Located about 7 miles north of the Pennsylvania border, Elmira is a historic city in south-central New York. Today, the vibrant community is home to reputable art centers, including the Arnot Art Museum and Mark Twain’s Study, affordable real estate and recreational outlets such as the Lackawanna Rail Trail. Boasting about 26,000 people and a median household income of $43,089, the city has a large manufacturing presence, and top employers include Anchor Glass Container Corporation, CAF USA and Hardinge Incorporated. “This is a place you can visit and fall in love with,” says Toni L. Granger, a real estate professional at Hatfield Real Estate with 25 years of experience. “We have absolutely beautiful scenery and it’s very laidback as far as towns go. Our neighborhoods are very diverse, and we have just about every nationality on our street.”
Elmira boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with a lower crime rate, numerous parks, and recreational activities along the Chemung River.
In this octagonal building, Mark Twain wrote major portions of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Life on the Mississippi, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court, The Prince and the Pauper, A Tramp Abroad, and many short pieces.
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Affordable historic homes attracting homebuyers
Homes in Elmira were typically built from the last half of the 19th century to the 1900s. Architectural styles run the gamut from smaller bungalows, cottages, American Foursquares and Workers Cottages to larger split-levels, colonials, Colonial Revivals, Queen Annes and Tudor Revivals. Depending on size and upkeep, single-family houses that need extensive rehabilitation can start around $30,000, and those that have been carefully maintained or renovated can go over $400,000. The median home price is $131,000, significantly below the state’s median. Multifamily properties can be between $30,000 and over $150,000. “Elmira has a lot of 19th century homes that were built as mansions,” Granger says. “Some have been restored because many homeowners fell in love with the architecture. There are also many properties that still look like beautiful single-family homes on the outside, but they have been split into apartments with many individual units.”
Many Colonial Revival homes in Elmira were built as mansions in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Multifamily homes in Elmira can be purchased between $30,000 and $150,000.
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Public parks peppered throughout the city
The city maintains over 20 public parks, many of which have splash pads for children to play. Featuring a carousel, mini golf and a pond for paddle boats and fishing, Eldridge Park is the community’s go-to spot in the summer. Wisner Park is home to the community’s farmers market from June to September, and Millers Pond Park on the south side of the river is a popular place for picnics and cookouts. About 6 miles outside city limits, Newtown Battlefield State Park, a historic battle site in the Revolutionary War, has cabins for campers.
Since its early days Eldridge Park in Elmira has served as a gathering place for families, friends, and visitors, offering both leisure and entertainment.
The Newtown Battlefield is located along the eastern bank of the Chemung River, in western New York southeast of Elmira.
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Restaurants and museums in Downtown
Downtown Elmira is located in the city center on both the north and south banks of the Chemung River. The district is dotted with local restaurants, bars and some independent art galleries. Most restaurants are along Main Street, and big-box retailers and grocery stores are peppered throughout the small city.
Elmira residents have convenient access to numerous national retailers to satisfy almost any shopping need.
The Juice Collective in Elmira specializes agua fresca, cold-presses juices, smoothies, and wellness shots.
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Community festivals throughout the year
The annual Elmira Fest in the summer is a celebration with games, food, prizes and community prayer. Elmira’s downtown also has many events, including a holiday parade and tree lighting ceremony, an annual food festival Taste of Downtown, the Elmira Street Painting Festival and a Secret Garden Gala.
Wisner Park in downtown Elmira hosts special events throughout the year.
Downtown Elmira is pedestrian friendly and many residents choose to ride bicycles to get around.
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Public and higher education
Elmira City School District serves about 5,500 students and has a C-plus Niche grade. The school system has a student-teacher ratio of 16-to-1, and has several elementary, intermediate elementary schools and a middle school. Broadway Academy serves ninth-grade students, while sophomores through seniors attend Elmira High School, which has a finance academy. Elmira College is right in the city and offers 35 majors and minors.
Elmira College, founded in 1855, is the oldest existing college granting degrees to women that were the equivalent of those given to men.
Elmira High School has an overall B grade on Niche.
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The city is served by highways and public transit
Elmira is accessible via Interstate 86 and New York State Route 14. The Chemung County Transit System provides public bus service within the city. Several transportation companies, including Trailways of New York, OurBus and Trailways Transportation System, provide intercity routes. The Elmira Corning Regional Airport is about 11 miles outside the city, offering flights operated by Delta and Allegiant.
