The Good, the Bad & the Ugly of Corning / Bath / Elmira (Ithaca: apartment, renting)

[CheeseheadGB920]

Hello,

Just to give you some background. Myself and my fiance are interested in pursuing Americorps in the areas of Corning, Bath and Elmira. We are in our mid-twenties and are looking for solid opinions with facts about each of the cities and surrounding areas.

We would love to be close to a Barnes and Nobles or a nice coffeeshop for reading. We also are interested in climbing, plays, tennis and a nice movie theater.

We are looking for something economical as we are paying off student loans and would preferably be renting an apartment. The size of the area does not matter much, but being able to travel to surrounding cities is important for weekend get-aways.

We are looking for a safe area with nice housing and low crime.

Any input would be greatly apperciated. We would also prefer to hear constructive feedback and not posts such as "It's a crappy place to live". Please give us evidence to back up your opinion if you choose.

Thanks for your help!

Sincerely,
CheeseheadGB920

[rubygreta]

Definitely Corning. Of the three, it is the only one with a nice and vibrant downtown. Generally speaking, Bath is a boring rural village, and Elmira, which is the largest of the three, has been on the decline for 40 years.

[Whughes]

I agree. Corning is a wonderful place, Elmira has nice things about it, but if you have a choice go for Corning. Although a bit smaller has a lot more culture and a good feel about it. Less Crime. Market street is a bustling street full of shops, bars, and restaurants. The area south of Market St. is a really nice residential area, where you should be able to find a very reasonably priced apartment.

[braylee]

I have visited all three and although Elmira has some beautiful old victorians, it seems to have some pockets that are a bit run down. Corning has a nice town feel and is very beautiful. Bath would be my LAST choice of the 3. Although the housing is very reasonably priced it is on the decline from what I have heard and seen. Here is a link about Bath http://www.city-data.com/forum/new-y...-new-york.html

[Chad2002]

Corning sounds like the best fit for you, and B&N is exactly half way between Elmira & Corning in Big Flats where there is a significant amount of commercial development with all the national chains, a mall, etc.

Although mid-twenties makes me think Corning would be boring for you too. I have found the key to being happy in this area and in your 20's, is to be OK to drive 30 mins or so, in order to expand your options. Based on what you described, Ithaca would likely be worth checking out in more detail. Definitely scratch Bath off your list...nothing against the place, I just don't think it matches what you're looking for.

[rubygreta]

Originally Posted by Chad2002

Corning sounds like the best fit for you, and B&N is exactly half way between Elmira & Corning in Big Flats where there is a significant amount of commercial development with all the national chains, a mall, etc.

Although mid-twenties makes me think Corning would be boring for you too. I have found the key to being happy in this area and in your 20's, is to be OK to drive 30 mins or so, in order to expand your options. Based on what you described, Ithaca would likely be worth checking out in more detail. Definitely scratch Bath off your list...nothing against the place, I just don't think it matches what you're looking for.

Corning is not exciting if you're single, but since you are engaged you will be just fine. You can drive to Ithaca on the weekends for excitement, rather than giving yourself a long daily (and often snowy) commute from Ithaca. And Ithaca probably has the highest rents in the area.

[Ellie C.]

I would say to try to find something affordable closer to Ithaca. Aside from the general shabbiness of the towns that you mentioned, you would be bored to tears.

[Leontine]

West Elmira is really nice. It's very safe and a quick drive to Corning and B&N. What's nice about West Elmira is that you see a lot of people walking their dogs and it has a nice community feel, nice houses and great places to walk, such as along the river. Very beautiful!

[ckhthankgod]

Horseheads, a suburb just north of Elmira would be a good choice too. That's were a lot of the shopping is located and is close to the highway. Nice area, but not sure if it is "affordable".

[Finger Laker]

I would chose Corning or Watkins Glen in that area - with the "bored" stuff it all depends on what you need in a place to live

I grew up in Bath and it doesn't really have great access to what you listed - corning would put you within short distance of 2 movie theaters and a variety of book stores

the shops on market street are decent and there are some nice things in the city

you would still have very good access to hiking, theatre (especially with a short drive to places like the clemens center in elmira) and other outdoor pursuits