Louise Lopez expertly guides queer individuals to vibrant, inclusive U.S. and North American neighborhoods with 15+ years of dedicated experience, ensuring they find not just a home, but a community where their authenticity is celebrated and protected.
Ithaca is known as one of the most liberal and progressive cities in New York. The city is home to a diverse group of people and has been named one of the best cities in the country for gays and lesbians to live by The Advocate Magazine.
If you’re planning to move to LGBT Ithaca, you will love the inclusive shops here as well as the queer-owned and operated businesses, shops, and eateries.
Ithaca is a relaxed city and a part of the Finger Lakes region. The city is located on Cayuga Lake and is surrounded by breathtaking natural features, including waterfalls. Young professionals, college students, and families are relocating to the area because Ithaca provides its citizens with a top-notch educational system, a reasonable cost of living, and a close-knit community.
Ithaca is a unique region with a population of slightly more than 31,000 people and is most well-known for being the location of the Ivy League institution, Cornell University. As a college town, it has lots of locally-owned bars, shops, and restaurants – and very liberal and open-minded people.
Ithaca in New York is a truly remarkable city that welcomes everyone looking for a progressive and inclusive place to work, play, and raise a family. The city not only embraces countless LGBTQ+ people and families each year and also helps businesses commit to being welcome and inclusive to LGBTQ+ people and their families.
The city has a demographic that is always ready to promote a queer and queer-friendly community. If you’re contemplating relocating to LGBT Ithaca, you might just discover the accepting surroundings you or your family require to prosper. While Ithaca itself is very open-minded, the surrounding areas can be pretty conservative, so you might want to be careful when you visit outside the city boundaries.
There is even a quirky gay scene in Ithaca, but like Des Moines, Madison, Fort Collins, Dayton, and other mid-sized cities in the United States, it is rather low-key, especially when compared to New York City or San Diego. This is why a gay realtor in Ithaca is priceless, as they can assist you in finding your new perfect home in the gaybourhood most suited to you.
Despite the relatively hidden LGBT culture of Ithaca, moving here should not make you feel uneasy. The majority of people in Ithaca are accepting of the LGBTQ community, and you will quickly discover that the majority of businesses, shops, and services will serve you with pride.
We’ll go over what you should expect when moving to LGBT Ithaca, as well as how you can make the transition easier on yourself (or with your family) and make sure you’re prepared to enjoy every minute of your new life here!
Check your preconceptions at the door because moving to LGBT Ithaca is not what you expect…
In this article we will cover...
- Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Ithaca
- Does Ithaca Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
- Is Ithaca An Expensive City To Move To?
- The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Ithaca
- LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Ithaca
- LGBTQ+ Community Events in Ithaca
- LGBT-Owned Businesses In Ithaca
- Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Ithaca
- Finding Gay Realtors In Ithaca
Highlights Of Moving To LGBTQ Ithaca
Residents of Ithaca are well aware that their city is more than just a college town and is brimming with hidden gems. Once you move here, you’ll be able to quickly befriend locals and spend your free time discovering that Ithaca is overflowing with culture and captivating sights…
On top of this, thanks to an offbeat yet deeply engaged LGBT community, which congregates at a few fabulous queer hot spots in the city’s most popular neighborhoods, securing a relocation here will allow you to meet queer people with similar interests.
Almost anything your heart desires is available here. When relocating to LGBT Ithaca, there are numerous things to look forwards to, such as distinctive architecture, endearing coffee shops, and boozy brunch haunts.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the aspects that make up this incredible city before we get into the details.
It’s College Town
Ithaca is the ideal location for furthering your education. Whether you’re looking for higher education possibilities for yourself or are moving with kids who are still in school. It is no secret that Ithaca values higher education.
There’s one Ivy league college in the city, and more than 23 universities and colleges within a 50-mile radius. A superb, highly regarded public school system is also available, so your kids will always be studying from the best.
Breweries Everywhere
Ithaca may be known for its wineries, but as more and more craft brewers relocate here, the city is quickly rising to the top of the Finger Lakes Beer Trail. The city is home to a significant number of craft breweries that produce porters, hops IPAS, and many seasonal lagers, drawing a sizable population of professionals and college students.
You should visit the breweries in the city whether you are an avid beer enthusiast or just want to have a few beers with family and friends.
Outdoor Activities
Ithaca is anything but dull, despite having a smaller population than other New York cities. The city is surrounded by stunning state parks, exquisite wineries, vast forests, and rugged gorges because it is situated in the Finger Lakes region.
