📍 About BGM & Binghamton
BGM Tower is located at Greater Binghamton Airport in Johnson City, NY. The Binghamton area offers a mix of small-city living and quiet suburbs with scenic views, historic charm, and proximity to the Finger Lakes and Catskill Mountains.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Couples
- Downtown Binghamton – Urban feel, walkable, restaurants, bars.
- Johnson City – Affordable, close to the airport.
- Endicott – Budget-friendly, suburban character.
Best for Families
- Vestal – Top-rated schools, shopping, quiet neighborhoods.
- Chenango Bridge – Great schools, rural and safe.
- Owego – Quaint village charm, family-friendly community.
🚗 Commute Times to BGM Tower
- 5–15 min: Johnson City, Endwell, Endicott
- 15–25 min: Vestal, Binghamton, Chenango Forks
- 25–40 min: Owego, Windsor, Conklin
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor
- Hiking: Chenango Valley State Park, Aqua-Terra, IBM Glen
- Fishing & Boating: Susquehanna River, Dorchester Park
- Winter: Greek Peak Ski Resort (~35 mins)
🏛️ Indoor & Entertainment
- Events: LUMA Projection Festival, Spiedie Fest
- Museums: Roberson Museum, Bundy Museum
- Bars & Breweries: Galaxy Brewing Co., Water Street Brewing
- Sports: Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Minor League Baseball)
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM): On-site – regional flights via Avelo
- Elmira-Corning Regional (ELM): ~1 hr west
- Syracuse Hancock Int’l (SYR): ~1.5 hrs north – larger airport options
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Links
- Vestal & Chenango: Low crime areas
- Downtown Binghamton: More active, mixed reviews on safety
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Housing: Median home price ~$170,000, rent for 1-bedroom ~$950–$1,200
- Utilities: ~$180–$220/month average
- Groceries: Slightly below national average
- Taxes: NY state income tax applies (4–6.5%)
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Binghamton: Artsy, walkable, bars
- Vestal: Top for schools, families, suburban
- Johnson City: Budget-friendly, close to BGM
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Snowy and cold – snow tires recommended
- Spring: Mild with rain
- Summer: Warm, humid, in the 70s–80s
- Fall: Cool with great foliage
🚇 Transportation & Traffic
- Car needed: No commuter rail
- Traffic: Minimal congestion
- Highways: I-81, Route 17/86
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Lourdes Hospital (Binghamton)
- UHS Wilson Medical Center (Johnson City)
- Fast ER/Urgent Care: Multiple UHS walk-in clinics
🫂 Social & Community
- Local Events: Farmers markets, parades, community days
- Volunteer: Broome County Humane Society, Food Bank of the Southern Tier
- Young Professionals: Binghamton Chamber events
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Spiedie & Rib Pit: Local favorite for spiedies
- Lost Dog Café: Unique eats, downtown vibe
- The Colonial: Bar + comfort food hotspot
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Facility size: Smaller tower, close-knit team
- Shifts: Mix of days and nights – invest in blackout curtains
- Housing: Johnson City & Vestal are closest
📦 Moving Tips
- Snow tires: A must for winter commuting
- Best rentals: July and August availability
- Storage: Multiple U-Haul and local storage options
❓ FAQs
- Is Binghamton safe?
Most areas are safe, but use caution downtown after dark. - Is it affordable?
Yes, lower cost of living than most NY cities. - Can I live outside the city?
Absolutely – Owego and Chenango Bridge are popular with families.