Machias has a steady year-round population, plus seasonal visitors
Machias caters to two distinct populations: seasonal vacationers and a steady group of year-rounders. The population of about 500 increases in summer, when New Yorkers from big cities like Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse come to quiet Cattaraugus County. The county and overall region are full of lakes, ski resorts and space for homebuyers to get more land than they might in the city. “Machias has a small lake called Lime Lake, and a lot of people buy second homes for the summer,” says broker David Blanchard with Keller Williams Realty-Lancaster, who has 37 years of experience in the area. “It’s not a huge lake, but it’s great for people who want to do their own boating, fishing and jet skiing.” Compared to other towns like Ellicottville and Springfield, Machias is smaller, quieter and more affordable for seasonal and year-round residents. "There are a few shops and a gas station. It’s nothing big,” Blanchard says. “If you look at the whole area, it’s fairly reasonably priced for people.” Machias receives a Cap Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Access to Lime Lake and Machias' community park and library
Homes with private docks encircle Lime Lake, and there’s also a public boat launch off Potter Avenue. The lake is popular for walleye, panfish and largemouth bass, even in winter, when the lake freezes over and locals turn to ice fishing. Gary Herman Memorial Park includes a playground, basketball court and baseball diamond. In the summer, the outdoor pool is open. King Memorial Library is across the street and hosts art classes and story time readings.
Seasonal lakefront vacation homes and full-time residents around town
Machias’ narrow country roads branch off into dirt driveways, where Nationals, ranch-style homes and manufactured homes sit on hilly lots measuring 1 to 7 acres. Trees in front yards and along roads add an extra bit of privacy. These homes typically range from $80,000 to $160,000. Along the lake, cabins with private docks cost between $200,000 and $460,000. “Some of the local people live right on the lake, but most of the Lime Lake people are the second-home buyers,” Blanchard says.
Soft serve ice cream by the lake and American restaurants in town
Lime Lake Snack Bar is open in the summer, serving soft and hard serve ice cream to Machias locals and tourists. Sahr’s is family owned and operated, serving all-day breakfast, burgers, subs and sandwiches. Lil’s Deli is part-restaurant and part-grocery store. The menu features sandwiches, pizza and wings, while the grocery side has packaged goods. Machias also has a Dollar General for additional grocery and convenience trips. Franklinville Food Market is about 7 miles away, while Springville has a Walmart Supercenter and Aldi, about 15 miles from Machias.
Two school districts serve Machias's students
Most of Machias falls into the Pioneer Central Schools district. Students start at Delevan Elementary School for kindergarten through fourth grade. It receives a B-minus rating from Niche. Pioneer Middle School and Pioneer High School both receive a B. The high school flag football team brought home the state championship trophy in 2025. Portions of Machias’s southern side head to Franklinville Central School District, which receives an overall C-plus rating. The district live streams its sports games, so families can catch away games.
Taking New York Route 16 to bigger towns and cities from Machias
New York Route 16 runs through Machias, linking it with bigger cities in western New York. Olean is about 27 miles south, and Buffalo is about 50 miles north. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 50 miles away as well. Springfield is closer, about 14 miles away, with amenities like grocery stores and Bertrand Chaffee Hospital.
![Caroline Ernst]()
Written By
Caroline Ernst
