Hinsdale brings a quiet, private atmosphere to the Olean area
Hinsdale’s main claim to fame is its haunted house. The Haunted Hinsdale House, or Dandy House, is said to be a hotspot for paranormal activity, making it a popular destination for ghost hunters. Otherwise, rural Hinsdale is mostly quiet hills and a small strip of buildings along Main Street, featuring the volunteer fire department, a post office and the local American Legion office. About 7 miles south, Olean offers additional amenities via Interstate 86, which runs nearby. Hinsdale also has a Cap Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4. “You can find a bit of land, and the property taxes are a bit more affordable,” says Paul Pezzimenti, broker with Howard Hanna Professionals-Olean. “It’s really quiet. It’s you and whoever lives near you, if anyone lives near you.”
Nationals and ranch-style homes on up to 12 acres
In town, Nationals sit just off narrow sidewalks, where occasional trees offer some shade. Outside of the town center, manufactured and ranch-style homes are more spread out, on properties spanning anywhere from 1 to 12 acres. The space allows homeowners to build barns or keep horses on the premises. Other properties have a more wooded feel, with homes situated at the end of long driveways hidden by trees. Homes typically sell for $130,000 to $250,000.
A public school with a growing community vegetable garden
Hinsdale Central School is located right on Main Street. The school serves kindergarten through 12th grade and receives a C rating from Niche. As part of their science education, elementary schoolers can tend to a vegetable garden on the grounds. Students regularly check the plants, weed the garden, harvest vegetables and make food from their harvest, like tomato sauce or salsa. Leftover produce is kept in baskets by the garden, free for anyone to take.
Taking I-86 or New York Route 16 to Olean and its amenities
I-86 and New York Route 16 link Hinsdale with Olean. “Olean to the center of Hinsdale is about six or seven minutes,” Pezzimenti says. “If you’re living in Hinsdale, you’re going to Olean all the time.” In addition to amenities like parks, restaurants and grocery stores, Olean General Hospital is also in the city. Meanwhile, Buffalo and Buffalo Niagara International Airport are about 70 miles away.
Glen Hollow Park in Hinsdale and nearby green spaces in Olean
Glen Hollow Park is Hinsdale’s only park, complete with a baseball diamond and soccer field. It sits along Olean Creek, where locals can fish. A walking path also goes through the park. The Haunted Hinsdale House is off McMahon Road and offers tours through the space and overnight stays with the ghosts. For more activities, residents can drive to the parks in Olean. War Vets Park has a volleyball court and playground. Olean Recreation Center includes an indoor hockey rink and an outdoor pool.
Convenience stores in Hinsdale and restaurants in Olean
Hinsdale doesn’t have its own restaurants. Crosby’s is a convenience store and gas station that has some grocery items. Hinsdale/Ischua Food Pantry is also in town. For restaurants, there are options in Olean, like Beef ‘N’ Barrel Restaurant. The steakhouse has been in Olean for 50 years and mainly serves burgers and steaks, though some chicken and seafood options are also available. Green Acres Café is open for breakfast and lunch. Olean also has a Walmart Supercenter and a BJ’s Wholesale Club about 9 miles from Hinsdale.
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Written By
Caroline Ernst
