Binghamton, NY Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Binghamton, NY: What You Need to Know

Binghamton is a small city (population: 44,399) located in the southern part of New York, near the Pennsylvania border. It’s dubbed the Carousel Capital of the World for its beautiful wooden merry-go-rounds that represent a rich history.  

Local Culture

George F. Johnson, a shoe manufacturer and philanthropist, donated the six carousels to local parks between 1919 and 1934. Johnson meant it as free entertainment for everyone. The six are among only 150 wood-carved carousels that still exist in the United States and Canada. Residents and visitors continue to enjoy them from Memorial Day through Labor Day free of charge. The carousels are a reminder of Binghamton’s industrial heyday in the first half of the 20th century.

Job Opportunities

Binghamton, the seat of Broome County, has capitalized on its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia and the talent pool at Binghamton University (BU) to drive the local economy. Binghamton and Broome County’s top industries are manufacturing, health care, and transportation. Top employers include United Health Services, Lockheed, BAE Systems, Lourdes Hospital, Felchar Manufacturing Corp., and New York State government.

Weather and Climate

The city gets 40 inches of rain per year, on a par with the U.S. average of 38 inches, but it gets 64 inches of snow annually, a lot more than the national average of 28 inches. Binghamton’s location at the confluence of Susquehanna and Chenango Rivers, on top of high precipitation, sometimes leads to flooding. On Sept. 7-8, 2011, Tropical Storm Lee caused the Susquehanna River to crest from one to four feet higher than previous record crests.

Cost of Living

Binghamton’s cost of living rate is 3.2% higher than the national average. At least, food and housing costs are 25.2% and 27.7% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in the city is $721. The Empire State charges a progressive income tax rate of 4% to 8.82% depending on one’s earnings, and 4% to 8.875% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown, which locals call City Center, offers scenic views of the rivers and the bridges spanning them. Most apartments and houses for rent cater to Binghamton University students and staff, with 57% of city residents renting. If you prefer the suburbs, Endwell and Vestal are known for their outstanding public schools, and they are under 10 miles from Binghamton. BU has a campus and a nature preserve in Vestal.