Living in the Finger Lakes Region

Nestled in the heart of the Finger Lakes, the area between Ithaca, Trumansburg, and Watkins Glen offers a vibrant, nature-filled lifestyle. Whether you're drawn to the stunning landscapes, farm-to-table dining, or the welcoming sense of community, this region provides an inspiring place to live, study, and explore.

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Outdoor Adventures & Natural Beauty

The Finger Lakes region is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Just minutes from Ithaca, Taughannock Falls State Park boasts one of the tallest free-falling waterfalls in the eastern U.S., with trails that wind through towering rock walls. Nearby, the Black Diamond Trail offers a peaceful, tree-lined path perfect for walking, running, or biking between Ithaca and Trumansburg.

For those who love the water, Cayuga Lake provides endless opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in the summer, while the scenic Cayuga Waterfront Trail invites leisurely strolls along the Cayuga Inlet and Ithaca’s lakeshore. Heading south, Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park feature dramatic gorges, lush woodlands, and inviting swimming areas beneath cascading falls. To the west, Watkins Glen State Park captivates visitors with its famous gorge trail, leading past 19 mesmerizing waterfalls.

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Farmers Markets & Local Eats

The region is bursting with farm-fresh flavor. Locals and visitors alike gather at the Ithaca and Trumansburg Farmers Markets to enjoy seasonal produce, artisan goods, and live music in a vibrant, community-focused setting.

For even more regional offerings, visit the Tompkins Chamber of Commerce, the Trumansburg Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, or Visit Ithaca.

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Wineries & Breweries

The Finger Lakes region is a true haven for wine and beer enthusiasts, offering an abundance of wineries, breweries, and cideries that celebrate the area’s rich agricultural heritage. The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is the oldest wine trail in the country, featuring a diverse selection of award-winning wineries known for their Rieslings, Cabernets, and artisanal blends. Just west, the Seneca Lake Wine Trail offers even more opportunities to explore world-class wines, with breathtaking vineyard views and a variety of tasting experiences. Whether you're sipping a bold red at a lakeside winery or sampling a crisp, refreshing cider, each stop along these trails provides a unique glimpse into the region's winemaking tradition.

For craft beer lovers, the region’s breweries offer everything from hoppy IPAs to smooth stouts and farmhouse ales, often brewed with locally sourced ingredients. Many breweries, like those along the Finger Lakes Beer Trail, feature outdoor seating with stunning lake views, live music, and locally inspired food pairings.

Each season brings new ways to enjoy the local beverage scene. In the fall, cozy up with a glass of wine as you take in the vibrant foliage. Winter invites intimate tastings by the fireplace at boutique wineries, while spring brings new releases and fresh flavors. Summer is perfect for outdoor tastings, brewery visits, and enjoying a chilled glass of local cider under the stars. No matter the time of year, the Finger Lakes offers a flavorful escape for those who appreciate handcrafted beverages and the beauty of the natural surroundings.

A person hiking on a trail through a colorful autumn forest with trees full of yellow, orange, and red leaves, and the ground covered in fallen leaves.

Four-Season Living

Living here means fully experiencing all four seasons. Crisp autumns paint the hills in fiery hues, while winters bring snow-covered landscapes and the quiet magic of frozen waterfalls. Spring ushers in lush greenery and blossoming wildflowers, while summer is all about lake days, hiking adventures, and outdoor concerts.

Greek Peak and Whiteface Mountain are two easily accessible ski and snowboard resorts for a day trip or weekend getaway while you’re in the area.

Whether you're here to study, teach, or explore, the Ithaca-Trumansburg-Watkins Glen area offers an inspiring blend of nature, community, and culture—a perfect setting for those seeking balance, connection, and discovery.

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Arts, Culture & Community

The region is home to a vibrant arts community, with local galleries, live music, and theater performances adding creative energy to the area. The State Theatre of Ithaca and Hangar Theatre offer year-round entertainment, from concerts and comedy to Broadway-style productions. It’s a thriving theater and performing arts scene, and you can find the full list of local companies and venues on Visit Ithaca’s Performing Arts page.

In Trumansburg, the annual GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance draws artists and music lovers from around the world, celebrating folk, roots, and world music in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Stewart Park on Cayuga Lake is home to the Ithaca Reggae Fest each summer. In addition to these major events, Porchfest in Ithaca and Trumansburg offers a unique celebration of local music. Held annually, Porchfest transforms neighborhood porches into stages, where musicians perform for free in an intimate, relaxed setting. The event brings together a diverse mix of genres and local talent, providing a fun and engaging way to experience the area’s vibrant music scene. Throughout the year, local artisans also showcase their work through the Art Trail and at community festivals and markets, creating a strong sense of cultural connection.

From the Apple Harvest Festival in the fall to Ithaca Pride Week in the summer, there is something to celebrate in Ithaca all year round. See a full list of Ithaca’s annual festivals and celebrations here.

