The area has the characteristics of large cities rich with arts, entertainment, fine dining and sports, but is also uniquely charming with small-town character. Here, people find the best of both worlds. The Finger Lakes Wineries produce some of this country's finest domestic wines. The area's schools, colleges and universities rank among the finest in the state. Symphonies, Broadway-style shows, theaters and diverse night life entertainment provide activities for all.
Housing is both available and affordable.
For those who want to rent, there are a variety of neighborhoods and styles of housing to choose from. And when you're ready to buy, it's comforting to know that in a recent nationwide survey, Elmira NY was ranked nationwide as one of the top ten areas in the country for housing affordability. For a look at the area's real estate and school district information, check out the Twin Tiers Home Web Site . Some key attractions and features of the region include scholarly and tourist attractions surrounding Mark Twain 's life in Elmira, world-class automotive racing at Watkins Glen International , superb Educational Institutions , some of the country's finest Wineries , a variety of Shopping Centers and Specialty Shops and Museums and Centers for the Arts Mark Twain Quarry Farm, located on the outskirts of Elmira, was the summer home to Mark Twain and his family during the 1870s and 1880s. It was here that he wrote The Adventures of Tom Sawyer , Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , The Prince and the Pauper , A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court and many important short works.