$362,186Average Value$276Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
A close-knit community on the lake
Findley Lake is the town of Mina's most prominent landmark and populated hamlet. The area’s namesake man-made body of water dates back to 1815 when Alexander Findley built a dam to power his saw and gristmill, transforming two small ponds into one lake. Today, much of the town’s activity revolves around the lake. As the gateway to New York State from Interstate 86, Mina attracts homebuyers and tourists from surrounding states looking for a tranquil retreat. "It's the best-kept secret in Chautauqua County," says Mary Ford, associate broker with ERA Team VP Real Estate who has 16 years of experience in the industry. "It's a beautiful one-horse town, but there's also a real sense of community. We have the cutest library that consists of two rooms in an old schoolhouse, but every time you walk in, people are chatting, holding babies and exclaiming how they haven't seen each other since last week."
Mina's rural roads give way to patches of woodlands and family-owned farms passed down through generations, while Findley Lake's tiny Main Street and year-round recreation welcomes both seasonal and permanent residents. "We have a lot of people from Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Buffalo," Ford says. "It used to be a purely summer destination, but with remote work, more people come up every weekend throughout the year."
Like many communities around the country, Findley Lake's population is aging out. "Findley Lake was designated as a NORC, a naturally occurring retirement community, by the state," Ford says. Thus, the hamlet is eligible for grants that help fund programs like Community Connections at Findley Lake. Community Connections provides services to the elderly, such as health advocacy, companion and home assistance, legal services and help with shopping and transportation. "There are many people much older than me, but there are also many younger than me," Ford says. "So, not everyone is a retiree."
A handful of quaint shops sit along Main St in Mina.
In 1815, Alexander Findley of Mina built a dam to power his mill, which created Fidley Lake.
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Findley Lake and Peek'n Peak
Findley Lake spans nearly 300 acres and offers a range of recreational opportunities. Tucked along the northern lakeshores, the hamlet of Findley Lake features an accessible fishing platform, attracting anglers looking to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass. A public boat launch sits adjacent to the platform for hand-launching only. Trailered boats can utilize a second boat ramp that's owned and operated by the Findley Lake Association and is only open to the public on weekdays, and private docks are scattered around the lake. Other popular activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, waterskiing and swimming.
Findley Lake Marine offers paddleboard and kayak rentals down the street, while Findley Lake Hardware and Sporting Goods sells and repairs cross-country skis, snowboards and mountain bikes. Equipment rentals are also available to explore surrounding wooded nature preserves and state forests. The hamlet is home to School Street Park, the town's only public green space. Amenities here include a playground, a pickleball court and a full-sized basketball court.
About 5 miles away, Peek'n Peak Resort offers year-round recreation. Visitors can explore the 26 trails that wind along hilly terrain, relax at the spa or dine at one of the many restaurants. An 18-hole golf course, ropes course, outdoor pool, and bar make it a sought-after summer retreat.
Seasonal campgrounds are scattered around town. Paradise Bay Park Family Campground hugs the southern shores of Findley Lake, while Brushwood Folklore Center hosts special events like the Sirius Rising Festival. This week-long festival emphasizes spirituality and creativity and includes live music, bonfires, sweat lodges, drum circles and more.
Potential buyers need to be aware that Findley Lake is subject to periodic extreme winter weather conditions. The region experiences heavy snowfalls due to the lake effect from Lake Erie.
A colorful mural of Findley Lake sits on the side of Twin Docks Gourmet Food and Deli in Mina.
Skiiers and snowboarders of Mina can explore the 26 trails at Peek'n Peak.
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Lakefront and rural properties
Most properties surround the perimeter of Findley Lake. Winding roads feature an eclectic mix of lakefront properties with private docks. Styles include small bungalows, split-levels, Cape Cods, and colonial- and Tudor-style homes. Prices for these properties can range from the mid $200,000s to the mid $600,000s, depending on interior and lakefront square footage, while a couple of outliers can sell into the $800,000s. Several custom-built log cabins with acreage near the lake can range from the $900,000s to nearly $2 million. The rest of town consists of rural roads that pass by family-owned farms and a handful of manufactured, colonial- and ranch-style homes priced from the mid $100,000s to the $300,000s. Mina's CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score, compared to the national average of 4.
Newer homes sit alongside cottages that have been handed down to Mina families for generations.
Larger homes on Findley Lake can sell upwards of a million dollars in the Mina neighborhood.
