Elmira Heights has a quiet vibe and lower prices close to essentials
Between Horseheads and Elmira, Elmira Heights is a small village that locals affectionately call “The Heights.” Covering just over a square mile, it has about 4,200 residents thanks to organized streets and compact lots, but it’s a highly sought-after area among homebuyers. “Compared to Elmira, it’s a quieter neighborhood,” says Keith Gustin, a licensed real estate salesperson at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services who has sold homes here for 21 years. “And you can buy a nice, decent home for a decent price compared to the Horseheads market.” Despite the suburb’s quiet atmosphere, it has a few local restaurants and is only about 3 miles from essentials and entertainment in both Horseheads and Elmira.
Older homes with charm and original features
Elmira Heights’ grid-like streets have sidewalks on both sides of the road. Older homes reign here; most are colonials, American Foursquares and traditional-style houses built between 1900 and 1930. “I can’t remember the last time something new has been built in the Heights in the 21 years I’ve been doing this,” Gustin says. “So a lot of the homes have the natural woodwork and the old charm to them with the updated kitchens.” More recently built homes are usually Cape Cods, ranch-style homes and New Traditionals built between 1940 and 1970. Because a lot of these homes are older, The Heights has a mix of renovated houses and homes that are waiting for someone to leave their mark on them. Homes that need some updating start around $130,000. More updated homes typically sell between $130,000 and $320,000, though most max out closer to $250,000.
Athletics at Thomas A. Edison High, nearby Elmira College
The Elmira Heights Central School District gets a C-plus from Niche. Children in Elmira Heights attend each of the district’s three schools. Dr. Nathan Cohen Elementary and Dr. Nathan Cohen Middle both earn C-plus ratings, while Thomas A. Edison High School earns a B-minus. The high school offers sports like football, track and field and wrestling. Elmira College is also less than 3 miles away.
Route 14 to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Elmira Corning Regional Airport
State Route 14, also known as College Avenue, is Elmira Heights’ main thoroughfare. It leads farther out into Horseheads or into the heart of Elmira. St. Joseph’s Hospital is just 4 miles away. Domestic flights leave from Elmira Corning Regional Airport is about 9 miles away, while it’s a 36-mile drive to Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.
Softball and baseball leagues, axe-throwing and nearby Eldridge Park
Elmira Heights Little League Field hosts frequent games at its park, which also has a playground. For girls interested in softball between the ages of 4 and 12, the neighborhood is also home to the Elmira Heights Cinderella Softball League, which has its own fields right in the neighborhood. There are a few indoor recreation spaces, including a gym and an axe-throwing center. Nearby, Eldridge Park is a sprawling green space with a dog park, carousel and a lake often scattered with brightly painted dragon-shaped paddle boats. People also gather at the park to play soccer, baseball, disc golf and mini golf, while others practice their tricks at the skate park. Mark Twain Golf Course also offers an 18-hole public course just outside the neighborhood.
Pubs and Grand Central Creamery, a short drive to groceries
The pubs scattered through Elmira Heights are all known for their wings and fish fries. Legends is a casual spot where TVs are always set to the latest game and Harry’s Inn the Heights has a lively, eclectic vibe. Nearby, Pick’s Pub is a go-to on weekends. “That’s a great place to get food; it’s got a great atmosphere, they always have live music,” Gustin says. For dessert, Grand Central Creamery has a wide variety of ice cream flavors, from classics like chocolate chip and coffee to more unusual flavors like blueberry cheesecake. It also serves sundaes and soft ice cream custard. The village also has a handful of shops, including Heroes Your Mom Threw Out, a popular comic book store. For groceries, residents typically drive to Elmira, which has a Wegman’s, Weis Markets and ALDI, or to Horseheads, which offers Walmart, ALDI, Target and Jubilee Foods.
Summer concerts at Oakridge Park, annual parades
During the summer, residents spend Monday evenings gathered around Oakridge Park’s gazebo for free concerts. The little village throws a few parades every year, including Memorial Day and St. Patrick’s Day parades. “You’ve got to get there extremely early or you won’t find a place to sit with your kids because people come from all over the place for their parade,” Gustin says. “They do a really good job.”
Flood control reservoirs reduce flooding risk
After a severe flood in 1972 during Hurricane Agnes, two flood-control reservoirs were built to support existing storm levees. Although flood risk remains a concern throughout Elmira and Elmira Heights, these efforts have greatly reduced it and have prevented any flooding events at the scale of the 1972 flood.
![Christina Norwood]()
Written By
Christina Norwood
