristic of small American university towns: used bookstores, art house cinemas, craft stores, and vegetarian restaurants. Ithacans support the Ithaca Farmers Market, professional theaters (Kitchen Theatre, Hangar Theatre, Icarus Theatre), a civic orchestra, much parkland, the Sciencenter for children, and the Museum of the Earth. Local live music is prominent in the culture of Ithaca, the home of several nationally known bands. The Constance Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts provides grants and Summer Fellowships at the Saltonstall Arts Colony for New York State artists and writers.
Protecting the environment is a way of life in Ithaca. EcoVillage Ithaca, a sustainable community surrounded by gardens and solar panels, is a model for low-impact living. Ithaca College is putting sustainability at the core of its business school curriculum, and making its LEED certified business school building a model of the curriculum it teaches. MotherPlants, a regional supplier of hardy plants for eco-friendly green roofs and living walls, is thriving in Ithaca as demand soars for environmental building solutions. Cornell University announced a goal of being carbon-emissions-free by 2050; And Ithaca and surrounding Tompkins County recycle 60 percent of all solid waste, ranking the community among the greenest in New York.
For outdoor recreation, the Finger Lakes region and metro Ithaca have a lot to offer. There are more than 100 gorges and waterfalls within 10 miles of downtown, most with hiking trails. Unlimited water sports recreation is available on Cayuga Lake, which, at 40 miles, is the longest of the Finger Lakes. There are two major city-owned waterfront parks within a mile of downtown, four major New York State Parks in the surrounding county, and 25,000 acres of state-owned forest land nearby for outdoor recreation.
Metropolitan Ithaca is a unique city in the forest – surrounded by natural beauty. Ithaca has received accolades for having a high overall quality of life. In 2004, Cities Ranked and Rated named Ithaca the best “emerging city” to live in the United States. It offers the urban benefits of a city while sharing the active, youthful feel of a community centered on college life.
Lansing
Town Offices
29 Auburn Road
Lansing 607-533-4142
www.lansingtown.com
Chamber of Commerce
904 East Shore Drive
Ithaca 607-273-7080
www.tompkinschamber.org
Lansing stretches for 14 miles along the east side of Cayuga Lake and is home to more than 10,000 residents. Lansing’s western border stretches to the middle of Cayuga Lake, offering great aquatic recreational opportunities. It’s northern border is a rural area with many spectacular long-distance views and many farms, while its southern region is made up mostly of the Village of Lansing. Many residents who live in Lansing work in industries in and outside of the town, and at Cornell University, Ithaca College and Tompkins Cortland Community College. Lansing is famous for one of its unseen and unique features, salt mining. Under the Town of Lansing was an ancient ocean. Little remains of that ocean except an massive salt deposit. Cargill Salt owns a facility in Lansing and mines salt more than 2400 feet under Lansing and Cayuga Lake in a mine that stretches more than 40 miles. This salt is called de-icing salt and is used mostly on winter roads. This is an invisible part of the community that brings many jobs to the area.
For those who would rather spend outdoor recreation time shopping, the Village of Lansing offers everything one could want. Located in the southern part of the town and concentrated predominantly near the intersection of Triphammer Road and State Route 13, the Village of Lansing has three major shopping malls: Cayuga Mall, The Shops at Ithaca and Triphammer Mall. Either in these malls or somewhere in the village, you should be able to find just about everything you need, including doctors, dentists, lawyers, veterinarians, a variety of eateries, grocery stores, hotels, banks, drug stores, and more. The Village is near and on the bus route to Cornell University making it convenient for commuting students.
Lansing offers residents an opportunity to enjoy the outdoor splendor of a lakeside community as well as the opportunities of a small city. And with its close location to Ithaca all the benefits of a small city.
Newfield
Town Offices
166 Main Street
Newfield 607-564-9981
http://newfieldny.org/government/town-clerk
The Town of Newfield is in the southwest part of the county and is southwest of Ithaca; Newfield is a pleasant rural town with an unincorporated village within its boundaries. The community is home to more than 5,000 residents. The town’s name is derived from the many unoccupied tracts of land that were once in the town. The village of Newfield located within the boundaries of the town, is a quiet and pleasant community with a number of historical buildings along Main Street, within easy walking distance of the famous Newfield Covered Bridge. At 222 Main Street is the King Bowstring Arch Bridge, one of the earliest prefabricated bridges in the country. Adjacent to the bridge is Mill Park with its relaxing garden, gazebo, and picnic table’s right next to the west branch of the Cayuga Inlet. Newfield is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. The terrain around the town is a series of rolling, wooded hills through which lies Pony Hollow, a broad, flat, fertile glacial valley. Drainage from the surrounding hills runs into Pony Hollow Creek, which eventually flows south, into the Chemung River. State Route 13 runs through Pony Hollow between the cities of Elmira and Ithaca. This road is an excellent route for biking and can be connected to many other scenic bike routes as well. Hiking through the Newfield hills is a popular activity. The primary route is a portion of the 563 mile long Finger Lakes Trail, well marked on trees as white blazes. Cross-country skiing is also a popular activity in the winter. There are many places in Newfield that offer secluded skiing trails. Rich in wildlife, the area provides many opportunities for watching birds, deer, foxes, and raccoons and looking for reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The community is also home to a highly rate school district offering K-12 education. And of course higher education is served nearby in Ithaca with its outstanding universities. For a small rural community, Newfield has a lot to offer its residents, from year round natural beauty and outdoor recreation to the quiet charm of a small town with a long history.
Trumansburg
Village Offices
56 East Main Street
Trumansburg 607-387-6501
www.trumansburg-ny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
Trumansburg
http://trumansburgchamber.com/
On the west coast of Cayuga Lake, Trumansburg charms visitors with its artsy downtown, delicious restaurants, quaint inns and eclectic shops. The Trumansburg area is the proud home of Taughannock Falls State Park, is situated near Cayuga and Seneca Lakes, and is an easy drive to Ithaca, making it an ideal place to commute from. Trumansburg has a small town, upbeat atmosphere that is welcoming to both the more than 2000 residents and visitors alike. The downtown Main Street is a unique blend of historical and contemporary architecture, with a diversity of shops and services. The Village offers an assortment of restaurants, a weekly Farmers Market featuring local produce and crafts, and a vibrant nightlife with plenty of live music, all within walking distance of each other. Strolling through the community shows homes and businesses in architectural styles such as Gothic, Italianate, and Federal. Historical markers note places of interest such as the Camp House, Abner Treman’s initial settlement site, and the path of Sullivan’s Army during the Revolutionary War. Nearby is the hamlet of Jacksonville, a small community on Route 96 with an abundant cultural and farming heritage. To the north of Trumansburg are the historic and picturesque villages of Interlaken, Covert and Lodi.
Trumansburg is home to the Conservatory of Fine Arts and the Ulysses Philomathic Library. The Ulysses, Lodi, and Interlaken Historical Societies are open to visitors throughout the year. Trumansburg boasts a nationally ranked school system and the many locally owned services and businesses make it an appealing community for people of all ages to live and work in. Because of the its unique location within the region, hiking, biking, golf, kayaking, hunting and winter sports are available between Cayuga and Seneca lakes. For a slower pace of activity, browsing for antiques is another favorite pastime for both residents and visitors. For such a small community, Trumansburg offer a very unique and high quality of life. Residents can enjoy all that the natural surroundings have to offer and they can enjoy the culture of an eclectic downtown with live music, festivals and family fun all a short distance from Ithaca and its busy urban feel. This truly is a great place to call home.
