Reviews & Comments
Hornell, NY
A good spot to live and raise a family -
1/15/2007Hornell is an old railroad town that sets in a very pretty location near the PA border, on Interstate 86 in the Southern Tier of NY State. It is 60 miles south of Rochester, NY(via Rt 36 and I-390). It has an active and forward thinking city administration that has substantially improved the place over the years. It has a tolerant atmosphere and has the advantage of an excellent school system. It is split between Protestants and Catholics, both with strong traditions. The city center is struggling but most of the store fronts are occupied. All services are plentiful, including a hospital. Just to the north is a Walmart and best of all, a Wegmans grocery store(possibly the best grocery chain in the US). Housing is very affordable, but if you want a new house plan on building it, as few are ever available for sale. Approved building lots are easily found. There is little violent or major crime, and no gang activity, just the usual petty crime you have anywhere. Many doors never get locked.
The surrounding villages(Alfred, Canisteo and Arkport) also have excellent school systems, and Alfred has Alfred University and State University NY at Alfred. The main employers are Alstom(rail car manufacturer), school systems, hospital and medical, New York Dept of Transportation offices, and retail. The property taxes are low-moderate by NY standards(not including Alfred, which is in Allegany Co. and has such a low tax base the residential taxes are comparatively high), and are partially offset by the State's "STAR" program for school tax relief-a substantial reduction).
The climate is typical upstate NY, cold winters, wet springs, beautiful summer and fall with perfect temps and days. Hornell itself gets little snow except for the big general storms that affect the whole region. Very little lake effect snow here.