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.
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On average, homes in Elmira, NY sell after 88 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Elmira, NY over the last 12 months is $135,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into your dream home! Recently renovated and ready for you to move right in! This stunning two-story house combines modern upgrades with timeless charm, featuring a kitchen outfitted with appliances, cabinets, and countertops just over a year old. Enjoy the convenience of a spacious walk-in pantry with original built-ins, and new flooring throughout that adds a fresh, contemporary feel. The
This home offers 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms located near amenities such asparks, schools, and shopping. The main level has a living room with built-ins, a dining room with a decorative fireplace,and a kitchen with an island/counter area. A first-floor bedroom and full bathroom, The second floor has 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a bonus space that could be areading nook,
Opportunity for investors, 3 units - 2 of them are one bedroom apartments and 1 is a two bedroom apartment. Priced to sell, newer roof, exterior needs a little work but interior is nice.
Charming 3-bed, 1-bath bungalow in the Elmira Heights School District — nicely maintained and move-in ready. Solid, updated mechanicals, low utilities and low taxes keep monthly costs down. Affordable homeownership opportunity — own for less than rent. Perfect for first-time buyers or renters ready to invest in their future. Schedule a showing today.
Charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath, ranch situated on spacious lot, offering convenient one level living. Home has an unfinished basement with plenty of storage and potential for additional living space. Enjoy the large deck and spacious yard with plenty of room for entertaining or garden. Contingent on seller finding suitable housing.
This is the premiere location and land for a gorgeous home build or two (or three). Bording woods and flat topography. The survey & tax map show 13.34 Acres but the owner will sell enough for a total of 15 Acres to accommodate (3) 5 Acre building lots. Town approval is required. 13.34 Acres can be purchased for $165,500.15 Acres can be purchased for $179,900.
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.
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!
* 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,
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.
Step into your dream home! Recently renovated and ready for you to move right in! This stunning two-story house combines modern upgrades with timeless charm, featuring a kitchen outfitted with appliances, cabinets, and countertops just over a year old. Enjoy the convenience of a spacious walk-in pantry with original built-ins, and new flooring throughout that adds a fresh, contemporary feel. The
Step back in time and discover the incredible history of this one-of-a-kind farmhouse, lovingly passed down through five generations of the same family. Originally the centerpiece of a 62-acre tobacco farm, this circa 1829 home is filled with timeless character and endless possibilities for its next chapter. Offering over 3,300 square feet, the home features 6 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, grand front
Stop by and take a look at this charming 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home that is truly turn-key and ready for its next owner. Offering many recent updates, including a new roof and gutters in 2023, this home combines comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. Step inside to find spacious rooms throughout, providing plenty of room for everyday living, entertaining, or working from home. The first-floor
Investor opportunity with serious potential! 464 Spaulding St is a triplex offering three distinct units and plenty of room to add value. The property features a studio ready to be finished, a spacious three-bedroom upper apartment, and an occupied three-bedroom, one-bath unit providing existing rental income. Whether you're looking to renovate, lease, and build your portfolio or take on your
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.
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
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
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.
Property Id: 2085937 This bright 2-bedroom upper unit features a beautiful sunroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, and formal dining room with a cute window seat/storage bench. Enjoy morning coffee from the covered front deck. Washer, dryer, range and refrigerator are included. Two window air conditioners are also available for use if desired. Located in safe and quiet neighborhood.
Available soon completely renovated from the studs up 3 bed 2 bath whole house. Brand new high efficiency furnace, on demand water heater, and whole house water filtration system with leak detection. Brand new flooring throughout. All new kitchen has granite countertops with built in seating and brand new stainless steel appliances including low noise dishwasher. Second floor laundry with w/d
Centrally located to LECOM, Arnot Ogden, Corning, Schuyler and Sayre Guthrie Hospitals. **ASK ABOUT MOVE IN SPECIALS**A BEAUTIFUL, BRIGHT & SPACIOUS LOWER APARTMENT. **UNFURNISHED** LARGE LIVING ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, WITH BAY WINDOW. *FORMAL DINING ROOM WITH PICTURE WINDOW, FIREPLACE, CEILING FAN AND BAR AREA WITH PASSWAY TO A LARGE GOURMET KITCHEN FEATURING: HARDWOOD FLOOR, GRANITE COUNTERS,
PLEASE PROVIDE A WORKING EMAIL & number (iCloud emails don't work, with our system, so you will not be able to be contacted.) After submitting your inquiry, please watch for our questionnaire sent to your provided EMAIL.Great property large spaces, recent finishes, large back yard and front lawn with garden. High ceilings, Victorian style home. Pets negotiable, Section 8, Veteran
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