Potential for floods and decrease in crime
Elmira is located on the floodplain of the Chemung River and has suffered many floods and natural disasters in the past, including Hurricane Agnes and the 1972 flood. According to Elmira’s police department, violent crimes decreased slightly in 2023, and property crimes decreased significantly from the previous year.
Written By
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On average, homes in Elmira, NY sell after 80 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Elmira, NY over the last 12 months is $134,900, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this delightful corner-lot gem — proof that good things truly do come in small packages. This inviting home features two comfortable bedrooms, one bath, and a spacious living room complete with a cozy gas fireplace. A generously sized dining room offers the perfect setting for hosting family and friends. Updates include replacement windows throughout and a 2019 roof on the main house
This house recently had an addition which expanded both the square footage and the number of bedrooms Discover your next chapter at 778 Southport St. This residence features an inviting open-concept layout, perfectly suited for both modern daily life and hosting guests. The home offers three comfortable bedrooms upstairs, and a recent addition downstairs makes this a 4-bedroom house. 1.5
Joseph IlesKeller Williams Realty Southern Tier & Finger Lakes
Meet the house that actually has its life together. Updated where it matters, charming where it counts, and ready for someone who appreciates a home that’s been seriously cared for. The kitchen got its glow-up in 2024 with granite counters, updated cabinets, gas range, and newer appliances including a 2023 fridge and dishwasher/microwave from 2020. An eat in space overlooking the backyard is also
This is a great cleared Res Vac Lot of Land on Route 414 in Beaver Dams! Only 15 minutes from Seneca Lake & 15 minutes from Market St in Corning! Take a look & imagine all the possibilities!
Charming Brick Ranch in Highly Sought After West ElmiraStep into comfort and convenience with this beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom brick ranch, perfectly situated in one of West Elmira’s desirable neighborhoods. This home blends classic style with modern livability, offering generous space both inside and out.Property Highlights•Three spacious bedrooms with ample closet
Spacious two unit in Southport. Upper 2 bedroom is move in ready, lower unit seller started to re-do but didn't finish, needs sheet rock in two rooms, hardwood floors are present, but need to be installed. A must see and great location.
* BEING SOLD AS IS *Discover this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home located on a spacious corner lot, complete with a fenced backyard and a delightful porch. The entire house has been beautifully renovated, featuring new flooring, fresh paint, modern appliances, and much more. You'll enjoy the convenience of being just a short stroll away from the nearest grocery store and shopping options,
If you need space check out this updated home offering 2,142 square feet of comfortable living at an exceptional value. This five-bedroom property stands out for its size, layout, and recent improvements. Fresh paint and new flooring throughout give the home a clean, welcoming feel and allow you to move right in. The main floor offers a inviting layout that's ideal for everyday living and
Large lot on a dead end street. Great building opportunity. There is an existing garage/shed on the back left corner of the property. Utilities available at the street.
Investors and owner-occupants alike will appreciate this well-kept duplex at 1101 College Ave, offering immediate cash flow and long-term potential. Both units are currently rented month-to-month, with one long-term tenant paying $800 and the other paying $875, providing reliable income from day one. Located just minutes from LECOM Medical School and Arnot Ogden Medical Center, this property sits
Andrew MitchellKeller Williams Realty Southern Tier & Finger Lakes
All-New Features from Top to Bottom: Step inside and be greeted by a home that radiates freshness and attention to detail at every turn. No corner has been left untouched in this comprehensive renovation: • Brand New Roof: Providing peace of mind for years to come. • State-of-the-Art Furnace/Boiler: Stay comfortable with efficient, reliable heat in every season. • Modern Kitchen: Completely
Don't miss out on this spacious 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bath home waiting for your personal touches! Home features a 1st floor bedroom and laundry room. It also has a lovely yard with fencing, off- street parking and an oversized garage! The buyer purchased it in 2023 and the roof, furnace and hot water heater were newer at that time. Oven and refrigerator were purchased in 2023. Perfectly located -
Spacious two-story fixer-upper situated on a desirable corner lot in Elmira! This home offers 4 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, providing plenty of space and potential for your vision. The main floor features a large kitchen, formal dining room, living room, and den, offering a great layout for entertaining or family living. All four bedrooms and the full bath are located upstairs, including one
Charming 3-Bedroom Home in Southport with Updates and Spacious Living Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath two-story home located in the Town of Southport. The main level features a spacious living room highlighted by a custom-built electric fireplace and new luxury vinyl plank flooring, creating a warm and inviting space to relax or entertain. A large open entryway leads into the
Kasey HarveyKeller Williams Realty Southern Tier & Finger Lakes
With over 5,000 square feet of thoughtfully updated space, this expansive Elmira property offers exceptional flexibility and functionality. The home features 8 bedrooms (3 on the main level and 5 on the second floor) along with 3 full bathrooms, including one designed with accessibility in mind. The open kitchen and dining area flows seamlessly into a spacious family room with sliding glass doors
The luxury property includes 51 newly built 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, 16,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, a private landscaped green area, and a convenient location in central downtown. 100 West Water Apartments offer spacious floor plans with high-end finishes such as stainless steel appliances, large windows, plank flooring, granite countertops, and soft close cabinets.
