Ashford offers rural living at lower home prices than nearby towns
The rural community of Ashford, located in the center of New York's Cattaraugus County, offers quiet living close to nature. The Appalachian Plateau’s hilly terrain provides a scenic backdrop for the area, as elevation changes and forested pockets provide space between properties. The town also attracts homebuyers for its comparatively lower prices. “It’s a good area for affordability,” says Melissa Frank, broker/owner of Metro Kirsch Real Estate, who’s been selling homes around the area since 2004. “Ellicottville is substantially more expensive, and Springville also has a higher price point. It’s a great option for people who want to be in this general area and have more rural living.”
National homes starting at $135,000
Homebuyers can find Nationals from as early as the late 1800s, as well as newer Craftsman, colonial and ranch-style houses. “West Valley has more clustered residential zoning, but as you expand more into Ashford, homes come with acreage,” says Frank. Properties on the town’s outskirts usually have between 1 and 15 acres of land. Homes typically sell for $135,000 to $385,000.
Griffis Sculpture Park walking trail, recreation in state forests
Just outside of town, Griffis Sculpture Park is a popular stop with a trail that features over 250 art pieces. Surrounding state forests like Boyce Hill and Bear Creek offer open space for hunting and fishing. In the winter, locals can head to Holiday Valley Tubing Park for 20 lanes to glide through the snow. Holiday Valley Resort also has 60 ski slopes, in addition to summer attractions like its golf course, mountain coaster and swimming pools.
West Valley Central School serves K-12
Students may attend West Valley Central School District, which has one school that teaches kindergarten through 12th grade. West Valley Central School earns a C-minus from Niche. The school district passed a $6 million improvement project that includes playground and parking lot replacements, foundation work, HVAC upgrades and work to the school's bus garage.
Shopping in Springville, Ellicottville
Residents can head to Springville for a large shopping center with grocery chains like Walmart, and niche stores like Lowe’s Home Improvement and Tractor Supply Co. There are nearby fast-food chains, as well as popular locally owned restaurants like Fiesta Bamba for Mexican food and Apple Dumplin for American favorites. Those in the south end may be closer to Ellicottville, which offers Tops Friendly Market and a main street lined with small businesses.
Events at Lucky Day Homestead
Just south of West Valley, Lucky Day Homestead is a local wedding venue and an epicenter for town events. The Renaissance Fair and Viking Feast in August is the venue’s largest event, celebrated with a day of dancing, food and drink sampling, themed vendors and a community feast. In May, Western Trading Days brings a slew of local vendors to Ashford. There are free live concerts that take place between May and August. Residents can also attend specialized workshops for hobbies like hat making, baking and wood burning.
Commuting via Routes 219, 240
Commuters can take U.S. Route 219 north 8 miles to Springville and south 10 miles to Ellicottville. State Route 240 is an alternate route, and Ashford Hollow Road connects the two highways. Bertrand Chaffee Hospital is located 10 miles away. The closest airport, Buffalo Niagara International, is 45 miles away.
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Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
