Hillside Acres Mobile Home Park

For residents, students, and professionals in the New York region seeking a balance between urban convenience and residential affordability, Hillside Acres Mobile Home Park stands as a notable option. Located in the charming hamlet of Varna, within the town of Ithaca, this established manufactured housing community has long served as a critical housing resource for the local population. Given the high demand for real estate in the Ithaca area, Hillside Acres provides a practical path to homeownership or stable renting, particularly for those connected to the nearby academic institutions. The park offers a mature, wooded landscape that provides a sense of privacy while maintaining a close connection to the vibrant culture of the Finger Lakes region.

The community is primarily composed of tenant-owned homes, creating a stable neighborhood where residents have a personal stake in the upkeep of their properties. While the park features a mix of classic manufactured homes and newer, energy-efficient models, the overall atmosphere is one of quiet suburban living. Managed by Jim Ray Homes, a well-known name in the local manufactured housing industry, Hillside Acres is designed to accommodate a diverse demographic, from graduate students and faculty to families and retirees. Its position in the market as an "institutional-grade" investment property underscores its reliability and the consistent demand for the unique lifestyle it offers.

Location and accessibility are perhaps the most significant advantages of Hillside Acres Mobile Home Park. Situated on Graduate Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA, the community is located a mere 1.5 miles from Cornell University. This proximity makes it a premier choice for graduate students and university staff who want to minimize their commute without paying the premium prices often found in downtown Ithaca or Collegetown. The park is situated just off Route 366 (Dryden Road), providing a direct link to the Cornell Veterinary School and the main campus. For those who prefer public transportation, the park is exceptionally well-served by the TCAT bus system, with a covered bus stop located right at the entrance, offering frequent service to the university and downtown hubs.

In addition to its vehicle and transit accessibility, the park is ideally located for those who enjoy the outdoors. It is surrounded by the wooded hills of the Fall Creek valley and is within a short distance of the Cornell Botanical Gardens and various hiking trails. Accessibility within the park is also maintained, featuring paved roads and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot at the main entrance area. This strategic location ensures that residents are never far from the academic, cultural, and recreational amenities that make Ithaca one of the most desirable places to live in New York.

Hillside Acres Mobile Home Park provides a comprehensive suite of essential services that support a comfortable and worry-free living environment. The management team focuses on maintaining the core infrastructure that residents rely on daily. These services include:

• Connection to municipal water and sewer systems, ensuring reliable and modern utility services.
• Connection to natural gas lines, allowing for efficient heating and cooking.
• Regular maintenance of park roads, including hard-top or dust-controlled surfaces.
• Professional snow removal from community roads during the winter months, essential for the Ithaca climate.
• On-site property management dedicated to enforcing community standards and addressing resident needs.
• Coordination of real estate taxes, including county, town, and school district taxes, often handled within the lot rent structure.
• Professional screening and background checks for all new residents to ensure a safe and friendly neighborhood environment.

The features and highlights of Hillside Acres reflect its role as a functional and scenic residential community. From modern home features to neighborhood amenities, the park offers several distinct advantages for its residents. Key highlights include:

• A quiet, sparsely developed setting that offers a peaceful retreat from the high-density areas of the city.
• Availability of newer manufactured home models (2019 and later) featuring open floor plans, stainless steel appliances, and energy-efficient designs.
• A family-friendly atmosphere that includes an on-site playground for resident children.
• Pet-friendly policies (typically allowing cats with approval) that cater to animal lovers.
• Mature landscaping and wooded surroundings that provide natural shade and beautiful seasonal views.
• A high degree of safety, with residents often noting the neighborhood is quiet and the neighbors are friendly.
• Street lighting throughout the community to enhance safety and visibility during the evening hours.

For those interested in exploring residency options, purchasing a home, or inquiring about current lot availability, the management can be reached through their central office. It is important for prospective residents to note that approval by the park management is required prior to moving in. The contact details for Hillside Acres are as follows:

Address: Graduate Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Management Office: (607) 564-9000 (Associated with Jim Ray Homes)

Choosing a place to live in Ithaca requires careful consideration of budget and location, and Hillside Acres is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. Most notably, it offers the lowest cost of living in such close proximity to the Cornell campus. For individuals who would otherwise be paying high monthly rents for small apartments, the ability to own a home and pay a manageable lot fee—which includes taxes, water, and road maintenance—is a significant financial advantage. This allows residents to build equity rather than simply paying for a lease.

Furthermore, the community is worth choosing for its stability. Because all residents undergo a credit and background check, there is a consistent standard of conduct and a shared respect for the neighborhood. The inclusion of municipal utilities (water, sewer, and gas) is another major benefit, as many rural mobile home parks rely on well and septic systems which can be less reliable. Whether you are a student looking for a quiet place to study, a professional seeking a convenient commute, or a local resident wanting a safe and affordable home, Hillside Acres provides a reliable and welcoming environment in one of New York's most beautiful regions.

Would you like me to find information on the current TCAT bus schedules for the routes serving Hillside Acres to help you plan your commute?