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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Brandon Vick
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Elmira, NY sell after 86 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 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This is a perfect house. Eat-in kitchen, big living room - 3 bedrooms. The basement is the full footprint of the house and there is so much room for just about anything you could imagine. Exercise equipment, office, basement rec room etc. You wont need to do a thing to this home, just move right in! The backyard features a covered patio area that would be perfect for a picnic table, 3 sheds and a
Joseph IlesKeller Williams Realty Southern Tier & Finger Lakes
Welcome to this charming two-story home offering a perfect blend of comfort and functionality. Featuring an updated bathroom with modern finishes, this property is move-in ready and designed for everyday convenience. The newer roof and fully fenced in yard adds peace of mind, while the first-floor laundry makes daily chores a breeze. Inside, you’ll find flexible living space including an
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
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.
Welcome to this beautifully updated, move-in ready home offering 3-bedrooms & 2 baths that seamlessly blends modern style with comfortable functionality. There is a lovely new kitchen, updated baths with modern vanities & fixtures and a conveniently located main floor laundry room. Enjoy the outdoors on the newly upgraded deck. Additionally, there is a newer roof and maintenance free vinyl siding
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!
Welcome to this distinctive two-story home on 2.4 acres, private pond, property adjoins to Tanglewood nature reserve. Step back in time and experience the charm of this rustic kitchen space, featuring a stunning brick fireplace and a traditional cooking area beautiful hardwood floors and exposed wood beams. This kitchen offers a warm timeless atmosphere that feels both inviting and full of
Adorable ranch offering comfort, functionality, and inviting spaces throughout! This well-maintained home features a spacious living room with beautiful hardwood floors, perfect for relaxing or entertaining, along with a bright kitchen with newer appliances and convenient access to the separate first-floor laundry room. With two comfortable bedrooms and one full bathroom, this home is ideal for
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.
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
Welcome to your new home in the heart of West Elmira! This spacious ranch is more than just a house; it is a wonderful opportunity to move right in and start making memories. With four bedrooms and three full bathrooms, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out. One of my favorite features is the beautiful hardwood flooring tucked away just beneath the carpets, waiting for you to bring
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
* 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.
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.
2-Bedroom Upper Apartment – All Utilities Included – Available May 1stClean and cozy two-bedroom upper apartment in Elmira, conveniently located between Eldridge Park and Elmira College. Rent: $900/monthSecurity Deposit: $900Lease: Month-to-monthUtilities Included: Water, sewer, gas, and electric (tenant pays internet)Availability: May 1stApplication Fee: $20 per adult
Pamela ParisoKeller Williams Realty Southern Tier & Finger Lakes
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
Large, spacious updated 3 bedroom, 1 bath upper / lower duplex, front and back porches, large shared yard, pantry and off street parking. Washer/dryer included. Garbage removal included. Snow removal provided. Pets negotiable for extra monthly pet fee.
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
GORGEOUS updated newer apartment in a very QUIET building. Off street parking with a small porch with your private entrance. 2 bed, 1 newer bath. Entryway into a nice living room with a decorative fireplace. Large eat in kitchen with all appliances included. Washer and Dryer hook up available, coin operated washer and dryer available in the building if needed. No smoking and no pets. Snow removal
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.
GORGEOUS brand new apartment in a very quiet building with off street parking. This is freshly remodeled with brand new everything. All you need is your furniture! 2 brand new full baths. Brand new kitchen with range, stove top, and refrigerator included. Washer and dryer hookups available. If you don't have them? No worries, on site washer and drying just a few feet out of the interior access.
Conveniently located near LECOM & Arnot Ogden, 20 minutes to Corning, Guthrie Corning and 25 minutes to Guthrie Sayre 20 minutes to Schuyler Hospital. **Available short term, furnished. 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 kitchen to the dining
This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers modern comfort and spacious living. Enjoy a large, updated kitchen with laundry hookups for added convenience. The unit features generously sized bedrooms and expansive common areas, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Rent is $1,325/month + utilities | Owner covers the annual sewer bill. | Renters insurance is required. Listing
This well maintained home offers comfortable living in a convenient location near Arnot Ogden Hospital. Featuring a nicely sized living room and dining room which provides plenty of space for relaxing. It also includes two nice sized bedrooms, a full basement with washer and dryer. Enjoy outdoor living with a welcoming front porch and a fenced in back yard. A great place to call home!
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