Carriage Estates

For New Yorkers exploring accessible housing options, Carriage Estates in Elmira, NY, offers a compelling opportunity. Situated at 3374 Lower Maple Ave #201, Elmira, NY 14901, this manufactured home community presents a viable path to homeownership within the scenic Southern Tier of New York. While individual experiences may vary, as with any community, Carriage Estates is described by some residents as a "great place for us retired folks for sure," where "people watch out for you," highlighting a strong sense of community and mutual care.

Carriage Estates provides the chance to own a manufactured home, often at a significantly more affordable price point compared to traditional houses in the Elmira area. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking economical living without sacrificing space or privacy. The community operates with a set of rules, which, according to one resident, are "all for the benefit of the residents," promoting a well-maintained and orderly environment where "yards must be kept trash free and mowed" and "dogs must be licensed and had all their necessary inoculations." This commitment to community standards contributes to a generally peaceful living experience. For New Yorkers looking for a budget-friendly home in a community that values its residents, Carriage Estates offers a noteworthy consideration in the Chemung Valley.

Carriage Estates is strategically located at 3374 Lower Maple Ave #201, Elmira, NY 14901, USA. This address places it within the city of Elmira, the principal city of the Elmira Metropolitan Statistical Area, nestled in Chemung County, New York. This region, part of the state's Southern Tier, offers a diverse landscape that combines urban conveniences with a backdrop of natural beauty, including the Chemung River and nearby rolling hills.

For New York residents, the location of Carriage Estates provides a good balance of accessibility to essential services and local attractions. Elmira itself is a city with a rich history and a variety of amenities. Residents of Carriage Estates have convenient access to:

• Local Shopping and Dining: Elmira offers a range of grocery stores, retail shops, and dining options, ensuring daily needs are easily met without extensive travel. The downtown area has undergone revitalization efforts and offers local businesses and eateries.
• Healthcare Facilities: Being in Elmira means proximity to healthcare services, including Arnot Ogden Medical Center and St. Joseph's Hospital, providing peace of mind for residents.
• Educational Institutions: Elmira College, a private liberal arts college, is located within the city, contributing to the local intellectual and cultural scene.
• Recreational and Cultural Attractions: The Chemung County area is rich in attractions. Residents can explore Mark Twain Country, including the Mark Twain Study at Elmira College and his gravesite. Other notable spots include the Arnot Art Museum, the Clemens Center for performing arts, and the Tanglewood Nature Center. For outdoor enthusiasts, nearby options include Eldridge Park, various local parks, and the Chemung River for water activities.
• Regional Connectivity: Elmira's location provides excellent access to major roadways such as I-86 (Southern Tier Expressway), facilitating convenient travel to larger cities like Corning, Binghamton, Ithaca, and even the Finger Lakes region (including Watkins Glen State Park, famous for its gorges and waterfalls, and numerous wineries). This connectivity is vital for residents who may commute for work or wish to explore broader recreational opportunities throughout the Southern Tier.

The blend of immediate access to urban conveniences within Elmira and easy connections to the wider Southern Tier region makes Carriage Estates a practical and well-situated choice for New Yorkers seeking an affordable home base.

Carriage Estates operates as a manufactured home community, providing a structured environment where residents own their homes and lease the land. The services offered by the park management are designed to maintain the community's infrastructure and common areas, ensuring a stable living environment. Based on resident feedback and typical park operations, services generally include:

• Lot Rental & Homeownership: The primary service provided is the leasing of individual lots for manufactured homes. This allows residents to achieve homeownership, often at a more affordable price point than traditional housing. The monthly lot rent, which was noted at $370.00 by one resident, typically covers various park services.
• Utility Inclusion (Water & Septic/Sewer): The lot rent "includes garbage, water (well), septic, and snow plowing," according to real estate listings for homes within the park. This indicates that water (sourced from an on-site potable water source/well) and sewer/septic services are managed by the park and covered by the lot rent. However, it's worth noting one review mentioned issues with water pressure and unannounced shut-offs due to "older-than-dirt pipes," suggesting ongoing maintenance challenges with the water infrastructure.
• Garbage Collection: Garbage service is included as part of the monthly lot rent, simplifying waste management for residents.
• Snow Plowing: Snow plowing services for common roads within the park are provided, ensuring accessibility during winter months, a significant benefit in New York's climate.
• Community Rules & Enforcement: The management enforces "several rules," which, according to one resident, are "for the benefit of the residents." These rules cover aspects like yard maintenance ("yards must be kept trash free and mowed"), pet regulations ("dogs must be licensed and had all their necessary inoculations, etc."), and potentially other community standards. This helps maintain an orderly and respectful living environment.
• Responsive Management (for some issues): One resident noted that management was "very helpful" when their "water pipes froze," coming to "thaw them for us" even though it wasn't strictly their job. This highlights a willingness to assist residents with critical issues.
• Home Rentals: It is noted that the park "DO rent out trailers," indicating that there may be opportunities to rent manufactured homes directly from the park management, offering flexibility for those not ready to purchase.
• RV/Motorhome Presence: One review mentions "motor homes/RV's that pull in here every year," indicating that while primarily a mobile home park, there might be seasonal or temporary RV occupancy, though one resident questions its compliance with "New York state rules & regulations for mobile home parks."

Carriage Estates in Elmira, NY, presents several key features and highlights that shape the living experience for its residents, offering a blend of affordability, community, and practicality.