There are 150 waterfalls in Ithaca, which means there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures. Ithaca residents take advantage of the outdoors quite often, whether they like to go hiking, boating, or sightseeing.
The Culinary Experience
Ithaca is thought to be the birthplace of the ice cream sundae! According to legend, the invention was made in 1892 by a pharmacist and a priest who covered ice cream in candied cherries and cherry syrup. According to reports, Downtown Ithaca was also the birthplace of the concept of pizza delivery, which helped establish the existing food delivery industry.
It is not surprising to find that Ithaca is known as a culinary destination, given all of these incredible food offerings. Ithaca is known for its fusion of traditional French cuisine with Southern comfort food, but it also offers a wide variety of delectable delicacies to suit every pallet. You can eat in a family-run tavern, a small bistro, or a five-star establishment.
Does Ithaca Embrace The LGBTQ Community?
Ithaca, one of Upstate New York’s most progressive and liberal communities, attracts a sophisticated population. It is also happily one of “The Advocate” magazine’s initial “10 Best Cities for Gays and Lesbians to Live.”
Many of the restaurants, businesses, and shops, in the area have Inclusive window stickers gracing their windows for visitors to see. Inclusive Space Decals are also available in the city to welcome LGBTQ people and families into their place of business.
The stickers were developed to assist businesses in expressing and displaying their dedication to inclusivity and to accepting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals and families. Ithaca is a well-known college town, and it’s also known for being quite open-minded and liberal.
Enlightened people in the city take pride in supporting a gay and queer-friendly community. Although Ithaca is progressive, its surroundings and state are somewhat more conservative.
Is Ithaca An Expensive City To Move To?
Even though the city has a lot to offer, one of its most appealing features that are luring many new inhabitants is the inexpensive cost of living. Ithaca living is cheaper than living in New York City and other major cities in the state, where costs are 3 percent more than the national average.
The same standard of living can be maintained in Ithaca at around $5,000 per month for people who live in New York City and earn an average salary of almost $8,000 each month.
Ithaca is 148 percent less expensive to live in than San Francisco and 70.5 percent less expensive than Washington, and Seattle. Ithaca has a cheap cost of living, but the city nonetheless has a 43.4 percent poverty rate.
This indicates that 1 out of 2.3 people in the city are living below the poverty line. Ithaca’s average yearly wage is currently $34,400, which is significantly less than the U.S. average of $65,710 per year. Although Ithaca has a low cost of living, high taxes and housing expenditures are common occurrences.
The Best Gay Neighborhoods In Ithaca
While all the media today seems to this that gayborhood is dead or on the verge of extinction. We have news for them – it’s not! Instead, gayborhoods across the USA are growing in number and diversity; they might look slightly different.
Instead of being the main street serving mostly-exclusive LGBT clients (something we now think of as a gay village), gayborhoods have evolved into cultural archipelagos, a collection of queer islands coalesced by sexuality and gender and liberal allies. And cities frequently have more than one.
Today, it turns out not all LGBT people in Ithaca want to live in the relative chaos of downtown Ithaca – and thankfully, they (and you!) have options.
However, when choosing where to live in Ithaca, remember that some areas are more conveniently located for all the fun queer events and activities. By being aware of them in advance, you can arrive at your new residence in the gay-friendly neighborhood that best suits your needs.
Discover your ideal new home in one of these prominent gay and LGBT-friendly gaybourhoods in Ithaca. Each one has its own distinct personality, a friendly vibe, and amenities you’ll love and soon wonder how you ever did without. Give yourself lots of time to get to know the diverse areas of Ithaca, and bear in mind that this city has plenty to offer everyone – queer or otherwise!
Now let’s take a look at where the handful of marvelous gay areas in Ithaca are and talk about the Ithaca gayborhood where you might feel most at home! Or speak to a local LGBT real estate agent for a more detailed understanding of the best options today.
Downtown Ithaca
Ensure you check out Downtown Ithaca if you want to make Ithaca your new home. This neighborhood is a fantastic spot to live in the center of the city and is sometimes referred to as energizing, dynamic, and distinctive. Many young professionals and college students call this neighborhood home thanks to its proximity to Ithaca College and Cornell University.
The streets are dotted with several public artworks and engaging displays that the locals can enjoy, all of which are inspired by the culture and the arts.
Additionally, because the area is so culturally diverse, it is common to observe locals enjoying the wonderful culinary scene by feasting at one of the many international restaurants, hip bars, and trendy cafes.
