An expanding community in New York’s Southern Tier
Along with Binghamton and Endicott, Johnson City completes the Triple Cities in New York’s Southern Tier. With a population of just over 15,000, the village has expanded in the last few years, seeing industry growth and revitalization of its historic downtown district. “I would describe Johnson City as up-and-coming,” says Laura Melville, a local Realtor with Warren Real Estate. “There’s new development, it’s close to the hospital and Binghamton University’s pharmacy school, Main Street is seeing more trendy shops and restaurants, and the whole area is expanding.” Melville notes that this, in addition to a “great community and great school district,” is drawing residents to the hamlet.
Johnson City is named after George F. Johnson, the owner of what was once the country’s leading shoe manufacturer. He left a footprint as an industry mogul for his generous labor policies, known as the Square Deal — later earning Johnson City its “Home of the Square Deal” theme, emblazoned across the city’s historic arch of its east entrance. The Tri-City area was nicknamed the “Valley of Opportunity” due to Johnson’s progressive approach and later earned a different moniker thanks to Johnson building six merry-go-rounds throughout the three cities: “The Carousel City of the World.” Today, the 100-year-old carousels still operate and remain free of charge, while upholding Johnson’s legacy as a stalwart in the community and corporate industry. “The carousels are still a big part of the community,” Melville says. “Kids are always riding on them.”
With a population of just over 15,000, Johnson City has expanded, seeing industry growth of its historic downtown district.
100-year-old carousels still operate and remain free of charge to residents of Johnson City, like this one at CFJ Park.
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Health and education are major industries
Johnson City is home to Binghamton University’s Health Sciences campus, as well as the UHS Wilson Medical Center. Both, along with Binghamton University’s main campus nearby, are the main employers in the area and also serve as huge draws for potential residents.
Johnson City is home to UHS Wilson Medical Center, a major employer in the area.
Binghamton University, a major employer in Johnson City, is home to the famous Binghamton Bearcats.
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A varied home market
Neighborhoods within Johnson City vary considerably, Melville says. “There are a lot of great pocket communities,” she says. “There are areas with more sidewalks that are super walkable to the restaurants, while others have a more suburban feel, or even a rural feel just 15 minutes outside of town.” Home styles vary just as much. “There’s a good mix of architecture, from old colonial-styles and historic houses that date back to late 1800s to contemporary styles built in the 60s and 70s to more modern houses,” Melville says. The median price of homes hovers around $150,000, up 12% over the past year.
The American Foursquare style makes up a significant portion of homes in Johnson City.
Contemporary home styles built in the 60s and 70s like Colonial Revivals are popular in Johnson City.
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Education from kindergarten to doctoral degrees
Johnson City Central School District serves most of Johnson City. The district earns a B overall grade from Niche and is ranked as the fifth-best school district in Broome County. Depending on zoning, some students may attend schools within the neighboring Vestal Central School District or Binghamton City School District, which earn an A and a C-plus, respectively. Highly rated private and faith-based options are also available, including Seton Catholic Central High School and St. James School, both of which earn an A grade. Binghamton University and Broome Community College are nearby institutions that are both part of the State University of New York.
Johnson City Senior High School earns a B overall grade from Niche.
Broome Community College is just a few miles northeast of Johnson City and is part of the State University of New York college system.
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Riverside recreation and six carousels
The city’s location along the Susquehanna River provides ample opportunity for waterside recreation, while parks and green spaces offer recreation on land. “Kayaking on the river is huge, and the area is known for its hiking and biking trails,” Melville says. CFJ Park, named in honor of Charles F. Johnson, is home to a seasonal spray park and the largest of the six aforementioned carousels built by Charles’s brother George F. Johnson, featuring 72 figures and original details like beveled mirrors and scenic panels. Locals may hear the Wurlitzer tunes as they walk the paths in the park or spend time at its playground. CFJ Park also offers baseball fields and basketball courts. Additional green spaces include Northside Park and Finch Hollow Park, while Southside Park is home to the city’s public pool and a fitness court.
Johnson City's location along the Susquehanna River provides ample opportunity for waterside recreation in the warmer months.
Locals may hear the Wurlitzer tunes at CFJ Park as they walk the paths in the park or spend time at its playground.
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Revitalized Downtown Johnson City and Oakdale Commons
Charming local shops and eateries line Main Street in the Johnson City Historic District, clustered in renovated washed-brick and brownstone buildings. Mainstays include Sole City Coffee and Grapevine Café, both of which provide cozy interiors with inviting, neighborly atmospheres. Additional development has occurred off Reynolds Road. Formerly the Oakdale Mall, Oakdale Commons is a local shopping mall that underwent redevelopment to revitalize the grounds as a shopping destination and community gathering space. “Oakdale Commons is a huge new development that has changed over the past few years and has become a big draw,” Melville says. The center holds a collection of familiar brand names like Express and American Eagle and big-box retailers such as DICK’S and JCPenney. Grocery options include Aldi and Wegmans, and a Walmart Supercenter fulfills other necessities.
Sole City Coffee in Johnson City provides a cozy interior with an inviting, neighborly atmosphere.
Oakdale Commons in Johnson City features big-box stores like Dick's and BJ's Wholesale Club.
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Expressway offers convenient connections
The Southern Tier Expressway cuts through Johnson City and connects drivers to Interstate 81 to the east and State Route 26 to the west. Syracuse is about 75 miles north, while New York City is 180 miles southeast. The Greater Binghamton Airport is less than 10 miles north.
Crime in Johnson City
According to FBI data, the crime rate in Johnson City is 34% higher than the national average. In 2022, the city had the third-highest property crime rate in the state. However, violent and property crimes have decreased in the last year. The city has a CAP Crime Index Score of 6 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4.
Written By
Christina von Claparede-Crola
Photography Contributed By
Greg Dunbar
Video By
Adam Lapallo
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Johnson City, NY sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Johnson City, NY over the last 12 months is $150,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Pride of ownership shines in this meticulously maintained one-owner, open-concept, 2 story-home offering 3340 square feet of versatile living space. This home is ready to impress from the moment you arrive! Step inside to find fresh paint throughout, beautiful original plaster ceilings and replacement windows that fill the home with natural light. There are hardwood floors upstairs underneath the
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Welcome to 627 Nelson Rd, nestled near the end of a dead-end road, this stunning home is just minutes from Oakdale Commons, Wegmans, and the I-86/RT 201 interchange—providing both convenience and tranquility. Step inside to discover a move in ready & spacious layout. The expansive kitchen, complete with ample cabinetry, sleek granite countertops, and abundant natural light leads into an
Pride of ownership shines in this meticulously maintained one-owner, open-concept, 2 story-home offering 3340 square feet of versatile living space. This home is ready to impress from the moment you arrive! Step inside to find fresh paint throughout, beautiful original plaster ceilings and replacement windows that fill the home with natural light. There are hardwood floors upstairs underneath the
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At Indian Ridge Apartments in Johnson City, New York, each day is open to countless opportunities for relaxation and recreation. A morning walk through the nature center, an afternoon of shopping, relaxing and dining at one of the trendy new eateries, or perhaps catching a workout in our fitness center, you’re sure to find adventure and relaxation when you join our community. In addition to being
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