Sayre’s railroad roots remain visible in this healthcare hub
Established in the late 1800s as a railroad town on the Susquehanna River, Sayre grew alongside the rise of the train industry. Preserved train stations and the Sayre Historical Society Museum honor this heritage. However, today, healthcare is at the heart of this small Bradford County borough, home to Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital, a top regional employer. “The housing in the Valley is dictated by people coming and going from the hospital,” says Raul Azpiazu , a longtime Realtor with Howard Hanna At Home Realty. A little more than 5,000 people live in Sayre, with some family roots going back generations. “The people are all very down to earth. It’s a beautiful area, and we’re not overdeveloped, which is a plus,” Azpiazu says. In addition to the hospital, the enclave features a historic downtown with a beloved community theater, a few parks and several houses of worship, some of which are older than the borough.
Sayre offers historic homes for less than the national median
Single-family homes in Sayre appeal to those seeking historic character, as most properties were built between the late 1800s and the 1970s. Architecture is diverse, with Victorians, American Foursquares and ranch-style homes resting between Cape Cod-style cottages and Craftsman bungalows along wide streets with sidewalks. Lots are around a third of an acre and often feature a few shade trees. The median price for a single-family home is around $240,000, well below the national median. Prices range from around $100,000 to $390,000, with properties on the lower end often needing major renovations.
Downtown Sayre has local flavor and Arnot Mall is within reach
Preserved brick buildings from the late 19th century line the wide streets of downtown Sayre. These bustling blocks, between Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and the historic Leigh Valley Railroad Passenger Station, feature locally owned boutiques, bars and restaurants. Azpiazu says he often stops by Chumpy’s Pizzeria and Grill for lunch, which has a following for its Neapolitan pizza and Italian subs. North of downtown, The Grille at the Train Station is a staple for American fare, housed in the borough’s original freight station.
The neighboring community of Athens offers national retailers and grocery chains, which line Elmira Street. More diverse shopping options are about 26 miles away outside Elmira , New York, where shopping centers and the Arnot Mall surround Interstate 86.
Art and community meet at the historic Sayre Theater
From the outside, the Sayre Theater looks like many historic community theaters in the United States. An antique-style neon marquee complements an ornate façade from 1917, when the building was an opera house. But inside, there’s more than movie screens. The theater has a performing arts center and an art gallery. “They screen regular movies and sometimes have local events,” Azpiazu says. “Local groups will put on plays, and periodically, they have their own version of Dancing with the Stars.” The Bradford County Regional Arts Council operates the theatre and supports the arts around the region.
Parks, trails and river access in the Valley
A few parks dot Sayre. Mature trees shade the statues, benches and Victorian-era bandstand in Howard Elmer Park. This centrally located green space provides a place to relax amid the downtown bustle and is where the Sayre Farmers Market takes place every Friday from May through October. The sports-focused Riverfront Park features baseball fields and a basketball court as well as an access point for the Diahoga Trail, a paved path along the Susquehanna River. The park also has a boat launch. Several parks outside of Sayre offer hiking trails within a 7-mile drive, including the Round Top Park Recreation Area in Athens and Two Rivers State Park Recreation Area in Waverly. Perched atop a hill, Shepard Hills Country Club offers a public 18-hole golf course with views of the valley below.
The Sayre Area School District has served families for generations
The Sayre Area School District earns a C overall rating from Niche. In addition to an online academy, the district has two brick-and-mortar schools: the C-plus-rated H. Austin Snyder Elementary, which offers prekindergarten through sixth grade, and the C-rated Sayre High. The district, which dates to 1882, is passionate about preserving its history. Volunteers are actively collecting memorabilia, such as yearbooks and play programs, for its archives, which fill a converted hallway at the high school. Alternatively, Sayre has one private Catholic school, Epiphany School, which Niche does not yet rate.
Transit options in Bradford County
Driving, walking, and biking are all ways to get around Sayre. Commuters have access to highways, such as Interstate 86, which connects communities across the Southern Tier of New York. Elmira is about 20 miles away, while Binghamton is around 40 miles away. BeST Transit provides bus and van rides around Bradford County to destinations such as Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital and Tops Plaza, which features TOPS Friendly Market. Elmira Corning Regional Airport is roughly a 30-mile drive.
Important to know
FEMA flood maps show that properties along the Susquehanna River and Cayuta Creek rest in flood hazard areas. A levee helps provide some protection, but property owners are encouraged to purchase flood insurance.
