Big Flats offers space, shopping and easy airport access
The Town of Big Flats, located in Chemung County, stays close to major hubs while also offering residents more space. “It’s right between Corning and Horseheads, making it very convenient to get to all the shops and commercial areas,” says Daniel Mower, a Licensed NYS Associate Broker and lead agent for the Mower McLennan Team at Keller Williams Realty, who’s been selling homes in the area for nearly 20 years. Traditional suburban neighborhoods line Interstate 86 in the west end, while Elmira Corning Regional Airport and large shopping centers like the Arnot Mall make up the east end. This part of Chemung County is compact compared to the rest of its rural streetscapes, allowing for quick commutes to the nearby cities. “You can go all the way from Painted Post to Elmira in about 30 minutes,” says Mower.
Cape Cods, Colonials and split-levels across neighborhoods
Homebuyers can find older Nationals and Cape Cods, as well as more modern Colonial Revivals and split-level houses. There are also some contemporary properties built in the last 25 years and open lots for new construction. Neighborhoods like Quail Run offer three-to-five-acre lots, while others, like Davenport Forest, come with a half-acre to one acre. Smaller homes typically sell for $125,000 to $350,000, but larger properties usually go for $400,000 to $750,000.
Well-rated public schools
Students may start at Big Flats School, which teaches kindergarten through fourth grade and gets a B from Niche, before going to Horseheads Intermediate, which also has a B and teaches fifth and sixth graders. Horseheads Middle receives a B and teaches seventh and eighth grade, while Horseheads High earns a B-plus.
Commuting via I-86, easy airport access
Interstate 86 connects Big Flats to Corning and Horseheads, with both drives taking around 10 minutes each. I-86 also leads to State Route 14 for trips south to Elmira and north to Watkins Glen. Elmira Corning Regional Airport is right in town for easy traveling, and Guthrie Corning Hospital is less than a mile away.
Important to Know
Parts of Big Flats are in the flight path of planes landing at the nearby airport. Because of its proximity, residents may encounter occasional jet noise.
East end has national retailers while west end stays local
The east end of Big Flats is a commercial hub for the entire surrounding area. Shopping centers hold big-box stores like Sam’s Club and Target, as well as additional chains like Lowe’s Home Improvement, Kohl’s and PetSmart. Across I-86, the Arnot Mall offers over 100 more retailers, selling everything from clothes to games. This area also has a slew of fast-food and restaurant chains. Closer to those in the west end of town, Minier’s is a locally owned grocery store on Maple Street. This end of Big Flats also holds Denny’s Sub Shop, a staple that’s been serving sandwiches and pizza since 1976.
Events at Tag’s, Big Flats Community Center
Tag's Summer Stage is the biggest draw for locals and county neighbors, offering live music from May to September. The venue also holds Tagsylvania, a Halloween event through October with four haunted houses, carnival games and food vendors. The Big Flats Community Center hosts frequent gatherings and workshops, like its coffee club and senior sewing, as well as a Spring Party in April.
Parks, fishing spots and trails keep locals active outdoors
There are over a dozen parks throughout the town, but the Big Flats Community Park is the largest. It has a playground, pickleball courts and baseball diamonds that host local Little League games. Beverly's Pond is a popular fishing spot for largemouth bass. Bottcher's Landing also has a boat ramp for accessing the Chemung River. The Willowcreek Golf Club is a public, 18-hole course with an on-site pro shop. Just outside of town, the 400-acre Harris Hill Amusement Park has been open since 1947, featuring go karts, kiddie rides and an arcade. Historic glider planes are on display in the National Soaring Museum’s 37,000-square-foot facility. Locals also drive 5 miles to the Tanglewood Nature Center for animal exhibits and nearly 10 miles of hiking trails. “The whole area is very active outdoors; people are constantly in the local parks,” says Mower.
![Logan Soter-Reardon]()
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
