$111,462Average Value$81Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
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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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.
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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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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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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.
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.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in First Ward, Binghamton sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in First Ward, Binghamton over the last 12 months is $105,500, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great investment in the first ward. First floor unit is 2 bedroom, full bath, kitchen, living room and dining room. Covered front porch, large back yard with deck. The updated second floor has 3 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room and walk up attic. Full dry basement with washer and dryer hook ups. This is a great opportunity to owner occupy, start or add to your investment portfolio. 2
Located in Binghamton’s well-known Antique Row, this property offers an excellent opportunity for flexible use. Currently featuring two apartments above, the main-level storefront could easily be converted into a third unit, such as a studio, providing additional income potential. Situated in the city’s First Ward and designated Opportunity Zone, it offers convenience and accessibility with
Lank Bank Corp's Affordable Home Program. This beautifully renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home has been updated from top to bottom and is ready for you to move right in! Enjoy a modern kitchen featuring brand-new stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, along with sleek fixtures throughout. The entire home has been refreshed with new flooring and fresh paint, creating a clean,
Nice 2 Bedroom second floor apartment conveniently located within walking distance to the bus stop and shopping. Tenant pays utilities. Application and Credit Check required.
From morning coffee on the deck to effortless front-door parking, this home has everything a working professional needs.Only minutes away you will have: Binghamton University, CV UHS Pharmacy, Wegman's, Walmart, Shopping mall, 4 gyms: Restaurants & Bars. The Highway, Minutes away from vestal parkway and minutes away from downtown Binghamton.
Quiet neighborhood with beautiful original hardwood floors throughout the 1st Off Street Parking in the front, this property is on the bus line, close to amenities, restaurants, highway, and stores, it is centrally located.
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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.
