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Binghamton is a small city of roughly 45,000 residents located at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers in Broome County, upstate New York. It serves as the commercial and educational hub of the Southern Tier region, home to Binghamton University and SUNY Broome Community College. The city has a working-class and academic character, with a revitalizing downtown, affordable cost of living, and a growing arts and food scene. Winters are cold and snowy, as is typical for upstate New York, and a car is helpful for navigating the broader area. For students, Binghamton offers a low-cost environment with easy access to campus and regional amenities.
One of the most popular areas for students and young professionals, with affordable rentals, walkability, and a neighborhood feel close to downtown.
Convenient access to SUNY Broome's campus and the city center near the Susquehanna.
A suburban community popular with students who prefer quieter surroundings and easy parking, near the Oakdale Mall and retail corridor.
Ongoing investment with apartments above street-level commercial spaces, appealing to those who want an urban environment.
Farther west along the Susquehanna, with some of the most affordable housing in the region for students willing to commute.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Binghamton.
Binghamton is served by BC Transit, the public bus system for Broome County, which connects major destinations across the city and surrounding communities. Binghamton University operates its own free shuttle system that connects the main campus with off-campus housing areas and the downtown area. While bus service is available, schedules can be limited on evenings and weekends, so students should check routes and timing in advance.
Downtown Binghamton and the West Side neighborhoods are reasonably walkable, with shops, restaurants, and services within reach on foot. Biking is feasible in the warmer months, and some students use bikes to commute between rentals and campus. Winter weather including ice and snow makes cycling impractical for much of the academic year, so students should plan for alternative transportation from November through March.
Parking is widely available throughout Binghamton and is generally affordable compared to larger cities. Most rental properties near SUNY Broome and in residential neighborhoods include parking on site or nearby. Binghamton University has structured parking for students who commute or have cars on campus, though permits are required. For most students living near the SUNY Broome campus, having a car is the most practical way to get around the broader Binghamton region.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
Binghamton is a solid college town with a low cost of living, a growing food and arts scene, and multiple higher education institutions. The city is home to Binghamton University and SUNY Broome, creating a student-friendly environment with campus events and community resources. It is not a large metro area, but students who appreciate affordability and a tight-knit community tend to enjoy living there.
Browse student housing near each Binghamton-area university.