Retirement Lists

Ithaca, New York

Ithaca, NY, Downtown Historic District
U.S. National Historic Landmark

NRHP reference No.	05000018
Overall fit
Strong3.6 / 5
Care access
Poor
Safety
Good3.0 / 5
Climate
Good2.6 / 5
Daily life
2.5 / 5 · Moderate

Is Ithaca a good place to retire?

There is enough here to deserve a closer look. Getting the right care may take a little more planning.

What it may cost

Start with the local estimate. Traveler and couple budgets show how the monthly total can change.

Local monthly estimate

$3,404

Traveler estimate
$4,897
Couple estimate
$5,147
Typical 1BR rent
$1,302
Cost pressure
Moderate

Everyday life

Nearby air service can make family visits simpler. The age mix includes a smaller 50+ community.

20%

Residents age 50+

Walkability
Moderate

2.5 / 5

A car will likely make everyday errands easier.

Median broadband
335 Mbps

Plenty for video calls and streaming.

Family visits
Airport connected visit

Getting the care you need

The care picture looks poor as a starting point. Country-level life expectancy is about 78.9 years.

1

Hospitals nearby

Healthcare access
Poor
Healthcare quality
Poor
Country life expectancy
About 78.9 years
Primary care
Moderate
Pharmacy access
Very Good

Understanding safety

Violent crime looks better; property crime is the part to examine more closely.

Overall safety

Good

3.0 / 5

Violent crime
Very Good
Property crime
Moderate

Living through the seasons

Summers are the easier season. Winter comfort deserves a closer look.

Overall climate comfort

Good2.6 / 5

Summer

79°F

Average high

2 days/year above 90°F

4.8 / 5 · Excellent

Winter

18°F

Average low

148 days/year below freezing

1 / 5 · Poor

Air quality

Excellent

4.9 / 5

Retirement fit

Why it may fit

A move feels more comfortable when care, costs, seasons, and the places you go each day work together.

Reasons it may fit

  • Healthcare access is rated poor.
  • 1 hospitals within 12 km are nearby.
  • Primary care access is rated moderate.

What to plan for

  • The local monthly estimate is $3,404, including a typical 1BR rent of $1,302.
  • Summer comfort is rated excellent; the average summer high is Mild · 79°F and 2 days/year are above 90°F.
  • Review both crime measures: Very Good for violent crime and Moderate for property crime.

Questions retirees ask

What should I budget for retirement in Ithaca?

The current local-resident estimate is $3,404 per month, with a typical 1BR rent of $1,302. Treat it as a planning starting point and compare the detailed cost categories with your own housing, travel, and healthcare needs.

How is healthcare access in Ithaca?

Healthcare access is rated poor, with 1 hospitals within 12 km nearby. Primary care access is rated moderate. Insurance, appointment availability, and the drive from home still matter.

What are the seasons like in Ithaca?

Summer comfort is excellent, with an average high of Mild · 79°F and 2 days/year above 90°F. Winter comfort is poor, with an average low of 18°F / -8°C.

Could this place work for you?

There is enough here to deserve a closer look. Before adding it to your shortlist, take a closer look at the monthly budget and property crime.

Sources

These sources list the public figures used for Ithaca. Local context links describe its parks, food, culture, history, and other place specific details.

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