2/1 c.1910 New York Handyman Special With Built-Ins $47K

$47,000

Nestled on a quiet western street, this two-bedroom New York handyman special greets you with an expansive front porch made for morning coffee and relaxing evenings. A peaceful retreat that pairs sweet architectural character with comfortable, low-maintenance living.

Realtor Comments

Home is convient to town hall and Hendy School, this home is in need of a rehab and has been priced accordingly. Being sold “as is”

117 Westmont Ave, Elmira, NY 14905   $47,000

If interested in a property, pleases contact the realtor whose link is provided in the post below, or contact an agent of your own choosing. Independent verification of details and status is recommended. 

-Contact Realtor: Steven McNamara

-Google Maps 

-Niche

The Pros

1. Exceptionally Low Cost of Living & Affordable Housing

   • Real estate in Elmira is among the most affordable in the state, with median home values well under $120,000. It provides an accessible entry point for first-time buyers, investors, or retirees looking to stretch their budget. Rent and daily expenses are similarly low.

2. Proximity to the Finger Lakes & Outdoor Recreation

   • Located just 25 minutes south of Seneca Lake (Watkins Glen) and Corning, residents enjoy easy access to world-class wineries, state parks, hiking trails, boating, and fishing. Nearby Mark Twain State Park and Newtown Battlefield State Park offer great local hiking and scenic views.

3. Rich Cultural & Literary History

   • Mark Twain spent 20 summers in Elmira writing his classic novels, and his study is preserved on the Elmira College campus. The city also features historic Victorian architecture, the Clemens Center for performing arts, and the Arnot Art Museum.

4. Strategic Location Near Employment & Regional Hubs

   • Elmira is directly adjacent to Corning (home to Corning Incorporated) and Horseheads, putting major employers, expanded shopping corridors, and the Elmira-Corning Regional Airport (ELM) within a 15-to-20-minute drive.

5. Short Commutes & Low Traffic

   • Getting around the Elmira-Horseheads area is fast and simple, with average commute times under 20 minutes and virtually no severe traffic congestion.

The Cons

1. Economic Challenges & Industrial Decline

   • Like many Rust Belt cities, Elmira has experienced decades of population decline and loss of manufacturing jobs. While neighboring Corning has a stronger corporate base, Elmira proper struggles with lower average household incomes and elevated poverty rates.

2. High New York State Property Tax Burden

   • While home purchasing prices are low, property and local school tax rates in Chemung County are relatively high compared to the home values, which can inflate monthly mortgage payments.

3. Public Safety Concerns in Specific Neighborhoods

   • Crime rates—particularly property crime and localized violent crime—trend above national and state averages within certain central sections of the city. Neighborhood selection is key when looking at homes.

4. Underperforming Public Schools

   • The Elmira City School District faces ongoing challenges, with test scores and graduation metrics generally falling below state averages. Families often look into area charter schools, private schools, or adjacent districts like Horseheads.

5. Gloomy, Cold Upstate Winters

   • Winters are long, cold, and overcast with moderate snowfall. Heating bills jump in the winter, and gray skies can persist for stretches from late autumn through early spring.

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