Off-Campus Housing Near Ithaca
Browse verified apartments, houses, and rooms for rent near Ithaca. Contact landlords directly — no middlemen, no signup required.
0
Active listings
Available Rentals Near Ithaca
View all with filters →No listings yet
Check back soon — we're growing our landlord network near Ithaca.
Browse all available listings →Living Near Ithaca
Ithaca is a small upstate college town shared by Cornell University and Ithaca College, which together drive one of the most competitive student housing markets in the state. The city is compact and walkable, and most off-campus rentals sit within a short walk or bus ride of campus. Most students start their search a year in advance because demand is so high, and leases typically run either 10 or 12 months depending on the landlord.
Off-Campus Housing by School
Cornell University
Collegetown, directly east of campus, is the densest and most competitive student neighborhood; Fall Creek and the West End tend to offer better value, and South Hill and the blocks toward the Commons are also popular. Start searching October through December — Collegetown apartments lease extremely early.
Ithaca College
IC sits atop South Hill. The closest rentals are on South Hill and along the Elmira Road corridor; Collegetown is a bus ride north and shared with Cornell students. The Commons is a 10-minute bus or bike ride. Start searching October through December.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I look for off-campus housing?
Most students start their search a year in advance. The biggest wave of leasing happens August through November, with a second wave running January through March. Apartments in the most popular student neighborhoods fill quickly, so the earlier you start touring, the more options you'll have.
What neighborhoods do students usually live in?
Cornell students most often live in Collegetown, the dense student neighborhood directly east of campus, with overflow into Belle Sherman, Fall Creek, and the blocks heading toward downtown. Ithaca College students concentrate on South Hill near IC's campus and in the Aurora Street area connecting to downtown Ithaca. Both schools share the downtown Commons as a central hub for dining and nightlife.
Are utilities typically included in rent?
It depends on the landlord — every property is different. Some rentals include water and trash, others bundle in heat or internet, and many leave all utilities separate. Always confirm exactly what is included before signing, and ask for a recent utility average if heat or electricity is not covered.
Are leases 10 months or 12 months?
Both are common — it depends on the landlord. Twelve-month leases run the full calendar year and are typical for annual rentals, while ten-month leases align with the academic year for students who go home over the summer. Always check the exact lease start and end dates before signing.
Is Empire Off Campus free to use?
Yes — browsing listings and contacting landlords is completely free. There is no signup required, no application fees, and no middlemen. You reach out directly to the landlord by email or phone.
List your property near Ithaca
Reach thousands of students searching for housing near Ithaca. Start listing in minutes.
List your property