• Affordable Homeownership & Lot Rent: A significant highlight is the affordable access to homeownership. The lot rent, noted at $370.00/month, is relatively economical for the area and includes essential services like water (well), septic/sewer, garbage, and snow plowing. This makes it a cost-effective alternative to traditional housing or apartments in Elmira.
• Community-Oriented Environment: Despite some challenges, a strong sense of community is evident, with one resident highlighting that "people watch out for you." This suggests a supportive neighborhood, particularly beneficial for "retired folks" and those seeking a quieter social setting.
• Rules for Resident Benefit: The park operates with a set of rules that, according to a positive review, are "all for the benefit of the residents." These rules help maintain a "clean, quiet mobile home park," with requirements for yard maintenance and pet licensing, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
• Varied Housing Options: The park accommodates both owned manufactured homes (double-wides are common, with examples of 3-bedroom, 2-bath layouts around 1,680 sqft) and potentially rented trailers, offering flexibility for different needs and budgets.
• Home Features & Upgrades: Many homes within Carriage Estates, particularly those recently sold or listed, feature desirable modern amenities. These can include:
  • Open concept living spaces with spacious living rooms and dining areas.
  • Updated kitchens with ample cabinetry, island space, and upgraded appliances (e.g., farmhouse sink).
  • Central air conditioning and forced air natural gas heat for year-round comfort.
  • Spacious master bedrooms with double closets, walk-in showers, and soaking tubs.
  • Dedicated laundry areas.
  • Newer roofs, flooring, and hot water heaters.
  • Outdoor features like cozy decks (some with retractable awnings and ramps for handicap accessibility) and detached garages with extra storage.
  • Economical utility costs, with heat and electric averaging around $125 per month for both in some homes.
• Responsive Management (for some issues): While there are criticisms, at least one resident praised management for their helpfulness in thawing frozen pipes, demonstrating a willingness to assist with critical homeowner issues.
• Established Community: Having been established for many years (one resident noted living there since 1990), Carriage Estates has a long-standing presence, suggesting a degree of stability, though management changes have occurred.

Specific, current promotions or special offers for Carriage Estates are not widely advertised in general public information. However, manufactured home parks, especially those that offer both lot rentals and home sales (including park-owned rentals), often have various incentives available that are best inquired about directly.

Prospective residents in New York interested in Carriage Estates are strongly encouraged to contact the park management directly using the provided phone numbers: (607) 734-4283 or +1 607-734-4283. When you call, you can inquire about potential offers such as:

• Lot Rent Specials: There might be introductory discounts on lot rent for new residents, or specific rates for longer-term lease agreements.
• Home Purchase Incentives: If the park is selling new or existing manufactured homes, they might offer special financing options, a reduced purchase price, or the inclusion of certain upgrades or appliance packages. For homes that are being rented out directly by the park, there could be move-in specials.
• Move-in Assistance: Occasionally, parks may offer to waive certain application fees or provide assistance with relocation costs to help new residents settle in.

Given that the park is noted to "rent out trailers" and has a "fairly new owner," it is advisable to discuss all terms, including any potential move-in costs, specific rules that apply to your situation (e.g., pets, sheds), and details about water service, directly with the management. This direct conversation will ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding any promotions or specific conditions of tenancy or home purchase.

For those interested in exploring the living opportunities at Carriage Estates, or to inquire about available homes, lot rentals, or any specific park policies, the community management can be reached through the following contact details:

• Address: 3374 Lower Maple Ave # 201, Elmira, NY 14901, USA
• Phone: (607) 734-4283
• Mobile Phone: +1 607-734-4283
• Owner Contact (for water quality questions): Mike Stadelmaier, owner, is listed as a contact for water quality reports for Carriage Estates, Inc. at the same phone number. This indicates direct access to a principal for significant inquiries.

It is advisable to call during standard business hours for general inquiries, to check on available homes or lots, or to discuss the application process. Given some of the concerns raised in reviews, it would be prudent to ask specific questions about water infrastructure maintenance plans, rules enforcement, and any differences in rules for various residents, to ensure a clear understanding of the community's operations.

For New Yorkers, especially those in the Elmira area and Chemung County seeking an affordable and community-oriented place to call home, Carriage Estates presents a suitable option. The primary appeal of this manufactured home park lies in its economic viability. With a lot rent of $370.00 that includes essential utilities like water, septic/sewer, garbage, and snow plowing, it offers a significantly more budget-friendly path to single-family home living compared to the rising costs of traditional housing or even many apartment rentals in the region. This affordability allows New Yorkers to achieve homeownership, gain more personal space and privacy, and potentially build equity.

Despite some reported challenges, the presence of a supportive community is a strong highlight, particularly for "retired folks" and those valuing neighborly connections, where "people watch out for you." This sense of collective well-being can foster a stable and comforting living environment. The park's rules, when applied consistently and for the benefit of residents, contribute to maintaining a clean and orderly atmosphere, ensuring that common areas and individual lots are well-kept, which is important for overall quality of life.

Furthermore, Carriage Estates' location in Elmira provides convenient access to a wide array of local amenities and regional attractions. Residents are close to shopping, dining, healthcare facilities, and cultural venues like the Arnot Art Museum and Clemens Center. The easy access to major highways like I-86 also connects residents to larger cities and popular destinations like the Finger Lakes region, offering diverse recreational and employment opportunities. While prospective residents should certainly engage directly with management to address any specific concerns, the combination of affordable homeownership, a community-focused environment, and strategic location makes Carriage Estates a viable and attractive option for many New Yorkers looking to plant roots in the Chemung Valley.

Carriage Estates

3374 Lower Maple Ave # 201, Elmira, NY 14901, USA