Is Ithaca Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Ithaca is generally a safe city, especially for solo female travelers. The crime rate is relatively low compared to other US cities and the residents are known for being friendly and helpful. However, like any other location, it also necessitates common safety precautions such as avoiding dark alleys at night, being mindful of personal belongings and staying alert at all times.

Safety rating

4.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.4 /5

Based on 3 experiences from local women

Ithaca is currently ranked #12 safest place in United States for solo female travellers, with an overall safety rating of 4.4 out of 5. . Check the full ranking.

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How safe is Ithaca?

Safety at night:Safe

Ithaca is generally a safe city with a community-oriented atmosphere. Like any city, though, there are certain areas where you should be more cautious and it's always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, especially if walking alone at night. Most of the complaints about safety in Ithaca tend to relate to occasional petty crimes rather than violent crimes. It's always wise to follow basic safety measures such as avoiding poorly lit streets and areas and sticking to populated areas, particularly at night.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Ithaca is generally safe in terms of both personal safety and in terms of reliability. The city features a well-coordinated bus system, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT), that is frequented by university students, locals and tourists. There are regular schedules and routes that cover quite comprehensive areas in Ithaca. However, it's always important to stay alert and adhere to basic safety measures like avoiding traveling at late hours if possible, keeping personal belongings close, and having emergency contacts readily available.

Street harassment:Very low

Ithaca is known for being a hospitable and friendly town. Street harassment is minimal to none. People are generally respectful and maintain their distance. Many solo female travelers have had positive and comfortable experiences when exploring this place.

Petty crimes:Low

Ithaca is generally a safe city with a low number of reported petty crimes such as pickpocketing or purse snatching. The college-town atmosphere promotes a sense of community. Still, it's always a good idea to be alert, secure your belongings, and avoid isolating situations when possible.

Is Ithaca worth visiting?

Solo travel

Felt very safe, except commons at night. Food is average not a lot of good ethnic good. Don’t recommend night life though the salsa dancing at luna’s is nice. House parties are better than going clubbing. I recommend the nature highly! All the trails and walks etc are gorgeous

Posted: July 10, 2024

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Is Ithaca safe for women?

Safety index

3.4 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Crime index

1 /5

Based on 3 local experiences

Josie

Ithaca is a fairly safe place to travel to, we have a very competent police force, however traveling as a woman, I’m always stressed about safety, but I have had no reason to think that I am necessarily unsafe walking around ithaca or taking public transit.

Posted: April 22, 2025

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Pareesay

Ithaca is pretty safe especially around the Cornell and collegetown area! I used to work at a printing press downtown so sometimes walked back after 1am , but I would avoid walking in the downtown area itself after dark. Most buses also stop running after midnight so that might be a consideration for those who rely on public transport. Rideshare ISNT always reliable at night in my experience. There is a fair share of robbing and breaking into homes but I’ve personally never experienced in the two places I’ve lived at in Ithaca.

Posted: July 9, 2024

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Meet locals in Ithaca

Marilee

About Me

Hello! I love to travel and learn about how other cultures live. I backpacked around Europe when I was 21 and met my future husband in Ireland when we pitched our tents next to each other. We are still happily together after 40 years - so meeting folks while traveling CAN change lives and create lasting friendships. I am a friendly and energetic 62 year old and enjoy exploring new places, learning the history, hanging out in cafes, hiking, swimming, biking and eating healthy foods.

Speaking

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Josie

About Me

Hi! I’m 18 traveling around Europe and wanting to meet new people! I love art museums and walking around seeing sights, one of my favorite things to do is take pictures of almost everything I see. I’m also into literature, poetry and music. I’m very interested in nightlife in the places I travel to, so if you want someone to party with at night, and get coffee in the morning, I’m your girl!