Residential streets across the river from downtown Binghamton
There are six carousels scattered throughout the Greater Binghamton area, and it's called the "Carousel Capital of the World" for a reason. Elaborate, carved horses bob their riders up and down on supports as the wood-paneled floor spins around and whimsical music fills the air around them. The half-dozen mechanized wonders are all within relatively short distance of First Ward, a neighborhood flaring westward off the banks of the Chenango River that helps bridge Binghamton and Johnson City. Single- and multi-family homes primarily dot the landscape in the south-central New York neighborhood, and residents aren't far from attending annual celebrations at Otsiningo Park, taking to the waters of the river or cheering on Minor League Baseball's Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Mirabito Stadium across the river. “The fact that they are the Rumble Ponies, and that our mascot is a carousel horse, relates back to the fact that it’s the carousel capital,” says Douglas Harrington, a licensed real estate salesperson with EXIT Realty.
First Ward is a prominent neighborhood in Binghamton city.
Binghamton Rumble Ponies games at Mirabito Stadium across the river from First Ward.
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Homes just north of railroad tracks
Thanks to its gridded streets and largely suburban feel, quiet living in the First Ward isn’t hard to find, and for some areas it’s complemented by the sounds of the Chenango River flowing by. “They were the houses that were built first, in the early 1900s,” says Tara Cataldi, a real estate salesperson with EXIT Realty. “They’re on the railroad tracks, and the First Ward is kind of part of the West Side.” A few homes are right alongside or near the tracks, where trains rumble along before or after crossing the river depending on their direction. “It’s a mix of multi-family homes and single-family homes that have been owned throughout the generations of families,” Cataldi says. Homes primarily date to the first half of the 20th century, many to 1925 and earlier, and Cape Cods and colonials among the more popular single-family styles. Both types of residences typically cost between $50,000 and $150,000. The neighborhood receives a CAP crime score of 5 out of 10, just over the national average of 4. “The First Ward, I would say, is definitely a little more up-and-coming,” says Douglas Harrington, a licensed real estate salesperson with EXIT Realty. “There are development plans that were announced recently about building more sustainable housing in some of the vacant lots.” Those plans, implemented by the city of Binghamton, will include apartment complexes with more than 100 units with completion slated for 2026.
Multi family houses are amongst the top choices when looking for houses in First Ward.
Locals in First Ward keep their front yards neat and clean.
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Recreation on dry land or in the Chenango
Veterans Memorial Park is the largest recreational green space in the First Ward, sitting right alongside First Ward Park in the center of the neighborhood. Between the two parks, they offer a softball field that’s converted into soccer or football fields in different seasons, as well as a basketball court, playground and more. Spring Forest Cemetery, spanning an even greater area than the park, sits just east with three looping trails within, while closer to the river Valley Street Park encompasses a ballfield, several pickleball courts, two basketball half-courts and several playground equipment installations. Gregory Lane Community Garden has standard rentable garden beds as well as accessible beds, and the Ely Park Golf Course is just north across the highway. Off of terra firma, boating and fishing are common pastimes on the Chenango River.
The Veterans Memorial Park is an important location in First Ward.
Ely Park Golf Course is just blocks aways from First Ward.
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Schools on the west side of the river
Woodrow Wilson Elementary School is the lone educational institution in or near the First Ward, enrolling kids up through fifth grade. The school garners a C rating from Niche, but is ranked the 152nd-most diverse public elementary school out of more than 2,600 statewide. West Middle School is located to the south, scoring a C-plus, while Binghamton High School is close to the banks of the Chenango River and is given a B by Niche. Binghamton High serves as an International Baccalaureate Accredited School and has more than a dozen such courses for its enrollment. All three schools sit west of the river.
Binghamton High School has close to 1300 students with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio.
Woodrow Wilson Elementary School features a beautiful brick building with playground.
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Local festivals celebrate area traditions
Up the west banks of the Chenango, the smell of grilling meat and the colorful panels of hot air balloons fill the air and skies in late summer during the Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally each year. The festival is held at Otsiningo Park and pays homage to spiedies, local creations that consist of various types of meat prepared on skewers. Combined with the balloons taking to the sky, it’s a treat for three of the five senses and draws thousands. Sports fans can head east across the river to Mirabito Stadium, where the Binghamton Rumble Ponies’ roster plays minor-league baseball en route to the majors, or to Visions Veterans Memorial Arena, where the Binghamton Black Bears of the Federal Prospects Hockey League claimed a 2024 championship on home ice.
