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.
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First Ward Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in First Ward, Binghamton sell after 65 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in First Ward, Binghamton over the last 12 months is $111,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Come see this fully occupied two-family home on Lydia Street, offering immediate rental income and a great opportunity for investors or future owner-occupants. Each unit features 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath, with spacious layouts, enclosed porch areas, a detached two-car garage that needs love, and additional off-street parking. Whether you're looking to expand your portfolio or secure a property
If walls could talk, these would say, "Invest." Here's your chance to own a turnkey triplex in a convenient Binghamton location with quick access to the highway, shopping, restaurants, and more. With two occupied units and one vacant unit ready for your next tenant or owner occupancy, this property offers flexibility and income potential from day one. Recent improvements include a new roof and
Welcome to this solid 3-bedroom, 1-bath home ready for its next owner! Enjoy quiet mornings on the front porch or spend time relaxing and entertaining on the back deck. Inside, the home features an eat-in kitchen, an open dining and living area, and a versatile bonus room that can be used as a home office, library, or additional living space. A comfortable home with a functional layout and plenty
Karen WhalenKELLER WILLIAMS REALTY GREATER BINGHAMTON
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Duplex featuring a 2-bedroom lower apartment and a 3-bedroom upper apartment. Both units are occupied by long-term tenants, providing established rental income. The property offers approximately 1,800 square feet of living space, separate electric and gas meters, and a large, level 0.35-acre lot. Conveniently located close to shopping, restaurants, and everyday amenities. A solid option for an
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This home offers good bones and plenty of potential, featuring three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and a dining room that was converted from a bedroom but could easily be converted back. A two-car garage provides ample parking and storage, while the inviting front porch adds great curb appeal and a welcoming outdoor space. With some updating, this property has the opportunity to become a
Excellent investment opportunity in the City of Binghamton! This two-story duplex offers excellent potential for investors. The property features 4,500 square foot lot in an established neighborhood close to downtown Binghamton, hospitals, universities, shopping, restaurants, and major commuter routes. Each unit offers functional living space with separate entrances, making this an attractive
Great opportunity for an owner-occupant or investor! This well-located duplex features two 2-bedroom, 1-bath units, offering flexibility to live in one unit while renting the other or add a solid income-producing property to your investment portfolio. Conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, schools, and the bus route, making commuting a breeze. The property will be delivered vacant prior
Opportunity Awaits in this 2 family fully renovated house in the heart of Binghamton. Both floors are vacant. All appliances are new. double Garage & Driveway in the Back.
Spacious 4 bedroom home on Clinton Street in Binghamton with flexible living space and generously sized rooms. The first floor offers multiple living areas along with 1 full bath and 1 half bath. Recent updates include brand new flooring and paint throughout and an updated kitchen. A stained-glass window adds character to the interior. The detached 2-car garage includes a half bath, office area,
Welcome to 20 Cypress!! This is a great opportunity to own a 3 family investment property, fully occupied, with good rental income!!! Located in the first ward of the City of Binghamton, this is the perfect addition to your investment portfolio! New updates & renovations to all 3 apartments, as well as updated furnaces and hot water tanks. A lot of great upside of this property! Schedule a
2-Bedroom Apartment – 346 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 No Pets | No Smoking Spacious 2-bedroom apartment located on the 2nd floor at 346 Clinton Street, Binghamton, NY 13905. This apartment offers convenient access to restaurants, stores, public transportation, local attractions, and many other local amenities. Rent & Deposit - Rent: $1,100 per month - Security
One bedroom, one bathroom first floor apartment in historic Binghamton locale. Only $950 plus utilities!Available 8/1/26Call James with 607 Property Management at to schedule a showing.
Discover spacious 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartments in Binghamton’s First Ward. These units include washer/dryer and off-street parking, with access to a detached garage for additional storage or vehicle needs. Exterior maintenance is handled with lawn care and snow removal provided, simplifying seasonal upkeep. Situated in a convenient neighborhood of Binghamton, these apartments offer practical
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