CHEMUNG COUNTY
County Offices
203 Lake Street
Elmira 607-737-2920
http://chemungcounty.com
Chamber of Commerce
400 East Church Street
Elmira 607-734-5137
www.chemungchamber.org
Communities in Chemung County
Ashland, Big Flats, Catlin, Chemung, Elmira, Erin, Horseheads, Southport, Veteran
Chemung County is part of the ‘Elmira, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area’ which encompasses all of Chemung County. The county is home to more than 90,000 residents. Its county seat is Elmira. Many signs posted along roads in Chemung County refer to the area as “Mark Twain Country” because of the many years the author lived and wrote in Elmira.
Lifestyle
Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of the Southern Finger Lakes region at the Northern end of the Appalachian Mountains, the Chemung River Valley is home to vibrant, successful communities offering the amenities and activities of city living coupled with the quality of life found in quaint small towns. An abundance of arts and culture, including the Arnot Art Museum and the Clemens Center Regional Performing Arts Center, can be found at the heart of the county in the city of Elmira. A short, scenic drive on Interstate 86 winds through many unique villages and towns tucked into the lush, rural countryside and within close proximity to outdoor adventures, shopping, dining and the famous Finger Lakes Wine Country. The Chemung Valley lies at the gateway to New York’s Finger Lakes Wine Country and is a great place to experience all of the adventures the region has to offer. Theater is close to home at the Clemens Center, Elmira Little Theatre or Elmira College’s Theatre Department. There are special events at area art museums, festivals, and wineries, such as Glenora Wine Cellar’s Jazz Greats Summer Music Series. The Arnot Art Museum is home to a permanent collection of internationally recognized historic and contemporary art. Residents can enjoy live music at performances by the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes at the Clemens Center. Families can visit Harris Hill Amusement Park or go for a ride on the Historic Carousel at Eldridge Park. Sports fans can root for the Elmira Pioneers baseball team at Dunn Field or for the local professional hockey team The Elmira Jackals at The First Arena.
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a hike at the Tanglewood Nature Center & Museum. Or try a bike ride along the Catharine Valley Trail. Chemung County is great for Golfers, with more than 170 holes at courses in and around Elmira, including at the Elmira Country Club and at the Corning Country Club, home of the annual Corning Classic LPGA tournament. The long, deep Finger Lakes just north of Chemung County offer a wealth of leisure opportunities, including fishing, boating, and other water sports. Many residents vacation in the Finger Lakes, or choose to buy a lakeside cottage as a second home.
Shoppers don’t have to worry as the region is full of opportunities. Explore farmers markets complete with fresh produce, local arts & crafts, and exciting treasures. The historic districts on Maple Avenue and the Near Westside in Elmira. Hanover Square in Horseheads is full of local shops with varied and unique opportunities. The Arnot Mall is home to more than over 100 stores. Big Flats Commons, Consumer Square, Colonial Commons, Southern Tier Crossings and The Shops at Chambers offer a wide selection of shopping pleasure. The Chemung Valley is home to numerous restaurants with local eateries, fine dining, quick bites, neighborhood pubs, and delicious regional fare all available.
Services
Chemung County has an ideal location and business climate. Wage rates, work ethic and cost of living are highly favorable to business and industry. The crime rate is substantially lower than the national average and the quality of life in the heart of the Finger Lakes region ranks high in the state.
Education is very important in the county, represented by institutions of higher education and a strong network of public, private and parochial elementary and secondary schools. These schools offer educational programs to fit the needs of all students in all disciplines, including business, the arts and education. Neighborhood schools stress basic skills in reading, writing and math. Education is strengthened by a public library system and communities committed to supporting quality, affordable education for their young people. Chemung County has three public school districts and numerous parochial and private schools that serve pre-K through 12 students. The districts include the Elmira City School District, Elmira Heights Central School District, Horseheads Central School District and Notre Dame High School. For higher education around Chemung County are a dozen colleges and universities that are national standouts and that provide a diverse range of career and professional development opportunities.
Healthcare is well represented in the county, Chemung County is home to many excellent full-service hospitals, healthcare facilities and human service agencies that offer a continuum of care, resources and support to meet the physical, mental and developmental needs of the community. Facilities include; St. Joseph’s Hospital which provides acute care and specializes in cancer care, women’s health, cardiology/cardiac surgery, alcohol rehabilitation, mental health services, and physical rehabilitation. Arnot Ogden Medical Center provides acute care and specializes in maternity care and neonatal intensive care, cancer care, women’s health, cardiology/cardiac surgery, alcohol rehabilitation, mental health services, and physical rehabilitation. Guthrie Healthcare System manages clinics throughout the Southern Tier of New York and the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania and specializes in minimally invasive surgery and primary care.
Residents of Chemung County have all of the amenities that they need close to home. Transportation in the region makes getting around simple and quick and recreational opportunities are always right outside the front door, making this an excellent area to call home.