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Findley Lake's town center
Findley Lake's small hamlet is home to a quaint Main Street that winds along the north side of the lake. Alexander's on the Lake is a community staple that serves Italian American fare, including pizza, burgers and sandwiches like the Big Bad Wolf, a Reuben stacked high with double the meat. "In the summer, they host live music on Tuesday evenings," Ford says. "And the other night, they hosted a Celebrity Chef night fundraiser for the fire department." Two miles east, Pine Junction’s wood-paneled walls and interior decor resemble a ski lodge, offering a cozy environment for a hearty meal and brew.
Local establishments include an antique store, a wine shop, a hardware and sporting goods shop and Our Own Candle Company. Across the street, Twin Docks Gourmet Food and Deli sells a mix of jams, salsas, soup mixes and other specialty goods. "Findley used to be a bustling community with multiple grocery stores," Ford says. "Now we have a little market and a Dollar General. Residents were originally upset about the Dollar General, but now we're thankful for it." Larger grocers and big-box stores are about a 22-mile drive away in Erie, Pennsylvania, or about 25 miles east in Lakewood. Corry, Pennsylvania and North East, Pennsylvania, are less than 20 miles away and are home to Sander's Market. "We may seem far, but I can get to shops quicker than my daughter in Cleveland who lives about 5 miles from amenities," Ford says. "It's more mileage but less traffic."
Grab some chips with your sub at Twin Docks Gourmet Food and Deli in Mina.
Fill your Mina home with the sents from Our Own Candle Company in Mina.
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Events on Main Street
Findley Lake also serves as the gathering place for town-wide festivities. The hamlet annually holds a Fall and Spring Craft Fair at the local Fire Hall. On Labor Day weekend, the Harvest Festival attracts hundreds of visitors looking to enjoy a variety of food and craft vendors. Christmas through the Village may be the most popular event with wagon rides, photo ops and visits from Santa. Residents can also celebrate the Fourth of July with a village-wide barbecue, boat parade, fireworks displays and a rubber duck race.
One town with two districts
Two school districts serve the Town of Mina: Clymer Central School District and Sherman Central School District. Clymer Central School serves pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade students and earns a B-minus rating from Niche. Sherman Central School District earns a B-minus and consists of two schools that share a campus. Sherman Elementary scores a B and was named the third-best public elementary school in the county by Niche. Seventh through twelfth graders may attend Sherman High School, which earns a C-plus.
Students of Mina focus on their studies at Clymer Central School.
Mina students finish up their academic education at Sherman High School.
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Commutes on Interstate 86
Like much of rural Chautauqua County, public bus service is only available by request and residents must call the Chautauqua Area Regional Transit office to arrange stops in advance. Buses stop at Findley Lake's small grocer, but no visible bus sign exists. Rural roads like New York State Route 426 and 430 run through town, while Interstate 87 leads about 27 miles east to Jamestown and 22 miles west to Erie, Pennsylvania. Erie International Airport is about 10 miles farther. Westfield Hospital and Corry Memorial Hospital are approximately 17 miles away in opposite directions.
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
Timothy Domanski,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
School Street Park
Transit
Airport
Erie International/Tom Ridge Field
43 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Mina
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
1
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Mina, NY sell after 83 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Mina, NY over the last 12 months is $369,726, down 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Custom designed and built home located on Findley Lake with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Professional upscale architectural features throughout the house. Beam ceiling over the kitchen and pool table area. Extaordinary antique doors throughout the interior. Beautiful wood floors and cabinetry throughout. Stunning custom built stone fireplace. Custom molding, woodwork, and staircase. Brick walkway
Peter HowardHOWARD & ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS AUCTIONEERS
Custom designed and built home located on Findley Lake with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Professional upscale architectural features throughout the house. Beam ceiling over the kitchen and pool table area. Extaordinary antique doors throughout the interior. Beautiful wood floors and cabinetry throughout. Stunning custom built stone fireplace. Custom molding, woodwork, and staircase. Brick walkway
One story lakefront home with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Off the main road in a secluded setting. Fully winterized. 12 x 18 Lakeside wooden deck. Boat dock. 6 x 6 pressure treated retaining wall. Kayak storage rack. Storage room connected to the home. Landscaping stone walls. 2 sunlight roofs. Knotty pine ceiling and walls. Hardwood floors in kitchen and bath.
Peter HowardHOWARD & ASSOCIATES REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS AUCTIONEERS
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Timothy Domanski,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
869
Median Age
48
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$49,530
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,905
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
84.1%
College Graduates
11.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.9%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.1%
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®
6/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0/ 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.
