The difference in real estate prices as you get closer to Ithaca is pretty stark. We live between Horseheads and Ithaca, just at the northern border of Chemung County. Our house was pretty cheap, on a rural ~5 acre lot. Its about a 30 minute drive into Ithaca (barring any nasty weather), so perfectly doable for going to festivals or events occasionally. Fast internet, something like 400 mbs for $80 iirc. Good enough for 2 of us to WFH

Politically Ithaca is an abberation, so in the surrounding area you may encounter vocal right wingers... but we've had no issues personally except driving past the occasional junk filled yard with MAGA signs. Just don't buy a house next door to one of those. In fact a house just down the road from ours openly flies a BLM flag - and there's been no drama or vandalism about it