Ellicott is one of the most well-known towns in Chautauqua County. Small villages and hamlets dot landscapes that range from busy suburban streets to rural country roads. However, the community is best known as the birthplace of Lucille Ball, the American actress, comedian and iconic "I Love Lucy" star.
With a population nearing 9,000 residents, Ellicott encircles the City of Jamestown on three sides. In turn, its eclectic borders result in a variety of lifestyles within 30 square miles. "The economy south of Buffalo is driven by agricultural and outdoor tourism," says Rick McMahon, associate broker and partner at Real Estate Advantage, who has over 30 years of experience selling homes in Chautauqua County. On the north side of town, rural residential streets pass by acres of farmland and patches of woodland. Waterfront communities like Fluvanna and Celoron offer lakeside living along the shores of Chautauqua Lake. Falconer, Ellicott's easternmost village, offers a close-knit community, "And Jamestown West is the commercial corridor of the county," McMahon says.
With Ellicott as a transportation hub of the Jamestown area, the Southern Tier Expressway and the Jamestown Airport lie within its borders.
At Lucille Ball Memorial Park, a walk in the snow is fine if basketball is not a possibility.
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Lakefront and rural properties
Ellicott features a variety of home styles. On the north side of town, rural country roads give way to secluded properties on acres of land. Farmhouses and colonial- and ranch-style homes with acreage can still sell for between $100,000 to $200,000. The occasional 21st-century modern farmhouse and Colonial Revival can range from the mid $300,000s to the mid $500,000s depending on acreage. Lakefront cottages range from the low $100,000s to the high $400,000s, depending on square footage, interior updates and location. However, lakefront properties typically sell for more than the average home in the area. Ellicott earns a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
The rural landscape of Ellicott is filled with farmhouses that center the agrarian life.
Parts of Ellicott border Lake Chautauqua and those homes are among the most desirable in the area.
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Recreation for every season
Most recreation is centered around the southern half of Ellicott. Each community features small town parks. Falconer Park is a large green space separated by a bubbling brook. Amenities include sports courts, a playground and a 9-hole disc golf course. Down the street, Abe Mattison Millrace Park features canoe launches and trails that wind along the Chadakoin River. Three miles away, Jamestown is home to several green spaces, including Jackson-Taylor Park, a large city park with a playground, and the Jamestown River Walk.
Farther west, waterfront parks offer scenic views of Chautauqua Lake. "The lake is our bread and butter for the summer tourist season," says Jerod Zahn, a real estate salesperson with ERA Real Estate, who has lived in the region for over 50 years. Lucille Ball Memorial Park is a popular waterfront green space with sports courts, a playground, a public boat launch and two Lucille Ball statues. A small marina sits next door, providing year-round boat storage, as well as sailboat and kayak rentals. Nature preserves and golf courses are scattered around the county, including Moonbrook Country Club, a members-only establishment with a golf course, clubhouse and pool.
Chautauqua County residents take pride in their home and year-round recreation. Surrounded by state forests with rugged terrain, hunting and trapping are common activities. In the winter, common pastimes include cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling, with trails that lead straight to Canada. Several ski resorts such as Peek'n Peak Resort and Holiday Valley Resort, are less than 60 miles away.
Criss-crossing the town of Ellicott, snowmobile trails are a fun way to spend winter days outdoors.
The RiverWalk of Greater Jamestown is a wonderful amenity and residents of Ellicott can access these trails with ease.
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Amenities around town
Sisters Restaurant is one of Ellicott's homegrown family-owned establishments hidden on a rural wooded road. This homey hole-in-the-wall is open Monday through Sunday and is known for its classic American fare and baked goods. Two miles away, Falconer's tiny Main Street features several local restaurants, including Belle-View East for New York strip steaks, seafood and pasta.
In Fluvanna, Killa Kookies & Kream serves the small lakefront community with what they describe as "desserts to die for." They are also a popular spot around town for event catering. Additional lakefront restaurants are sprinkled around town, while Jamestown features casual cafes and high-end steakhouses like Landmark Restaurant and The Chop House on Main.
Residents on the east side of town can head to Falconer for groceries, but larger grocers and big-box stores are located along Fairmount Avenue. National retailers include Wegmans, Target and Walmart Supercenter, and the Chautauqua Mall is down the road.
Meals or drinks are the best with the congenial atmosphere at Belle View East in the Falconer part of Ellicott.
The Falconer area of Ellicott offers a nice variety of shopping and dining experiences.
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Lucille Ball's birthplace
The renowned "I Love Lucy" star is honored with statues and museums throughout the area, such as the National Comedy Center and the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum. The museum showcases Lucille's and Desi's legacies with former film sets and costumes. The Lucille Ball Comedy Festival is the largest event in town. Every August, attendees from across the nation come together to enjoy four full days of comedy, music and food trucks in celebration of Lucille's birthday and legacy. "It's the only national comedy center in the country, and all of the biggest comedians like Jerry Seinfeld and Jerry Black have been here," Zahn says.
One of the most famous people born in Ellicott is Lucille Ball, the comedian.
Modern conveniences in the historic Falconer part of Ellicott bring shopping home.
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Three school districts, one town
Multiple school districts serve the Town of Ellicott, including Bemus Point Central School District and Falconer Central School District. Bemus Point scores a B on Niche and is home to two B-rated schools, Bemus Point Elementary School for pre-kindergarteners through fifth graders and Maple Grove Junior/Senior High School for sixth through twelfth graders.
The Falconer Central School District earns a C-plus rating from Niche. Schools here include the C-plus-rated Paul B.D. Temple Elementary School for kindergarten through second grade. Third through fifth graders may attend Harvey C. Fenner Elementary School, which scores a C. Falconer Middle/High School earns a C-plus. Falconer offers sports programs for both middle and high school students. Southwestern Central School District earns a B from Niche, but only residents of Jamestown West or West Ellicott are zoned here.
The Bemus Point Elementary School is a fixture on the western side of the town of Ellicott.
Falconer Middle/High School occupies a prominent spot in the town of Falconer, and serves grades 6-12.
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Getting around Ellicott
The Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System, or CARTS, operates bus routes throughout the county. Bus stops are located in larger communities like Falconer, Jamestown West and Downtown Jamestown. UMPC Chautauqua is the nearest hospital, less than 3 miles away. Interstate 86 runs east-to-west in the heart of town, leading about 60 miles west to Erie International Airport. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 75 miles away via New York State Route 60 and Interstate 90. New York State Route 394 and 430 are the main roads that wind around the 17-mile-long Chautauqua Lake.
Written By
Lillie Duston
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Jonathan Coon
Video By
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You really must see the inside of this restored Victorian Farmhouse which has over 3,800 square feet of living space and is located on 10+ acres in the Bemus Point/Maple Grove school district. The home has 5+ bedrooms, 3 full baths, with all the Victorian charm yet the conveniences of today. The updates include; new vinyl windows, updated wiring, newer plumbing, and vinyl siding. Heating and
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A tremendous interstate exit location. Cleared and Prime for development like a hotel, restaurant, or apartments. The traffic count at East Main Rt. 394 = 9354/day and on I-86 = 11025/day. Underground utilities, water and sewer available. Town of Ellicott mercantile zone, neighborhood business.
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