North Harmony is a rural town that unfurls along the banks of Chautauqua Lake. Most residents are clustered along the lake in small hamlets like Ashville, Stow and Long View. Farther inland, rural country roads pass by swaths of farmland and wooded nature preserves. "The lake is the largest draw for this entire area," says Heather Chase, a real estate salesperson with ERA Real Estate, who grew up in the area and has nearly ten years of experience in the industry. "But it's also much more affordable than surrounding towns, and you're super close to Bemus Point and Lakewood." In Stow, a short ferry ride leads to Bemus Point's quaint village streets and restaurants. Five miles away from Stow, Ashville borders the village of Lakewood, Chautauqua County's main commercial corridor with national retailers. Less than 10 miles away, the Chautauqua Institution attracts intellectuals, creatives and life-long learners for nine consecutive weeks of programming throughout the summer.
North Harmony is located in Chautauqua County, New York.
North Harmony gets the best of both worlds with a landscape sporting a lake and lots of forestry.
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Custom-built lakefront homes
Each lakefront home is unique, with styles including Cape Cods, Dutch Colonials, Colonial Revivals, English-inspired cottages and ranch-style homes. Smaller properties can range from the $200,000s to the mid $400,000s depending on interior updates, square footage and location. Some lakefront homes with private docks can range from the $800,000s to the mid-$900,000s. Farther inland, modest properties can start in the $100,000s. Other rural roads give way to custom-built modern log cabins on acres of land, with prices ranging from over $1 million to $1.6 million. North Harmony earns a CAP Index crime score of 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Different-sized homes line the western shore of Chautauqua Lake in North Harmony.
You'll find most, if not all, North Harmony lakefront homes have a driveway, garage, and ample space from neighbors.
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Hunting, hiking and horseback riding
North Harmony residents are surrounded by outdoor recreation, whether boating along Chautauqua Lake, skiing down the slopes at Peek'n Peak Resort or hunting through densely wooded forests. Veterans Park sits in the heart of Ashville, where benches and memorials with names of war heroes are displayed. About 1 mile away, Edward F. Loomis Jr. Park features soccer fields, tennis courts and a basketball court. Up the road, Ashville Bay Marina caters to boat owners. Farther north, Butts Park, or North Harmony's Town Park, features open fields and a covered pavilion for family gatherings.
Numerous nature preserves, such as Dobbins Woods, give way to miles of wooded hiking trails around town. The Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy also hosts events throughout the year, such as Wine on the Trail, where residents can sip wine on an evening walk through the nearby David & Margaret Naetzker Preserve.
Approximately 9 miles west of Ashville, North Harmony State Forest spans 2,561 acres and is a popular hiking, horseback riding and hunting destination. In the winter, it's common to see a cross-country skier or snowmobile zooming by. Anglers can spend the afternoon at Wiltsie Marsh. Whalen Memorial State Forest borders North Harmony State Forest to the north and offers an additional 1,325 acres for outdoor recreation. Residents are also close to Panama Rocks Scenic Park, where towering rock formations, caves and tunnels make for a unique hike.
In the warmer months, North Harmony locals like to spend time outside at Edward F Loomis Park.
North Harmony State Forest offers abundant trails and other ways to enjoy nature.
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Amenities in Stow and Ashville
North Harmony's largest hamlets, Stow and Ashville, are home to multiple small businesses. In Stow, Hogan's Hut General Store is a go-to spot for canned goods and snacks, but is best known for its deli offerings. "They make great subs and breakfast sandwiches," Chase says. "If you're headed out for a day on the water, you can grab a sandwich, and on the other side of the store, you can get all your fishing gear." Next door, locals can grab a sweet treat at the Stow Scoop & Swirl Station. A short ferry ride across the lake leads to Bemus Point, where more restaurants await.
Five miles from Stow, Ashville residents can head to Southern Tier Brewing Company for homebrewed craft beers. "They are huge," says Jerod Zahn, a real estate salesperson with ERA Real Estate, who has lived in the region for over 50 years. "They distribute across the nation, make their own liquor and host all sorts of different festivals." Southern Tier's sister restaurant, The Empty Pint, offers simple yet hearty dishes like pulled pork sandwiches and classic Reubens.
Ashville General Store offers a little bit of everything, including homemade meals. Shelves showcase local products like honey and candles, along with convenience store items like soda and snacks. Dine-in patrons can sit at one of the wooden tables situated amongst the merchandise. About 3 miles from Ashville, Lakewood is the region's leading commercial corridor. A movie theater, mall, restaurants and big-box stores such as Save A Lot and Walmart Superstore line New York State Route 394. Residents can also head to one of the many nearby local farms for fresh produce and meat.
Stop by Southern Tier Brewing for the best vibes and beer near North Harmony.
From breakfast and beer to fishing goods and local food products, Hogan's Hut has you covered.
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Departmentalized classes
The Chautauqua Lake Central School District serves the community and earns a B-plus rating from Niche. Niche also ranks the district as the second-best school district in Chautauqua County. Pre-kindergarteners through sixth graders may attend the B-plus-rated Chautauqua Lake Elementary School. Due to its small student population, grades three through six are departmentalized, which means teachers specialize in one subject. Seventh through twelfth graders may attend Chautauqua Lake Secondary School, which scores a B.
The tiny hamlet of Ashville is also home to the Hewes Educational Center. The center is among many within the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, or Board of Cooperative Educational Services. Its campus offers career and technical programs, adult education and special education services to surrounding school districts that are too small to provide them on their own. Apart from educational centers, the campus features a playground, basketball court and the Chautauqua Safety Village, where kids can learn the rules of the road at a young age.
Students are eager to learn as soon as they enter Chautauqua Lake Secondary School.
Children make connections that will last a lifetime at Chautauqua Lake Elementary School.
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Scenic drives on Route 394
Due to its rural nature, North Harmony is a car-dependent community. New York State Route 394, or West Lake Road, is the main road in town, connecting residents to neighboring hamlets, villages and towns. Panama-Stedman Road runs north-to-south on the west side of town, while Interstate 86 runs east-to-west on the north side of town. UPMC Chautauqua is the nearest hospital, about 14 miles away in Jamestown. Erie International Airport is about 50 miles away via Interstate 86.
Written By
Lillie Duston
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Video By
Chris Norton
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Susan MuscarellaProperty Sisters of Chautauqua, Inc.
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