Belle Sherman Guide
Everything you need to know about living, working, and building in Belle Sherman
📍 Quick Overview
James Shelton32, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
I always enjoy working in Belle Sherman—it’s got that small-town feel right next to campus. The streets are quiet, lined with big trees and old houses, and you see families, professors, and students all mixed together. It’s the kind of place where houses sell quick, and you can see why.
What Makes Belle Sherman Special
From the job sites, you see grassy lawns, mature trees, and the edge of Six Mile Creek Natural Area.
The folks here are a friendly bunch—families, grad students, and longtime residents.
It’s close enough to walk to Cornell, Collegetown, or East Hill Plaza for groceries and coffee.
Natural Beauty
Community Feel
Convenience
The terrain is mostly gentle, but there are some rolling spots and wooded areas that make every yard a little different.
You’ll notice neighbors chatting on the sidewalk, and the local elementary school gives the area a real community vibe.
The location works because you get peace and quiet, but you’re still just minutes from all the action.
🏠 Living & Building in Belle Sherman Guide
Neighborhood Amenities
Housing & Development
Parks & Recreation: Six Mile Creek trails, East Ithaca Rec Way, and playgrounds.
Shopping & Dining: East Hill Plaza, Coal Yard Cafe, and Collegetown Bagels.
Schools & Services: Belle Sherman Elementary is right in the neighborhood.
Transportation: Walkable, with bus service and easy access to downtown.
We work on early 20th-century homes—Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Tudor styles.
There’s been a trend toward adding porches, decks, and outdoor living spaces.
Lots are a good size, but you have to watch for old trees and root systems.
Building here is unique because you’re often updating historic homes for modern living.
We’ve done excavation for additions and drainage work in Belle Sherman. The soil is a sandy loam, so it drains well, but you’ve got to be careful around the old tree roots. Permits are handled by the city and usually take a couple weeks. Access is usually good, but watch for narrow streets.
🗺️ Area Map
❓ Quick Facts About Belle Sherman
About 5 minutes to downtown Ithaca
Lots range from small to medium, with big trees
Mostly zoned residential, single-family and some multi-unit
Standard city utilities, plus high-speed internet
Soil is sandy loam—good for drainage, but watch for tree roots. Permits take about 2 weeks. Best time for work is spring or fall, since summers can get busy with students moving in. Streets are narrow, so plan for equipment parking.
🚜 Local Excavation & Site Work
We’ve done everything from grading to drainage fixes in Belle Sherman. After years of working here, we know how to protect the old trees and keep the neighborhood looking sharp. Local know-how means fewer surprises and a smoother job for everyone.