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Wellness & Spa Experiences

For those seeking relaxation and self care, the area is home to a variety of wellness experiences that nourish the mind, body, and spirit. Rasa Spa, located in Ithaca, offers a sanctuary for holistic healing with therapeutic massage, facials, and integrative treatments designed to restore balance and promote deep relaxation. Whether you’re indulging in an aromatherapy-infused massage, a restorative body wrap, or a customized facial, Rasa Spa provides a peaceful retreat for rejuvenation. August Moon Spa offers a full menu of massages, body treatments, facials, and energy-balancing services—all inspired by the healing power of nature. Located steps from Ithaca by Firelight and the trail to Upper Buttermilk Falls, August Moon Spa is more than a place to unwind—it’s a sanctuary for body, mind, and spirit.

Yoga and meditation play an essential role in the region’s wellness culture, with a selection of studios offering diverse classes and workshops for all experience levels.

For meditation and mindfulness seekers, the Namgyal Monastery Institute of Buddhist Studies (NYMAGAL) in Ithaca serves as a center for Tibetan Buddhist teachings, offering meditation classes, Dharma talks, and retreats led by experienced teachers. As the North American seat of the Dalai Lama’s personal monastery, it provides a serene environment for deep spiritual exploration and contemplation.

Alternative healing spaces are also woven into the wellness landscape, providing holistic therapies such as Reiki, acupuncture, chiropractic work, and sound healing.

Whether you’re looking for a rejuvenating spa day, a restorative yoga class, or a tranquil lakeside retreat, the Finger Lakes region provides a peaceful landscape where wellness is a way of life.

A statue of the Dalai Lama wearing robes, holding a stone, standing in front of a colorful Buddhist building with red brick walls and traditional decorations.
Colorful flowers including orange and yellow blooms and purple petunias in bloom.

Education & Innovation

As home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, Ithaca is a hub for education, research, and innovation. Tompkins Cortland Community College is also right next door to Ithaca in Dryden. These institutions bring a dynamic mix of students, professors, and professionals who contribute to the region’s progressive culture. The area's libraries, independent bookstores, and lifelong learning programs foster an environment where curiosity thrives. Workshops, lectures, and community events make knowledge and creativity accessible to all, whether you're a student or a lifelong learner.

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Housing

The Ithaca, Trumansburg, and Watkins Glen region offers a diverse range of housing options to fit different lifestyles, whether you’re looking for a cozy apartment, a lakeside retreat, or a home in a quiet rural setting. Ithaca has a mix of historic homes, modern apartments, and eco-conscious co-housing communities. Trumansburg offers a small-town charm with a strong sense of community, featuring historic houses, family-friendly neighborhoods, and countryside homes with scenic views. Watkins Glen, known for its stunning landscapes and proximity to Seneca Lake, provides lakefront properties, rustic cottages, and a welcoming atmosphere for those who enjoy outdoor living.

For those seeking rental options, Ithaca has a variety of apartment complexes and student-friendly housing, while Trumansburg and Watkins Glen offer more private rental homes and small multi-unit buildings. The region also has a thriving cooperative housing scene, including EcoVillage Ithaca, one of the country’s most established sustainable living communities, focused on shared resources and environmentally friendly living. Whether you’re settling down long-term or staying temporarily while attending school, the Finger Lakes region offers a housing market that balances comfort, convenience, and natural beauty.

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Transportation & Getting Around

Navigating the Finger Lakes region is made easy with a mix of public transportation, biking trails, and scenic roadways. Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) provides reliable bus service throughout Ithaca, Trumansburg, and surrounding areas, making it a great option for students and commuters. And Living Essence is on a direct route! For those traveling to Watkins Glen, personal vehicles are the most common mode of transportation, though regional shuttles and carpooling services can also be convenient options.

Car-share programs offer an eco-friendly and flexible alternative to car ownership, making it easy to get around without the hassle of parking and maintenance. Ithaca Carshare is a community-driven program that provides access to fuel-efficient vehicles stationed throughout Ithaca, which are available for hourly or daily rental. This service is ideal for those who need a car occasionally for errands, day trips, or weekend getaways but prefer to rely on biking or public transit for daily commuting. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available in Ithaca and nearby towns, offering convenient options for short trips or getting to destinations outside of regular bus routes.

Cycling is a popular way to explore the region, with picturesque trails like the Black Diamond Trail, connecting Taughannock Falls to Ithaca, and the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, which offers a scenic path along the Cayuga Inlet and Cayuga Lake. Many local businesses and schools encourage eco-friendly commuting, with bike racks and car-sharing programs available.

For those traveling longer distances, Ithaca Tompkins International Airport offers regional flights, while bus services like Greyhound, OurBus, and FlixBus provide connections to major cities like New York, Syracuse, and Rochester. The region's well-maintained roads make driving an enjoyable experience, with stunning views of rolling hills, vineyards, and waterfalls along the way. Whether you prefer public transit, biking, or scenic road trips, getting around the Finger Lakes is part of the adventure.

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Approximate driving times to major cities

  • Syracuse: 1 hour

  • Rochester: 1.5 hours

  • New York City: 4 hours

  • Philadelphia: 4 hours

  • Toronto: 4 hours

  • Cleveland: 5 hours

  • Boston: 5.5 hours

  • Washington, D.C.: 6 hours