Downtown is very walkable and is also one of the best areas to reside in the city due to its excellent position close to popular attractions and establishments.
Collegetown
Cornell University and Ithaca College are both conveniently close to the Collegetown area. Living here is perfect for the young demographic since it is primarily populated by college students, teachers, and their families.
This area, which has been described as having a laid-back urban atmosphere, offers its residents some of the city’s best amenities that are expressly designed with students in mind. There are several housing alternatives to pick from, including condos, apartment buildings, and single-family houses for sale or rent.
Collegetown is a well-liked hangout for the student population and is also a lively neighborhood that’s close to recreational opportunities. Collegetown is renowned for its proximity to the university and its student-friendly atmosphere but is best recognized for the number of coffee shops and quaint restaurants that call the neighborhood home.
Similar to a small city, Collegetown offers dining, shopping, and many other amenities. Due to the large number of students that use this convenient location, the rent, noise, and traffic have all increased.
Being closer to downtown stores and eateries while living in the lower region of the neighborhood will give you a decent workout since you’ll have to climb uphill to get to school. In this region, luxury/average apartment buildings, multi-family homes, and room rentals are the norm.
Belle Sherman
Just east of Collegetown is a community with a focus on families. Excellent public schools with no hills, the campus is a 15-minute level walk away in Ithaca. The neighborhood is located about a mile from East Hill Plaza, a commercial center that houses a Burger King, 24-hour grocery store, liquor store, hair salon, and deli.
The Belle Sherman area is renowned for being tranquil and pleasant. Young families and professionals are moving to the area as a result of Belle Sherman’s proximity to Collegetown, which has residential properties, Ithaca College, and Cornell University. Most amenities are within a 15-minute walk, making it a well-known wonderful spot to live.
This neighborhood is well-known for its excellent safety rating, and is wonderful for families, has an excellent public school system, and lots of open spaces. While the neighborhood itself may not have a large selection of eateries, bars, or coffee shops, the area around it is home to many excellent choices. It is not surprising that this area is one of the nicest locations to live in the city because it
LGBTQ+ Community Organizations In Ithaca
Wherever you live, it is critical that you support LGBT organizations in any way you can use so that they can keep reaching out to and assisting other members of the community who are more vulnerable. After all, we are all stronger when we work together, and each of us will likely have a time in our lives when we require a little extra support.
Ithaca has a supportive and diverse LGBTQ community, which has helped the city become more gay-friendly in recent years.
As a result, there are a variety of LGBT resources available to community members, their allies, friends, and families – and you ought to feel free to utilize them or consider giving your support as needed to keep your new home city moving forwards! They are also a place to meet new people and find your queer chosen family in Ithaca.
Ithaca College Center for LGBT Education, Outreach, and Services
The Ithaca College Center is home to LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. The college and neighborhood have attracted many LGBT and associated individuals who are looking for a great environment to study, work, and live in.
In addition to actively promoting the academic achievement and personal development of LGBT students, the resource center also provides college-wide services to increase the campus community’s knowledge of and support for LGBT individuals and issues.
Ithaca Transgender Group is a peer-led, private support group. Anyone who identifies in some way as transgender is welcome here. The group gets together every two weeks on Sundays from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. and sometimes invites significant others, family, friends, and allies to their meetings.
PFLAG supports the safety, health, and well-being of the LGBTQ community as well as those individuals’ family and friends. Their goal through advocacy is to combat prejudice and achieve equal civil rights for LGBTQ+ people and those they love.
They also offer education to sensitize the public to LGBTQ issues. Visiting a PFLAG chapter is the greatest opportunity for parents, family, and friends, as well as LGBT persons, to obtain support, educational resources, and information about the organization’s advocacy work.
LGBTQ+ Community Events in Ithaca
After moving to a new city, you will likely want to create new connections, meet new people, and network. Thankfully, LGBT Ithaca plays host to a variety of annual events for lesbians, transgender persons, gays, and anyone else who wants to have a good time.
While there are many queer events in the city, the ones listed here are the largest and greatest and are all worth marking in your calendar as you won’t want to miss them.
Ithaca Pride, is a yearly community festival, ushers in the month of June. The unconventional parade is a prime example of the artistic expression of the larger Ithaca community. Pride Week features many events that everyone can enjoy since it recognizes that PRIDE is for all, whether it’s families and performers, children, and adults.
For many years, LGBTQ resistance and resiliency have been centered in public places and bars. However, many of the individuals and locations that are a part of LGBTQ shared history have been disregarded, eliminated, or forgotten.
