What makes Tompkins county different from the rest of upstate New York - including much bigger urban areas like Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse - is the density of the housing in Ithaca and the surrounding areas combined with an employment base that is still located withing walking distance for many people. Less than half of Tompkins county residents live in single detached houses. Instead, 37% live in buildings with more than 2 units and 14% live in attached one family units. Dense housing creates less dependence on cars. And probably less obesity (I'm still looking for county level health data like that).

Cornell is a major employer and many of the workers live near campus. The town has resisted numerous threats to its downtown retail and commercial district from large big box retailers. Most employers have realized that people value their ability to work in the downtown area, near shops, restaurants, the library, etc.

Good zoning laws, sensible urban planning and co-locating businesses and residents makes for a more sustainable living environment. Walk on Ithaca! Walk on Tompkins COunty!

peak oil, sustainable living, Tompkins County, Ithaca, Housing, Gas Prices,