Program in Real Estate Cornell University

Living and Learning in Ithaca

The secret is out – the magical place that Ithacans call home was recently voted best emerging US city. With Cornell University attracting thousands of people annually from around the globe, Ithaca is an internationally diverse city that is “home away from home” for many residents from all over the world with a cultural and stimulating pulse uniquely Ithaca.

Cornell, with its 14 undergraduate, graduate, and professional colleges and schools, is the largest of the Ivy League schools and provides a near limitless variety of intellectual, social, athletic, and other enriching opportunities. Life at Cornell is about more than campus life and Cornell events, however; magical Ithaca, the inspiring Finger Lakes region, and nearby urban centers such as New York City create a dynamic living and learning environment.

A vibrant and lively community, Ithaca features three spectacular gorges and dozens of waterfalls within the city limits. Mature trees line the streets of Ithaca’s downtown neighborhoods and the central business district contains unique stores and boutiques and a bounty of restaurants that cater to ethnic specialties, world class cuisine, and the best comfort food imaginable. Choose from Italian, Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, vegetarian (and vegan), Cambodian, and much more. In fact, Ithaca has more eateries per capita than New York City, and you’re sure to find something enticing on the menu wherever you choose to dine.

For socializing, stay downtown on the Ithaca Commons, a unique pedestrian mall located in the heart of downtown, or make the short trip to Collegetown, bordering the Cornell campus—both areas boast active nightlife scenes, ranging from the Chapter House’s world-class beer list to Stella’s martini bar, 80’s Night at the Haunt or salsa and merengue dancing at Common Ground. If you would rather have a caffeine-fueled conversation with friends, visit Gimme! Coffee, the Zagat-rated coffeehouse that was founded in Ithaca and now holds the title of “Best NYC Coffeehouse” two years running.

Many real estate graduates find themselves based in or near a large city, but treasure the two years at Cornell as an opportunity to be immersed in real estate studies and to enjoy an attractive alternative to the distractions of big-city life. Ithaca, renowned for its natural beauty, offers popular outdoor activities including sailing, wind surfing, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. Where else can you roll out of bed and be on a golf course in five minutes? Or take a short stroll and swim beneath a hundred-foot waterfall? And not to be forgotten is winter fun, with snow skiing and ice hockey Cornell traditions. The natural beauty of upstate New York surrounds you with breathtaking views and seasonal variety without equal. A vibrant arts community makes it tough to choose between the theatre, music, and dance options. Destination museums and galleries add to the richness. The country-meets-city charm of Ithaca is compelling -- simply put, Ithaca is ideally suited for combining serious study with energizing recreation.

The location of Cornell’s comprehensive graduate real estate program less than four hours from New York City is not lost on students as excursions for business or fun are commonplace, and the Cornell Club is a popular destination.

Once you leave the Ithaca you come upon rural landscapes, friendly and quaint villages and hamlets and an abundance of wineries, a specialty for the Finger Lakes. The Cayuga Lake wine trail starts with many of the downtown Ithaca restaurants serving many of our local wines. Seneca Lake Wine Trail offers an even larger array of wineries, specializing in the use of many different grapes grown in the region.

Ithaca’s cultural riches abound. On campus, you’ll find that active intellectual exploration spills into every aspect of student life. Professors engage students outside of the classroom, whether by serving as faculty advisors of student organizations or simply keeping the conversation going through informal chats after class. Cornell’s Department of Theatre and Dance brings well-known actors and dancers to campus for thought-provoking main stage shows as well as more experimental black-box productions. The Herbert F. Johnson Museum, housed in building by I.M. Pei and offering breathtaking lake views, is an artist’s and art lover’s playground, featuring traveling exhibits, special installations, and an impressive permanent collection of modern art and sculpture.

Cornell Campus View

Visiting speakers and leaders from around the world offer daily opportunities to broaden your understanding of today’s world and to explore special areas of interest—everything from politics to architectural theory and practice—and so much more! Cornell Cinema, centrally located on campus, screens foreign and independent films as well as mainstream selections—and offers special ticket prices for students. Campus groups, from the committees of the Student Assembly to a number of kooky theatre troupes, provide excellent opportunities to meet new people, get involved, and participate directly in enriching campus life.

Visit Ithaca once, and you’ll get a feel for how much it has to offer; come here to study for two years, and we’re sure you’ll agree: Ithaca is a fantastic place to live and to learn.