Binghamton University - Local Atmosphere

College Prowler Take

If you are looking for a big city atmosphere, you are not going to find it at Binghamton. “Economically depressed” is a term often associated with Binghamton, and “campus-centered” is an accurate description of many students’ lifestyles. Students advise that one shouldn’t wander around certain areas of Binghamton, particularly at night. While the city does offer a smattering of cultural events, a small mall, and two minor league sports teams, finding something to do besides bars, billiards, and bowling will often require some hunting. The outdoors type of person will find that there is much to see and do around Binghamton, including everything from hiking and biking to skiing during the winter.

There is not much to say about a place when a trip to Wal-Mart can be considered a night on the town. People who enjoy outdoor activities will enjoy what Binghamton has to offer far more than those who need the bright lights and vibrant street life of a city. No matter what activities you prefer, if you are willing to make a one-hour drive—about the time it takes to get to Syracuse, Ithaca, Cortland, and Scranton—you will find that your options increase dramatically.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The place is economically... The place is economically depressed. IBM used to be located in a neighboring village, but since it left, there are ex-engineers working for minimum wage at Wal-Mart. Similarly, there aren’t many jobs for students. The only neighboring school is a community college. As for where the school is located, all I have to say is that it’s across the street from a sewage plant. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

Don’t walk around downtown by... Don’t walk around downtown by yourself at night; it’s not a good idea. There really aren’t any other universities. It is mostly a college town now, but there are many areas that are rundown. Binghamton is pretty much its own city stuck in the middle of mountains. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

There really isn’t that much to do... There really isn’t that much to do in Binghamton; most life focuses around the University. We have the Binghamton Mets—the minor league team for the Mets. We also have movies, theaters, and parks around town, as well. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

The town right around Binghamton... The town right around Binghamton is called Vestal. There are lots of stores, and the Oakdale Mall is also pretty close to campus. The city is not so nice, but many students live there. Syracuse is a little over an hour away, and Cortland is also around an hour away, too. There are things around the area besides the shopping in Vestal, such as movies, and of course the downtown club and bar scene. Within driving distance is also a place to gamble called Turning Stone, and in Syracuse there is a really cool, huge mall, the Carousel Mall. Cooperstown is also close if you like baseball. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Anonymous says:

At first I thought the town was... At first I thought the town was really boring. It takes time to adapt to a new environment. Eventually, I grew to like Binghamton. I even considered myself to be a townie, because I know all the back roads and stuff to different locations. Places that I find interesting are the driving range, ski mountains, and ice-skating rinks. There are several colleges within a one-hour drive of Binghamton. 12345 Local Atmosphere Report

Facts

Did You Know?

5 Fun Facts About Binghamton:
• The Binghamton area was originally commanded by the Iroquois tribe who sided with the British in the Revolutionary War.
•Binghamton is named after William Bingham, a wealthy Philadelphia merchant who purchased the land after the Revolutionary War. Ironically, Bingham died before he ever got a chance to visit the town that bears his name.
• Binghamton was home to Dr. Andral Kilmer, a noted proponent of herbal and homeopathic cures for disease.
• Edwin A. Link developed the first flight simulator in Binghamton for training pilots in blind flying.
• With six carousels in nearby parks, Binghamton is the self-proclaimed carousel capital of the world.

Local Slang:
Southern Tier – The area of New York State bordering Pennsylvania.
Spiedie – Marinated chicken on a sub roll, a local treat.

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