Jamestown West offers suburban living in Chautauqua County
Jamestown West is a small community set along Chautauqua Lake, directly west of Jamestown. A suburban area in Chautauqua County, Jamestown West offers a comfortable lifestyle with easy access to urban amenities. The area provides easy access to shopping centers, restaurants, and public parks in Jamestown, making everyday errands and leisure activities accessible. The community also draws families for its reputable school district, which has consistently received high ratings from Niche. “You enjoy a slower pace of life here,” says Richard Benedetto, broker at Real Estate Advantage with 40 years of experience. “It’s more of a residential area compared to the city of Jamestown, and it’s not congested. People use Chautauqua Lake for boating, and the Chautauqua Institution adds lots of entertainment for local families.”
A diverse housing stock and wooded lots
The community follows a gridded street pattern, with narrow roads that gently curve over small hills. Mature trees dot the landscape, often shading roadways and houses. Houses were mostly built in the 20th-century, with a mix of Workers Cottages, Cape Cods, ranch-style homes and Colonial Revivals set on moderately-sized yards. Prices generally fall between $100,000 and $500,000, and those with larger lots are on the higher end of the spectrum. The community may be prone to severe weather conditions, and houses in flood zones may require flood insurance.
Niche rates Southwestern Central as county's third-best school system
The community is served by Southwestern Central School District. Southwestern Elementary School covers primary grades and gets a B-minus rating from Niche. Students may then continue to Southwestern Middle School, and finish secondary education at Southwestern High School, each of which earns a B and a B-plus, respectively. Southwestern High has extracurricular activities like a ski club, as well as college-level courses that are offered in conjunction with SUNY College. Jamestown Business College is less than 5 miles away.
City parks and Chautauqua Lake offer year-round recreation
Bergman Park, one of the area’s largest recreational spaces, features walking trails, tennis courts and athletic fields for sports games and practices. A popular place for lakeside picnics and fishing, Lucille Ball Memorial Park also offers a boat launch and a playground. For peaceful strolls, the Jamestown River Walk winds along the Chadakoin River, connecting downtown Jamestown to nearby neighborhoods. Residents also enjoy direct access to Chautauqua Lake, which offers boating, kayaking, and fishing opportunities throughout the warmer months.
Shopping and dining spots around Jamestown and Lakewood
Located inside the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel, Lakehouse Tap & Grille serves elevated American cuisine alongside waterfront views. Since its opening in 1936, Johnny's Lunch has been a staple for classics like hotdogs and milkshakes. For everyday shopping, residents have access to Aldi, Wegmans and The Home Depot. The city also has both summer and winter farmers markets, featuring local vendors, artisans and food producers. Just a few miles west along Fairmount Avenue, locals can find T.J. Maxx, Walmart and Chautauqua Mall, which has over 20 retailers and eateries.
Events and celebrations in Jamestown
Jamestown has many events throughout the year. The annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival celebrates the iconic comedian with stand-up shows, live performances and block parties. Other festivities include the Whirlybird Music & Arts Festival, the Scandinavian Folk Festival and Third Thursday Concert Series. “The Chautauqua Institution complements its neighboring communities and offers many concerts and events,” Benedetto says. “They have all sorts of things like movies, theater and art programs.”
Distance to Erie and Buffalo
New York Route 394 passes through the community. The city of Jamestown and the hospital UPMC Chautauqua are directly east of the area. Erie, Pennsylvania, is about 45 miles west. Buffalo Niagara International Airport and downtown Buffalo are about 80 miles away via Interstate 90.
