East Hill Neighborhood Guide
Everything you need to know about living, working, and building in East Hill
📍 Quick Overview
By Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34203150
East Hill is where you really earn your money as an excavation contractor. Every job here involves working with serious slopes, and the views from up there remind you why people are willing to deal with the challenges. I’ve been doing projects on East Hill for years, and there’s always something new – whether it’s figuring out how to get equipment up a steep driveway or working around retaining walls that have been holding up hillsides since the 1920s.One of the things I’ve always liked about Cornell Heights is how it feels like a real neighborhood that just happens to sit next to one of the country’s top universities. When we’re working in the area, you can tell these houses have stories – some going back over a century. It’s the kind of place where you’ll see professors walking their dogs next to families who’ve lived there for generations, and somehow it all just works together.
What Makes East Hill Special
The views from East Hill are unbeatable – you can see clear across Cayuga Lake on a good day, and downtown Ithaca looks like a postcard spread out below you.
It’s a mix of Cornell faculty, professionals, and longtime Ithaca families who’ve been on the hill for generations.
You’re close to Cornell’s campus, but far enough up the hill that you feel removed from the college town hustle.
Natural Beauty
Community Feel
Convenience
The terrain is dramatic, with steep slopes and deep lots that give every property its own character. Mature trees everywhere, and in the fall, you feel like you’re working in the middle of a nature documentary.
People here tend to be pretty invested in their properties – they have to be, given what it costs to maintain a house on a steep lot. You’ll see neighbors helping each other with driveway maintenance after ice storms, because everybody understands the challenges.
The elevation gives you privacy and quiet, while still being maybe 10 minutes from downtown. It’s like having the best of both worlds – small town peace with city convenience.
🏠 Living & Building in East Hill
Neighborhood Amenities
Housing & Development
Parks & Recreation: You’re close to Cornell Plantations and the campus trails. The whole area feels like you’re living in a park with all the mature trees and open space.
Shopping & Dining: A few local spots, but most shopping means heading down the hill to campus or downtown. The drive isn’t bad, but you learn to plan your trips.
Schools & Services: Ithaca schools, and you’re close to Cornell for cultural events and activities. Medical services and utilities require going down the hill, but everything’s accessible.
Transportation: You really need a car living up here. The hills make biking challenging, and bus service is limited. Winter driving requires some skill and good tires.
- Wide range of house styles – from modest 1920s cottages to impressive custom homes with lake views
- Lots tend to be deep and sloped, which creates both opportunities and challenges
- Many properties have extensive retaining walls and terraced landscaping
- Foundation and drainage work is common due to the steep terrain
- Some of the nicest custom homes in the Ithaca area are up here
“East Hill projects always start with a site visit to figure out access and drainage. The slopes here mean everything flows downhill fast, so proper grading and drainage systems aren’t optional – they’re essential. We’ve done everything from major retaining wall work to careful foundation repairs where you’re basically hanging off the side of a hill. It’s challenging work, but when it’s done right, these properties are spectacular.”
🗺️ Area Map
❓ Quick Facts About East Hill
Neighborhood Stats
Distance to campus: 5-10 minutes by car, depending on where you are on the hill
Average lot sizes: Generally larger lots, often deep and sloped
Zoning: Mostly single-family residential with larger setbacks
Utilities: Full city services, though some of the higher elevation properties have their own wells
Planning a Project Here?
The biggest factor is always the slope – everything from equipment access to drainage has to account for the terrain. Soil conditions are generally stable, but you’re often dealing with rock close to the surface and lots of runoff during heavy rains. Permits are standard through the town, but engineering requirements can be more complex due to the slopes and potential impact on neighboring properties. Winter work is challenging because of ice on the steep roads and driveways.
🚜 Local Excavation & Site Work
We specialize in excavation and site work throughout East Hill and the greater Ithaca area. Working on steep terrain requires specialized equipment and experience – you can’t just show up with standard gear and expect good results. Whether you’re dealing with drainage problems, foundation issues, or planning new construction, we understand how to work safely and effectively on challenging slopes. East Hill properties deserve contractors who know what they’re doing and won’t cut corners on the technical details.
Planning a project on East Hill? Let’s walk the site together and figure out the best approach for your specific terrain.