CFJ Park is a popular park in First Ward.
First Ward locals often go to Ely Park Golf Course to play golf.
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I-86 on the neighborhood’s north side
Interstate 86, which briefly starts in Pennsylvania before spanning much of southern New York, is in parts concurrent with Route 17 and lines the northern edge of the First Ward. It meets with Interstate 81 near the river, and the two join forces before splitting again east of Binghamton. I-81 is part of the routes to Syracuse, New York City and Philadelphia, while 86 is the primary artery to Buffalo. Buses make stops on Glenwood and Clinton Streets, while Prospect Street parallels the highway all the way to the river. There, it meets with Front Street, which is also serviced by BC Transit and runs along the riverbanks.
Dining in a historic, renovated hotel
The Old Union Hotel offers a bar-and-grill atmosphere in a building dating to 1888 at the corner of Grace and Clinton Streets. “It used to be a hotel back in the day,” Cataldi says. “Now, it’s one of the thriving bars. They’ve revitalized it. They’re just really trying to do a lot of work over there right now.” Sach’s Tee House features a semicircular bar and sports memorabilia on the walls, while drinks are served in The Ward’s pub atmosphere and plant-based options are on the menu at Parlor City Vegan. Collectors peruse single trading cards or hobby boxes at Collect Binghamton by Piece of the Game, while entertainment-seekers play vintage pinball or shop for the latest console releases at Robot City Games & Arcade. Both establishments are among the shops on Clinton. Walmart and Wegmans are each less than five miles from the First Ward.
The Old Union Hotel is a popular bar in First Ward.
Robot City Games & Arcade in First Ward is a popular game shop.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
R. Karl Zandt,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
First Ward Park
CFJ Park
First Ward Park
Cheri A Lindsey Memorial Park
The Bark Park
Riverwalk
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
First Ward
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
First Ward Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in First Ward, Binghamton sell after 55 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in First Ward, Binghamton over the last 12 months is $106,000, up 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don’t miss this beautifully renovated duplex in the heart of Binghamton! Featuring brand new flooring and fresh paint throughout, this property shines from top to bottom. Each unit offers a fully updated kitchen and bathroom with modern lighting, stylish finishes, and brand-new appliances—perfect for comfortable living or maximizing rental income.Enjoy outdoor living with spacious covered porches
Gorgeous large duplex, each side with 3 bedrooms and one bath, walk up attic, newer furnaces, water heaters in clean dry basement, and updated electric. Camelback stairs accent the beautiful woodwork in this stately home. Hardwood floors throughout. Large flat back yard. Drive way and off street parking, Perfect for Owner Occupy/Great Investment, Close to Downtown/Bus line. This is truly a must
LeeAnna Adams-StefanoKELLER WILLIAMS REALTY GREATER BINGHAMTON
Welcome to 4 Erie St, in a secluded area of the First Ward of Binghamton. Offering you a turnkey investment property, fully rented out, with a lot more potential to come. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout this property with separate utilities for the tenants. Turn this Duplex into a real income producer, buy utilizing the oversized warehouse space for storage, fun hobbies, or even a
BEAUTIFUL CONDITION! This property at 10 Holland Street is newly painted, has new flooring installed in the kitchen and bathroom, and features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total living space of 800 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation and includes natural light from the windows. The kitchen is functional and equipped with essential appliances. Each bedroom provides
Move in ready 3-bedroom 1 bath apartment with a great mudroom/entry area that could also work for an office or extra storage. Application, background and credit check required. 1st months' rent and security due at lease signing.
Newly remodeled and spotless 3 bedroom available now. Very sunny unit is on the 2nd floor of a private house. Spacious apartment has a large living room and eat-in kitchen. Master bedroom has walk-in closet. 1 off street parking spot available, and street parking is very easy. Close to downtown and highways. On-site laundry available for additional fee. Prospective tennats will need to show proof
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
R. Karl Zandt,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,546
Median Age
38
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$47,320
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$63,167
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
11.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.2%
% Population in Labor Force
61.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
42''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
78°F
Annual Snowfall
46''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
59/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
65/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