Beautiful, totally renovated, bright, immaculate 3 bedroom lower apartment with 2 full bathrooms. Primary bedroom has its own bathroom. Bonus room, formal dining room and separate laundry room with washer/dryer hook ups. Newer appliances, replacement windows, off street parking.
Welcome to Six67 College Avenue, a brand new four-story apartment community located in Elmira, NY. Our spacious studio, one-, and two-bedroom floor plans offer a combination of style and convenience. Each apartment home offers a stylish modern layout with fully equipped kitchens, high-end wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, plank-style flooring, ENERGY STAR stainless steel appliances, and so much
Check out this spacious 3 bedroom, 1 bath freshly painted duplex apartment with new flooring and new appliances! So convenient to downtown Elmira and all public transportation, banks, shopping. A 1-year lease is required. No Pets, No Smoking. Rent and Security Deposit are $1400 each and will be due at lease signing. All applicants will need to complete an application through RentSpree. There is a
The Alexander Eustace House is a historic house built in 1886 for lawyer Alexander Eustace, who served in several positions in Chemung County. It is an example of a Highly-intact Second Empire-style home. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 4, 2012. In a convenient location, a mile from I-86 & downtown Elmira. Covered wrap around front porch with
Completely renovated and move-in ready! This beautiful three-bedroom rental offers fresh updates throughout, including brand new flooring, a fully renovated kitchen, and fresh paint in every room. The modern kitchen features updated cabinetry, countertops, and fixtures, creating a bright and functional space perfect for everyday living.
Welcome to St. Patrick's Apartments, a beautiful place to live. You will be delighted with the charming atmosphere of our historically sensitive rehabilitated convent. You will enjoy the spacious apartments and wonderful neighbors. This community is professionally managed with excellent management and maintenance staff. Call our leasing office today for more information on your new home at St.
Beautifully maintained two bedroom ranch offering comfort and convenience all in one. The home features brand new carpet throughout and new flooring. Beautiful stone fireplace in living room is decorative only. Updated kitchen with new counter top and stove top. The bathroom has been updated and it is freshly painted throughout. Full Basement provides plenty of storage space with washer and dryer
Welcome to this inviting rental property located in the charming district of Elmira, NY. Perfect for anyone looking for a cozy haven, this home offers a comfortable living space with ample opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment. The property features heating and cooling for year-round comfort, along with air conditioning to keep you cool during the warm months.Please note that
Beautiful fully updated and in mint condition. New first floor flooring, new kitchen, new appliances, new carpet upstairs, freshly painted. Close to Arnot Hospital, LECOM, and Elmira College.
Conveniently located near LECOM & Arnot Ogden, 20 minutes to Corning, Guthrie Corning and 25 minutes to Guthrie Sayre 20 minutes to Schuyler Hospital. **Available long or short term, furnished or unfurnished. This fantastic 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home was beautifully professionally remodeled with great attention to detail and extreme quality craftsmanship! The open floor plan flowing from the
Welcome to the Purple Home! This charming duplex offers 3 bedrooms, 1 bath & conveniently located near LECOM, Elmira College, downtown Elmira & grocery stores. Step inside a piece of history with this beautiful Victorian home. Available March 1st. Cats are OKAY.
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