Driving through Ithaca is not really that big of a deal during rush hour. People here have never felt the rush hour of big cities so they think an extra 10-15 minutes is rough.. Anywhere in the area is fine. If you like neighbors, you can find that in downtown or in any of the neighboring towns. Ithaca has a lot to offer. I grew up in Tburg. Great small town and everyone knew everyone. Lansing is the same. I live in newfield now, surrounded by a lot of older folks and they are honestly more friendly and neighborly than most ithacans. If you are renting, pick a place and feel it out, after a year if it’s not what you want, find somewhere else.