Rural homes sit on hilly terrain in Dayton
In Dayton, forest and farmland make way for comparatively lower-priced homes that provide quiet, rural living. Part of Cattaraugus County, also known as the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York, the town sits on the hilly terrain created by the base of the Allegheny Mountains. Movie buffs might recognize the town’s scenic backdrop from the 1987 film "Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” starring Steve Martin and John Candy. The town is also in the north end of New York Amish Country, which provides locals with fresh produce and herbs, as well as handmade items like ointments, crafts and sewing.
Home prices typically fall between $100,000 and $200,000
There's a mix of farmhouse-style properties from as early as the 1800s, as well as Cape Cods and Craftsman homes from the 1900s. Most houses sit off backroads with lots ranging from a half-acre to 10 acres. There are also clusters of homes with less green space in the villages of Dayton and South Dayton. Properties here typically sell for $100,000 to $200,000, which is a comparatively lower price compared to surrounding communities.
Two school districts serve the town
The Pine Valley Central School District serves kids in the south end, while those in the north end are zoned for the Gowanda Central School District. Southern students may start at Pine Valley Elementary, which teaches kindergarten through sixth grade and receives a C-minus from Niche. Pine Valley Central Junior/Senior High gets a C. Northern students may start at Gowanda Elementary, which teaches kindergarten through fourth grade and has a B-minus, before going to Gowanda Middle, which teaches fifth to eighth grade and also gets a B-minus. Gowanda High earns a B.
Snowmobiling and creekside trails offer year-round nature access
Chainbiters Disc Golf Course is a private facility with a challenging, 27-basket course. Less than 10 miles away, the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area has a 3.5-mile trail that runs along the Cattaraugus Creek and past several waterfalls. The area is also a popular spot for bird watching, fishing and rafting. When winter comes, Snowmobiling trails weave through town. Those looking for an indoor activity can visit the Depot Movie & Rail Museum in South Dayton, which has a collection of local movie props and vintage train pieces.
Grocery stores and Amish shops serve South and North Dayton
South Dayton residents can head to Dollar General for essentials. The South Dayton Supermarket on Pine Street has baked goods, meats and Amish goods. The South Dayton Hotel has also been a local staple for its famous prime rib and pan-fried fish since 1925. Those in North Dayton are closer to Gowanda, which offers a Shop n’ Save and eateries like Capozzi's Pizzeria. There are also a few Amish businesses around town, like Rainbow's End Herbs with medicinal and culinary herbs, as well as handmade soaps, jams and teas.
South Dayton and Gowanda host seasonal community festivals
The South Dayton Fall Tractor Pull in September lets locals compete with their own garden tractors. Neighboring Gowanda also has events like the Hollywood Happening, which attracts motorcycles for a parade, local vendors and live music. There’s also Christmas in Gowanda with local holiday merchants, a pet walk and the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Commuting via Routes 62, 322
U.S. Route 62 and State Route 322 connect folks to the rest of Cattaraugus County. The closest hospital, UPMC Chautauqua, is 32 miles south. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located 46 miles north.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
