Better known as Maple City thanks to an abundance of maple trees that cover the cityscapes, Hornell is also home to one of the most entertaining Saint Patrick's Day parades in the region, where the mayor makes an appearance on Main Street riding either a horse or something unusual. They started the tradition in 1987 during the city's first ever parade in good humor, but now people can't get enough of it.
A hotbed of history, the city was first settled in 1790 and was called "Upper Canisteo." Thirty years later, it was incorporated as a town called "Hornellsville" after the settler George Hornell Junior. In 1888, it was renamed the "City of Hornellsville," and finally just shortened to Hornell in 1906. The city has seen its share of heartbreak in the form of the horrific 1935 flooding, and the Union Park destruction during the urban renewal of the 1970s. With an interesting topography, Hornell, set on the banks of the Canisteo River and ensconced by the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, also happens to cover a total area of just 2.7 square miles. That's not all. The city lies 1,160 feet above sea level and enjoys the best of all four seasons.
Moving to Hornell
Hornell has the best of two worlds! You can profit from the business performance capabilities of a metropolitan city while enjoying the peace and affordability of a smaller town. There is also a skilled workforce that looks after civic and commercial services, locally owned businesses and numerous designated green spaces and parks. While the historic Erie Railroad Works, which arrived in the mid 1800s bringing much prosperity, disappeared in the 70s, Hornell still absorbs the experienced railroad workers into its current labor pool.
Well-connected to the rest of the State of New York by road, Hornell also has a Municipal Airport (4G6) north of the city on Route 36 that handles private and corporate aircrafts and business jets. The Hornell Area Transit bus system plies residents within the city while taxi services are efficient too. Popular publications include the Evening Tribune and the Hornell-Canisteo Penn-E-Saver.
When you decide to move to Hornell, it's best to bring along with you a folder of documents that your future landlord or property owner will require. This could include anything from copies of your ID and proof of income to letters of reference and a credit check. Bring these along with you to viewings will help you convince your landlord that you're a legit renter who want mess up their property.
Neighborhoods in Hornell
With the help of an apartment locator, it is easy to find apartments with paid utilities, two-bedroom apartments for rent in apartment complexes and other forms of housing in Hornell. All of the three major neighborhoods show similar characteristics in terms of median real estate prices and rental prices.
City Center: Based on population density, Hornell City Center is a suburban neighborhood with a healthy mix of owners and renters. You will find plenty of historical structures built between 1940 and 1969. Head to Jeff's Clubhouse for an after-work drink, or Marino's Restaurant on Loder for a more swanky sit-down experience.
Canisteo Street / Route 36: A suburban neighborhood, this area is made up of mostly small- or medium-size, single-family homes and small apartment buildings, with a fair mix of owners and renters. Working folks will enjoy the convenient one-way commute time of less than fifteen minutes. The proximity of this neighborhood to St. James Mercy Hospital will put you at ease, and J C's Cafe is sure to delight.
Main Street / Route 36: The real estate scene here is characterized by cozy (studio to two bedroom) to medium-size (three or four bedroom), single-family homes and small apartment buildings. Many buildings were built between 1940 and 1969. Paddy's Pub and Grill is nearby, and the aptly named Convenient Food Mart is there when you'd rather cook. The City of Hornell Library is also right here.
Living in Hornell
The city of Hornell is brimming over with historical sites! Many are listed on the National Register of Historic Places such as the Hornell Armory, Hornell Public Library, Adsit House, St. Ann's Federation Building and United States Post Office. Well-endowed with a number of state parks, residents enjoy year-round access to these open spaces in all seasons. Nature lovers often head out to the Finger Lake region that is filled with quaint villages, blue lakes, waterfalls and historical museums. And don't forget the 100+ wineries that go beyond the formulaic Riesling, Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon.
All work and no play turns residents into dull boys (and girls), which is why the jolly mayor and his flock look for an excuse to get the party started! If shifting base is on your mind, Hornell is an option worth considering.