Erin is a small, rural community offering affordability and acreage
Erin’s rural character attracts those seeking natural beauty and large lots at a lower price than they’ll find in larger towns and cities. “The Ithaca area has gotten so expensive and the Tompkins County taxes are very high, so I have a lot of clients that are looking and moving down south to bordering counties because the taxes are better,” says Michele Smith, an associate broker at Re/Max Plus with more than 10 years of experience. The community’s forested landscapes create a sense of seclusion, with lots of room for outdoor activities like hunting and hiking as well.
Smaller village homes and forested multiacre properties
Aside from the small village center, where historic Colonial Revival-style homes are more densely packed, most homes in Erin are located on spacious half-acre, full-acre and multiacre lots. Among larger properties, ranch-style homes from the late 20th century are the most common, often with minimalist vinyl facades and small front porches. Prices largely depend on condition and acreage, typically ranging from $50,000 to $400,000. The forested landscapes provide lots of privacy for those looking for a rural escape, though residents with more secluded locations will likely have to rely on private utilities. “Someone who usually likes municipal services may not have that luxury,” Smith says. “There are more wells and septic tanks, which is fine. Depending on the quality of the water, they may need to get treatment systems.”
Nearby public schools score in the B range
Most of the community is zoned for Horseheads Central School District. Ridge Road Elementary serves kindergarten through fourth grade, while Horseheads Intermediate serves fifth and sixth grades, and Horseheads Middle serves seventh and eighth grades. All three schools earn a B from Niche. The B-plus-rated Horseheads High offers many athletic programs, including football, basketball and lacrosse. The school district also offers swimming lessons during the school year for elementary and intermediate-aged students. Some students on Erin’s east side may attend Spencer-Van Etten Central School District.
Nearby campgrounds and other activities like hiking and hunting
On the community’s north side, the Park Station Campground and Recreation Center has a large pond with beaches for swimming and kayaking. There are also rentable camping plots, playgrounds for local kids and miles of hiking trails surrounding the waterfront. Hunting and riding ATVs are hugely popular hobbies across Chemung County. If locals don’t have enough acreage on their own properties for these activities, they can join hunting clubs or visit public forests like the Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area, about 20 miles away.
About 10 miles from larger towns in Chemung County
State Route 223 is the main roadway in and out of town, leading about 10 miles west to larger towns like Horseheads and Elmira. CTRAN, the Chemung County transit system, has an intercity bus route that stops in Erin on the way from Elmira to Ithaca. Saint Joseph’s Hospital and Elmira Corning Regional Airport are both around 15 miles away.
Annual community festival with wood chopping events and live music
Erin Woodfest, an annual festival held in late May at the local fire station, features a range of chainsaw carving and lumberjack contests. Community members from all over the area come out to enjoy the show and play games, with live music in the background and a chicken barbecue in the evenings.
Locals drive to Horseheads for most shopping and dining
Town Tavern is the community’s only restaurant, serving sandwiches, pizza and other American fare. Folks can drive around 10 miles to Horseheads or Elmira for more dining options like Giuseppe’s, a popular Italian café, as well as grocery stores like Wegmans and Jubilee Foods.
