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Elmira, NY

Frequently asked questions

Elmira, NY

Elmira is a city and the county seat of Chemung County, New York, United States. It is the principal city of the Elmira, New York, metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses Chemung County. The population was 26,523 at the 2020 census, down from 29,200 at the 2010 census, a decline of more than 7 percent.

The City of Elmira is in the south-central part of the county, surrounded on three sides by the Town of Elmira. It is in the Southern Tier of New York, a short distance north of the Pennsylvania state line.

The region of Elmira was inhabited by the Cayuga nation (also known as the Kanawaholla) of the Haudenosaunee before European colonization. Cayuga residing in the region maintained relations with European settlers, primarily related to the fur trade, but were otherwise relatively isolated from encroaching colonial settlements.

During the American Revolutionary War, the Sullivan Expedition of 1779 was mounted by the Continental Army against the four Haudenosaunee nations which had allied with the British. The expeditionary force fought a combined British-Haudenosaunee force at the Battle of Newtown, south of the current city, in which the Continental Army was victorious. After the conclusion of the war, the Haudenosaunee and the United States signed a treaty at Elmira in 1791 to settle territorial disputes in the region. Most of the Cayuga emigrated under pressure from encroaching American settlements with the other nations of the Haudenosaunee to Canada, where they resettled on land provided by the British Crown.

Elmira is at 42°5′23″N 76°48′34″W (42.089874, −76.809559).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 7.6 sq mi (19.6 km²), of which 7.3 sq mi (19.0 km²) is land and 0.27 sq mi (0.7 km²) (3.56%) is water.

The Chemung River flows eastward through the city. Elmira was built almost entirely on the flood plain of the Chemung River and has suffered many floods, the worst from Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Newtown Creek, flowing from the north, joins the Chemung River at the city's southeast corner. 

Interstate 86/New York State Route 17, The Southern Tier Expressway, connects with the city at Exit 56. New York State Route 14 passes through Elmira between Watkins Glen and Pennsylvania. New York State Route 13 begins near Lake Ontario and travels through Cortland and Ithaca before ending in Elmira. New York State Route 352 begins in Elmira at Exit 56 of the Southern Tier Expressway and continues West into Corning.

Elmira places great emphasis on the health and wellness of its residents. The city is home to several healthcare facilities, including the Arnot Ogden Medical Center, ensuring that residents have access to quality medical services. Elmira Gymnastics Club features a fully equipped gym with cardio machines, free weights, and personal training options to support individual fitness goals. Heart to Heart Yoga & Healing offers a range of yoga classes including Vinyasa and Restorative Yoga, focusing on improving flexibility, strength, and mental well-being. Elmira Family Chiropractic specializes in chiropractic adjustments, spinal health, and pain management services to enhance overall wellness. Anytime Fitness offers convenient 24/7 access to fitness equipment and personalized training programs tailored to members' fitness levels and objectives. Elmira Recreation Department organizes sports leagues, fitness classes, and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking trails to promote active living within the community.

Top Sites in Elmira, NY: Eldridge Park, Arnot Art Museum, Chemung Valley History Museum.

Population: 25,852 (2022). ZIP Codes: 14901. Area code: 607. Elevation: 860 ft (260 m). Area: 7.58 sq mi (19.63 km²).

FAQs

What is Elmira, NY, famous for?

Known as the "Soaring Capital of the World," Elmira is home to the National Soaring Museum, which houses the largest exhibit of classic and contemporary sailplanes in the world. Located on Harris Hill, the soaring field at the museum is the location of national soaring contests and glider rides. EC's official mascot, the Soaring Eagle, was chosen in tribute to the Elmira area's distinction as the "Soaring Capital of the World," and its hills and valleys that naturally suit the region for glider flight.

Is Elmira, NY a city or a town?

Elmira is a city and the county seat of Chemung County, New York, United States. It is the principal city of the Elmira, New York, metropolitan statistical area, which encompasses Chemung County. The population was 26,523 at the 2020 census, down from 29,200 at the 2010 census, a decline of more than 7 percent.

What is the crime rate in Elmira, NY?

With a crime rate of 46 per one thousand residents, Elmira 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 22. Within New York, more than 99% of the communities have a lower crime rate than Elmira.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Elmira

Elmira Edu

Chemung County

Planned Parenthood

Premier Regional Health

Neighborhood Scout

Eldridge Park

Arnot Art Museum

Chemung Valley History Museum

Heart to Heart Yoga & Healing

Elmira Family Chiropractic

Anytime Fitness

Elmira Recreation Department

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.