About 1 mile from Downtown Jamestown and south of the Chadakoin River, Forest Heights is a small historic district known for its architecture. Red brick roads intermingle with paved asphalt, while historic homes range from grandiose Victorians to modest Colonial Revivals. "Jamestown is the largest city in Chautauqua County," says Jerod Zahn, a real estate salesperson with ERA Real Estate, who has lived in the region for over 50 years. "But at the same time, everyone knows your name. The community is amazing, everyone is friendly, and everyone is willing to extend a helping hand." Located approximately 5 miles from Chautauqua Lake, historic architecture, outdoor recreation, a small-town lifestyle and a close-knit community are some of the largest draws to the Jamestown metro area.
The historic homes district of Forest Heights has homes neatly standing side by side.
The streets of the historic homes district of Forest Heights have streets paved with red brick.
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Historic homes, both large and small
In 2021, the National Park Service designated Forest Heights a historic district. Today, the community boasts over 140 properties, some individually listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. "The homes are a bit more upscale around there," says Rick McMahon, associate broker and partner at Real Estate Advantage, who has over 30 years of experience selling homes in Chautauqua County. Many of these historic, grandiose homes have been brought back to life thanks to tax credits that help cover the cost of improvements. Others, however, sit in disrepair, waiting for new owners to bring them back to their former glory.Urban residential streets feature a mix of home styles, many of which showcase Greek Revival, Colonial Revival and Queen Anne designs. Others feature modest Craftsman-style bungalows with welcoming front porches, Victorians, Dutch Colonials and narrow homes with steep gabled roofs. Former single-family homes turned into duplexes are scattered in between. Most properties feature paved driveways, while many boast one- or two-car detached garages. Prices in the area can range from $60,000 to $160,000, depending on square footage and interior updates. However, fixer-uppers can sell for as low as $20,000. Forest Heights earns a CAP Index crime score of 6 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4; homicide garners a score of 7 out of 10.
Large victorian style homes can be found in the historic homes district of Forest Heights.
You will find smaller homes all over Forest Heights.
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Hunting, fishing and boating
Residents are less than 2 miles from Bergman Park. This large green space has numerous amenities such as sports courts, a large playground, an 18-hole disc golf course and a paved trail for joggers and cyclists. Bergman Park also hosts annual events such as the Labor Day Celebration and the World Series of Wheels, where car fanatics can peruse antique automobiles, sports cars and more.About a half mile away, the Jamestown River Walk features a paved walkway that winds along the banks of the Chadakoin River. Small green spaces like Panzarella Island Park dot the riverfront and offer a relaxing spot for sunset picnics. The nearby Chautauqua Lake, one of the metro area's most popular features, feeds into the river. "The lake is our bread and butter for summer activities and tourism," Zahn says. "There's great fishing and boating, while restaurants and smaller communities are peppered around the lake." Apart from water activities, Forest Heights residents are surrounded by year-round outdoor recreation. "Peek n Peak is a well-known ski resort and golf course. It's a beautiful course up in the hills with stunning views. There have even been pro-amateur tour events there."Hiking trails and snowmobile paths leading as far as the Canadian border highlight the beauty of southwestern New York. Surrounded by acres of woodlands, deer hunting is a popular pastime. "It's a huge thing around here," Zahn says. "On the first day of hunting season, everyone takes off work and students skip school."
Bergman Park is where residents of Forest Heights go to play ball, disc golf, and a playground.
Many Forest Heights residents dock their boats at the marina in the Lucille Ball Memorial Park.
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Tributes to Lucille Ball
Forest Heights is home to the Fenton History Center. This Italian villa-style mansion is the former estate of Reuben E. Fenton, a U.S. congressman, senator and New York state governor. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, today the grounds serve as a museum, research center, library and archives. Tours of the museum are available throughout the week, along with specialty tours such as the Halloween Spirit Tour and the Mausoleum and More Tours.
While this small city is drenched in history, Jamestown is best known as the birthplace of Lucille Ball, an American actress and comedian. Statues and museums scattered around town pay tribute to the famed "I Love Lucy" star, including the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center. The center hosts the city's largest event, the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. Every August around Lucille's birthday, crowds gather nationwide to enjoy four full days of comedy acts, music and food trucks.
There is are two statues of Lucille Ball in the Lucille Ball Memorial Park near Forest Heights.
As you enter Forest Heights you are greated by a huge I Love Lucy mural.
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Shopping and dining in Forest Heights
Residents are approximately a half mile from Big Lots and Walgreens, while TOPS Friendly Markets is about 1 mile away. However, Fairmount Avenue is the main commercial corridor, about 4 miles away. National retailers like Wegmans, Target, The Home Depot and the Chautauqua Mall are found here.
Upscale steakhouses and eclectic coffee shops are scattered throughout Downtown Jamestown. Landmark Restaurant is one of the most well-known steakhouses in town. Its intimate, upscale atmosphere pairs with comfort foods like lobster bisque, sirloin steak and Faroe Island salmon. Allen Street Diner is one of the few local eateries south of the river. This no-frills diner serves up American classics such as steak omelets, burgers and more.
Wegman's is the supermarket of choice for many Forest Heights residents.
The Family Dollar store in Forest Heights is visited often by many residents.
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1 mile to Downtown Jamestown
Chautauqua County Transit provides public transportation throughout the city, with buses running along major thoroughfares like South Main Street. Downtown Jamestown is about 1 mile away, and UPMC Chautauqua is about a half mile away. Paved sidewalks make it possible to walk or cycle into the heart of the city, but many residents rely on personal vehicles to commute around town. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is about 76 miles away via New York State Route 60 and Interstate 90. Other nearby thoroughfares include Interstate 86, which leads 50 miles west to Erie, Pennsylvania, and 220 miles east to Binghamton, New York.
UPMC Chautauqua is a 277 bed hospital that serves the residents of Forest Heights.
Many Forest Heights residents rely on the CHQ Transit to get them around town.
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Jamestown City schools
The Jamestown City School District serves the community and garners a B-minus rating on Niche. Pre-kindergarteners through fourth graders may attend Milton J. Fletcher Elementary School, which scores a C. Fifth through eighth graders may attend the C-plus-rated Persell Middle School, and Jamestown High School garners a B-plus. Niche ranks Jamestown High as the No. 3 best public school in Chautauqua County. High schoolers can participate in hands-on learning in trades like carpentry at the Innovation Center at R.R. Rogers School.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Daniel Terhune,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Bregman Park
Lucille Ball Memorial Park
Jamestown River Walk
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Forest Heights
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Forest Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Forest Heights, Jamestown sell after 1 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Forest Heights, Jamestown over the last 12 months is $46,000, down 65% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY-TURN KEY-Two unit multi family unit. Enter into the foyer from the front of the apartment. There is also a handicap ramp at the back of the home for easy access to downstairs apartment. Cozy living dining room combo with lots of light, tiled floors throughout, Eat in kitchen, storage pantry at the back of the home by back door. Full bath with tub and shower installed.
This is a 3 unit investment property and all apartments are filled with long-term tenants. Rents could easily be raised. The house has some newer plumbing and electrical upgrades. There are laundry hook-ups in the basement. Property Management offered with the purchase.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Daniel Terhune,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
627
Median Age
39
Population under 18
24.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$17,500
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$28,284
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
68.4%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
11.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.2%
% Population in Labor Force
48.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
50''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
33/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
71/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
