About New York

Elmira, New York sits on the banks of the Chemung River in the Southern Tier portion of the state.  Known as the gateway to New York's enchanting Finger Lakes Region, Elmira is the main commercial hub for all of Chemung County, and serves as the county seat.  Though a leader in industry and manufacturing, the city of Elmira retains its friendly, hometown atmosphere and its values.

Strategically located with the Pennsylvania border to its south, Elmira is less than 200 miles from Pittsburgh, New York City, and Toronto, allowing its manufacturing industry quick access to national and international ports.  The Southern Tier’s ‘Technology Triangle’ extends from Corning, 18 miles to the west, Binghamton, 55 miles to the east, to Ithaca, 36 miles to the north, leaving Elmira situated in the heart of this rapidly growing region.  The Elmira Empire Zone was created to attract more industries and it offers a numbers of incentives to new firms.  The retail industry is a strong factor in Elmira’s economy, with several major shopping centers that service all of Chemung County.

Census 2000 recorded Elmira’s population at just under 31,000.  The city prides itself in the high national ratings of its public educational system.  For higher learning, residents can choose from The Elmira Business Institute and Elmira College.  Corning Community College, a New York State University, is only 15 miles away.  The people of Elmira have long been known for their outstanding work ethics, their pride in performance and perseverance, making the available workforce quite attractive to relocating companies.

For more than twenty years, famed American author Mark Twain summered just outside of Elmira, inspired by the unique atmosphere and lovely rolling hills of the Chemung Valley.  An octagonal, fully glassed study was constructed for him.  It was there that he worked on many of his finest books, including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.  He and his wife are buried in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, and the study is now open to the public as part of the Elmira College campus.  Chemung County claims the title of “Mark Twain Country" and is home of the Center for Mark Twain Studies.

Elmira, NY is rich in history, and the city carefully preserves its colorful past.  Formerly known as Newtown, Elmira was the site of a Revolutionary War battle.  During the Civil War, the town was an outpost for the Underground Railroad along with being a site for a Prison Camp for Confederate soldiers.  Today, battle reenactments are held annually at the Newtown Battlefield Reservation.  The Chemung Valley History Museum in Elmira proudly displays relics and artifacts to its many visitors throughout the year.  Six other museums grace the city, including the popular National Soaring Museum, a tribute to the area’s heritage in motorless flight.

Elmira contains three noted historic districts.  The Westside District holds the largest concentration of Victorian-era residences in New York State.  Elmira’s ‘Antiques Alley’ is a shopper’s Paradise.  The Elmiran Trolley Service offers a leisurely ride, exploring the many diverse sections of this quaint and charming city.

Elmira, New York is a thriving community with a strong and robust economy.  Firmly rooted with a dynamic past, Elmira’s future as a growing commercial center is assured.