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Looking at a possible relocation for a good job. Wondering about Owego, Waverly, West Elmira, Horseheads, Vestal. I am also open to other areas in the Southern Tier. Most of the info I find is outdated. Some of what I read is fairly terrifying. Is the crime and drug problem as bad as everyone is saying. I have lived in major cities and really never worried about home invasion or robbery but it seems like property crime is paramount in these areas. I have read and researched as much as I can, looked at crime maps and continue to look for current information.
I understand that this area may not be fairing as well as others but am looking for input from people who actually live in these areas, now. I am a down to earth, professional, looking to live in a safe area but still close to restaurants, shopping, outdoor activities. The area seems incredibly beautiful. TIA for any information you may have.
Where is this potential job located within the region?
I don't know if I would say that the crime is as outstanding as some make it out to be, but like most areas, things will vary.
Vestal or Horseheads have plenty of shopping in their areas, with some in Johnson City as well.
West Elmira, a place that doesn't get mentioned on here too much is actually a solidly to upper middle class unincorporated community in the town(different from the city) of Elmira. It may not get mentioned as much because some may tie it in with the city due to being in the Elmira City SD. However, I believe that many with children in that community send their kids to Elmira catholic/private schools like Notre Dame Jr./Sr. High. Its relatively close proximity to Corning/Corning Incorporated likely plays a part in this.
Just to throw something out there, but places such as Ithaca, Endwell, Corning(inc. surrounding communities), parts of Endicott and even parts of Binghamton(West Side south of Main/the central and western portions of the South Side, etc.) and even Elmira(outer West Side has some nice areas) could be other places in the region to consider as well.
Hopefully others will chime in with more options and information.
Thank you for the information and the job is in the region. I am used to a more urban areas (living in DC, Philly, Los Angeles) but actually prefer suburban. Thank you for being specific as to areas as well. I am not too concerned about schools as I have no children but do appreciate the factor it plays in areas to live and resale values of housing. I do understand that this real estate market will be different from any other that I have lived in. Ithaca looks great on paper but is probably not my cup of tee.
Thank you for the information and the job is in the region. I am used to a more urban areas (living in DC, Philly, Los Angeles) but actually prefer suburban. Thank you for being specific as to areas as well. I am not too concerned about schools as I have no children but do appreciate the factor it plays in areas to live and resale values of housing. I do understand that this real estate market will be different from any other that I have lived in. Ithaca looks great on paper but is probably not my cup of tee.
Personally, in this regard in terms of the region, Vestal(Hills, nice area and flooding has to be considered), Endwell, Horseheads, Chenango Valley and parts of Owego, Ithaca City(think the town of(inc. the village of Cayuga Heights), Enfield, parts of Lansing, etc.) and Union-Endicott(newer areas north of the village) are some areas, among others, I'd keep in mind.
Again, hopefully others will offer some other suggestions in this regard as well.
Thank you I have looked at that post and have gleaned what I can from it. All good information as I continue to research. Can someone talk to me about flooding? I have seen the photos from 2011 and it looks horrific. Is everything near the river now flood plane? Again, thank you all for your time.
Do your research regarding the flood plains and flooded properties in the 2006 and 2011 floods. I think that part of the problem was that there was an approximate 60 year span between major floods cresting over 20 feet - people got complacent and developers built where they historically shouldn't have. A system of flood walls and levees was built in the early 40's, and held until the flood of 2006, when the water topped them. Take a look at this NWS chart showing flood levels in Broome County from 1846-2011.
Commentary as someone who lived in Binghamton (within city limits) for most of the last decade:
Property crime stats didn't seem to match up too well to reality of living there (for the better). Do the basics that any sensible person should do and you're unlikely to have a problem in most decent areas. Lock your car doors and don't leave your purse on a seat or something, lock your house, don't leave expensive stuff on your front lawn or something, have curtains if everyone walking by on the street at night would be able to see right into your place, etc. Common sense stuff. Never had a problem with basic steps like that.
Violent crime was not random. If you were not involved with shady people yourself, it was unlikely to ever involve you. And obviously, it was also centered in the bad neighborhoods.
It's summertime now, you can pretty easily get a feel for areas by taking a drive or walk through on a warm weekend evening.
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Anywhere in this region that isn't on top of a hill or something, you ought to be looking at both the official flood maps (but they're largely ~40 years out of date) but also talking to potential neighbors and looking at maps/photos to know what actually flooded in 2006 + 2011. Not all flood risks are obvious, and there's plenty of decent places that don't flood.
Broome County GIS has a mapping site that will display the actual extents of the 2006 + 2011 floods if you turn on the layers: Broome County Parcel Mapper
I don't know if Tioga County has an equivalent.
Vestal:
- The BU main campus is there, and it's generally a nice area to live in. Lots of the professors/staff/other white collar professionals live in the suburban neighborhoods there. It's one of the wealthier areas of the region overall.
- 434/Parkway through town is basically the main shopping hub of the area, especially with the demise of Oakdale Mall. That also means that highway has some of the worst/only traffic in the area, although compared to a major city it's nothing.
- Binghamton's downtown is where a lot of the current restaurant scene in the area seems to be centering, and you'll be nearby to that as well.
- Certain neighborhoods nearer to the water did flood in 2011. Twin Orchards comes to mind. Again, look at the maps in the prior link.
Owego:
- Major flood risks in almost the the whole town, unfortunately.
- Can't comment more on what it's like to be there, I only went over there to stop into Farmhouse Brewing.
You haven't said if you will rent or buy and what your housing budget is. I suspect that this new position will be in either Tioga County (NY), Chemung County or possibly Steuben County as you mentioned Waverly, W. Elmira and Horseheads. One of the most beautiful developments in that area is Queen Esther Estates located in Athens Township, Bradford County, PA but right on the NYS border. A lot of twin tiers professionals have homes there.
Thank you for the heads up, I will look into the Queen Esther Estates. I am weighing all options as for renting and or buying. I have two dogs so more than likely buying. Is there a reason why it would be more beneficial to me to live in PA versus NY and commute to NY? Taxes? Property values?
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