The LGBTQ Local History Walking Tour was developed by students from Ithaca College and Luca Maurer, the director of The Center for LGBT Education, Outreach & Services.
LGBT-Owned Businesses In Ithaca
It’s only normal to want to support queer businesses after relocating to LGBT Ithaca. Making a safe space where individuals can relax, shop, eat, and meet without fear is one way to build a safer and more accepting society – and LGBT businesses are frequently doing the heavy lifting to achieve this goal.
It is crucial to support these projects wherever you reside to ensure the survival and development of the queer community. When you shop local, you are personally investing in your city and community – a small step that can be transformational when people do it en masse.
Here are just a few of our favorite LGBTQ+-owned companies in Ithaca that you can support with your pink dollars…
Angry Mom records, trades, buys and sells 45s, LPs, 78s, CDs, and cassettes. Among the various genres they carry, include Rock, Soul and R&B, Punk, Indie, Country, Psych, International, Reggae, and much more. Psych, Folk, Electronic, Metal, and Oddities. Their inventory includes a wide range of new and recently reissued records as well as old recordings.
F. Oliver makes routine activities enjoyable. F. Oliver’s offers top culinary ingredients, regional specialty foods, and one-of-a-kind gifts through its outlets in the Finger Lakes.
With their outstanding extra virgin olive oils, freshly ground spices, and aged balsamic vinegar, you can experiment with new tastes and cooking techniques. Local cuisine, handcrafted serving pieces, and luxurious skincare needs based on olive oil will improve daily living.
Final Thoughts On Moving To LGBTQ Ithaca
You will always have something to do while living in Ithaca, whether you’re looking for a solo adventure or a new family weekend excursion. Ithaca is home to museums, live music venues, and art galleries, and it also has a vibrant nightlife that is popular with college students.
Even though the chilly and snowy weather can prevent you from going outside sometimes, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you busy. We hope you receive the freedom and security you deserve if you decide to start your new chapter in LGBT Ithaca. However, please remember that life is what you make of it.
The best ways to learn more about LGBT Ithaca are to live in a gay-friendly neighborhood, support local queer businesses and events, and join LGBT community clubs, organizations and teams.
We promise that if you go by these suggestions, moving to LGBT Ithaca will be less challenging for you and that you’ll meet like-minded individuals and build up that all-important support network quickly.
Finding Gay Realtors In Ithaca
Why would you consider someone’s sexuality when hunting for the ideal realtor? This may appear strange at first, but there are numerous reasons why contacting a gay realtor in Ithaca is a good way to discover your dream house.
After all, it’s not unrealistic to expect fair, equal, and honest representation from someone who comprehends the queer community’s specific needs and desires when engaging in one of life’s most important transactions.
Further to that, sadly many people (up to one-third of Americans) still genuinely think that our community does not deserve protection and dignity in areas such as housing, adoption, employment, and other aspects of life.
As a result, it’s not surprising that LGBT people who use mainstream realtors frequently express discomfort, unnecessary trouble, unenthusiastic representation, or even antagonism or outright contempt.
Everyone deserves a pleasurable, stress-free home buying or selling experience while being adequately represented, which is why we believe you should hire a gay realtor to assist you in uncovering your ideal future home.
When looking for a home, LGBTQ realtors are more likely to be informed about the diverse communities in their area and fully comprehend which ones may be particularly well suited to you. This isn’t to say heterosexual realtors aren’t competent; they’ve just never had to deal with many of the challenges that LGBT people face.
Gay realtors conduct thorough research into the neighborhoods in which they sell homes to make sure their customers are safe, rather than just being concerned with how thriving, trendy, or up-and-coming a neighborhood is (or appears to be).
It used to be challenging to uncover professional LGBT-friendly real estate agents in Ithaca – and it was virtually impossible to find one if you were relocating here from out of state and didn’t have access to a local referral.
Thankfully, you no longer have to search for a realtor without knowing whether or not they are accepting of others because you can use a list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents in Ithaca to do all of your homework for you.
Simply go to the page, and you’ll be presented with a free list of gay, lesbian, and gay-friendly agents who can help you with your relocation as well as other useful information like LGBT+friendly schools, shopping, storage firms, tradesmen, and more.
Read the biographies of LGBT real estate agents, then select the one who is right for you. It’s essential that you find someone who will be by your side and support you and your family during one of life’s most exhilarating occasions.
Even better, there is no hidden motive, cost, or obligation whatsoever!
