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Binghamton, NY

Frequently asked questions

Binghamton, NY

Binghamton is a city in the U.S. state of New York and serves as the county seat of Broome County. Surrounded by rolling hills, it lies in the state's Southern Tier region near the Pennsylvania border, in a bowl-shaped valley at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers. Binghamton is the principal city and cultural center of the Binghamton metropolitan area (also known as Greater Binghamton, or historically the Triple Cities, including Endicott and Johnson City), home to a quarter million people. The city's population, according to the 2020 census, is 47,969.

From the days of the railroad, Binghamton was a transportation crossroads and a manufacturing center and has been known at different times for the production of cigars, shoes, and computers. IBM was founded nearby, and the flight simulator was invented in the city, leading to a notable concentration of electronics- and defense-oriented firms. This sustained economic prosperity earned Binghamton the moniker of the Valley of Opportunity. However, starting with job cuts made by defense firms towards the end of the Cold War, the region lost a large part of its manufacturing industry.

Today, while there is a continued concentration of high-tech firms, Binghamton is emerging as a healthcare- and education-focused city, with Binghamton University acting as much of the driving force behind this revitalization.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has an area of 11.14 square miles (28.9 km²), of which 10.49 square miles (27.2 km²) is land and 0.65 square miles (1.7 km²) (5.83%) is water.

Binghamton, like all of the Southern Tier of New York, lies on the Allegheny Plateau; hence its hilly terrain. As such, elevations can vary in the city--Downtown, for example, is at an elevation of around 860 feet (262 meters), while residential homes in the hills can go up to over 1,800 feet (548 meters), such as on Ingram Hill. The highest peak in Binghamton is Table Rock Ridge, which is at 1,854 feet.

The Downtown area sits at the confluence of the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, in the middle of a long but relatively narrow valley. The north branch of the Susquehanna River passes south of downtown. This branch rises in eastern New York and receives a number of tributaries above Binghamton. In the center of the city, the Chenango River feeds into the Susquehanna from the north at Confluence Park. The Binghamton River Trail, a 1.5 mile trail along the Chenango, runs between Cheri Lindsey Park on the Northside and Confluence Park in Downtown. Eleven bridges span the rivers inside city limits. Broome County has 17.5 miles of levees, many of which are in Binghamton. Major floods have occurred in 1865, 1935, 1936, 2006, and 2011.

The incorporation of Binghamton united various communities on both shores of the two rivers. The majority of the city's population and development lies along the rolling terrain nearest the riverbanks with sparse development in the hills that define the city limits. The old city was laid out on a grid system by Joshua Whitney, Jr., but as development spread to the outer regions of the city and merged with other settlements, several grids were eventually juxtaposed against each other. In the Southside, the grid breaks down, as more curvilinear roads make up the predominantly residential areas along the hills.

The city was the traditional economic center of the region and is home to several historic districts. The Railroad Terminal Historic District consists of several factories and buildings along the railroad line in the northern limits of downtown. Over 1,000 properties on the West Side contribute to the Abel Bennett Tract Historic District, mainly made up of residential properties along Riverside Drive. Downtown's State Street-Henry Street Historic District consists of several older low-rise buildings. The Court Street Historic District has some of the city's most notable architecture, including the Press Building and Security Mutual Building, early 20th century high rises, and the Broome County Courthouse. The Press Building was the tallest building in Binghamton until the completion of the State Office Building in Government Plaza, which remains the tallest in the city.

Away from downtown, most of the buildings are single- and multi-family dwellings, along with low-rise business buildings lining commercial arteries. Along the railroad corridors, several factories, mostly abandoned, rise above the otherwise-uniform landscape.

Main Street runs through the West Side, and continues west to serve as Main Street in the villages of Johnson City and Endicott. On the east side of the Chenango River, the road becomes Court Street, the major east–west artery in downtown and the East Side.

Health and wellness are essential aspects of life in Binghamton. The city is home to various healthcare facilities, such as Lourdes Hospital and United Health Services Hospitals. These medical centers offer comprehensive healthcare services, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical care. Southern Tier Physical Therapy & Wellness provides comprehensive rehabilitation services and personalized fitness programs, promoting overall wellness and recovery. The Riverwalk Athletic Club features state-of-the-art equipment, group fitness classes, and personal training, ensuring a dynamic and effective workout experience. Transformations Fitness offers a range of classes including Zumba, Pilates, and strength training, creating a supportive environment for achieving fitness goals. Relaxation awaits at The Spa at Traditions, where residents can indulge in massages, facials, and body treatments designed to rejuvenate and renew. Binghamton Yoga specializes in various yoga styles, including hot yoga and restorative yoga, fostering flexibility and mental clarity.

Top sites in Binghamton, NY are Phelps Mansion Museum, Mirabito Stadium, Ross Park Zoo, and Recreation Park.

Population: 46,773 (2024). ZIP code: 13902. Area code: 607. Elevation: 866 ft (264 m). Area: 11.13 sq mi (28.82 km²).

FAQs

What is Binghamton, NY famous for?

There are only about 150 of these carousels still in existence and with six of them, Binghamton and its surrounding area has the largest collection. This is why Binghamton is known as the 'Carousel Capital of the World. As guardians of these iconic merry-go-rounds, Binghamton takes pride in its title and continues to celebrate its rich carousel tradition.

What are the racial demographics of Binghamton, NY?

Binghamton, NY is home to a population of 47.6k people, from which 93.9% are citizens. As of 2022, 11.7% of Binghamton, NY residents were born outside of the country (5.55k people). In 2022, there were 5.14 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (31.5k people) in Binghamton, NY than any other race or ethnicity.

What is the crime rate in Binghamton, NY?

With a crime rate of 49 per one thousand residents, Binghamton has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 21. Within New York, more than 99% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Binghamton.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Binghamton

981 The Hawk

Data USA

Neighborhood Scout

Lourdes Hospital

United Health Services Hospitals

Southern Tier Physical Therapy & Wellness

Riverwalk Athletic Club

Transformations Fitness

The Spa at Traditions

Binghamton Yoga

Phelps Mansion Museum

Ross Park Zoo

Mirabito Stadium

Recreation Park

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