Dilemma (New York, Yorktown, Elmira: real estate, house, buy)

[SheRuns]

Dear Readers,
I am a widow (60 years old) who grew up in Elmira, but am currently living in the Hudson Valley. Because of the recent influx of NY commuters cutting down trees and putting up McMansions, the taxes in this area have skyrocketed and not favorable to retirees, of which I will be one in two years. I would like to move to a community with a strong running club, safe streets, and community involvement. Is there any such place left in NY?

[tviz25]

I don't know where exactly but if I were you I would move back to Elmira where you grew up. I live there and its a pretty nice city that's on its way back up.

[Natalpaz]

If you would like to live in Lower Hudson Valley/Northern Westchester I would suggest Yorktown. For all your running needs there is Taconic Road Runners Club (http://www.runner.org), they organize local races and have running groups that meet almost every day in FDR park. Great place to run is the bike trail that goes on for miles (north or south). There is always something going on in the community, and you can get as involved in many different things as you would like. Housing prices are more reasonable that in Lower Westchester, you can even choose to live in an age-oriented community (55+). You can find more info about Yorktown online http://www.yorktownny.org; (broken link) and of course don't hesitate to contact me directly for more information.
Natasha

[SheRuns]

I think you're right. What I could get for my home here would give me a spectacular piece of real estate in Elmira. I do not need to live close to Manhattan any longer. There is a great deal of cultural diversity in the Southern Tier and great hiking, running trails.

[tviz25]

I think you're right as well. Elmira has some of the cheapest houseing in the country. This would mean that you could buy a great house in Elmira for the same amount of money you spend in Manhattan. There also is great places to run and hike in the wooded areas not too far from Elmira, by places such as the Chemung River. I like to see that you are someone who wants to move here because a lot of people have negative attitudes about this city that kind of rubs off on others. I think this is a step in the right direction.

[SheRuns]

TVIZ25 -I think a person pretty much can be happy - or sad - wherever they are. Attitude and zest for life is everything. If someone doesn't want to be friendly, they are not going to make friends or enjoy their life. Some people wouldn't be happy anywhere. Having said that, however, one must surround themselves with like-minded individuals and an environment that is conducive to enjoying their lifestyle. Having grown up in Elmira, no matter what anyone may say about its current condition - which I might add is a condition many, many cities in upstate New York are faced with, most jobs having headed South in the 70s and 80s - it is a city which has a lot going for it. A great library, cultural activities due to Elmira College and Corning Glass, hiking trails and extremely friendly people who have time and the inclination to be sociable, and affordable real estate. I think I have talked myself into moving there - yes, you can go home again.