A small city that hosts two famous institutions but flies under the national radar
Olean, New York, is home to just under 14,000 residents. It sits on the banks of the Alleghany River and is the largest city in Western New York’s Southern Tier region. “We’re not a county seat, but we do serve many bedroom communities,” says Realtor Patricia Collier with RE/MAX On Point, who has lived in Olean for 12 years. “We host a prestigious university, St. Bonaventure, and we’re the home of Cutco, the kitchen knife brand. We have a vibrant chamber of commerce that has invested a lot of money into Main Street.” Despite all this, and its thriving business districts and entertainment scenes, Olean tends to be an unfamiliar name on the national stage. “Nobody pronounces it right,” she laughs. “But that’s because it feels very much like a small town. When I moved here from Maine, I researched extensively, and it became home. Today, I never know who to thank when I get up in the morning and my driveway has been shoveled. It could have been any one of my neighbors.”
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Historic homes on well-organized streets
Homes in Olean sit on well-ordered gridlock streets, crisscrossed by sidewalks and shaded by tall leafy trees. “There are a lot of historic homes in town,” Collier says. “Some new builds have gone up, but mostly what you’ll find is older stock.” The median price in the city is around $115,000, and nearly every home is within walking distance of the Alleghany River. Like most of Western New York, snow is a regular occurrence, but residents see less than might be expected. “Because we’re sort of nestled in the valley, we tend not to see as much snow as nearby towns with higher elevation,” Collier says.
Homes like this Victorian can be found mostly in the west part of Olean while more modern builds are typical for the northeast.
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Public schools, private options and St. Bonaventure University
Students are zoned to attend the Olean City School District, which scores an overall C from Niche. Private options include Southern Tier Catholic School, which earns an A. On the national stage, the city is known for its proximity to St. Bonaventure University. “It really draws a lot of people to the area,” Collier says. “You can hardly go anywhere without seeing someone in a Bonnie sweatshirt.” On U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Regional University Values in the North, St. Bonaventure placed 6th.
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North Union Street is the de facto Main Street of Olean
Grocery stores and big-box retailers are scattered throughout the city, accessible via West State Street and North Union Street, the two major thoroughfares. Most of Olean’s restaurants sit on either side of Union Street, from casual eateries to locally owned draws. “We’re really well-known for Beef 'N' Barrel,” Collier says. “There’s plenty of shopping on Main Street, and a lot of investment went in to putting in roundabouts all along it, which made it very walkable.”
Beef-N-Barrel is a family owned steakhouse in Olean that has been open for over 40 years.
North Union Street is the de facto main street of Olean with many shops and restaurants.
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Green spaces along the Alleghany River
Proximity to the river informs most of Olean’s outdoor recreation. “The Alleghany River has a paved trail that loops around the St. Bonaventure campus,” Collier says. “There’s a bunch of parks along it, too, with gazebos for picnics and even a dog park.” Baseball diamonds at Forness Park and Franchot Park draw crowds for pickup games, and boating or fishing the river is a common pastime.
Franchot Park in Olean has a baseball diamond, a playground and a splashpad.
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Crime statistics
Crime data for Olean is not readily available.
Two major thoroughfares connect Olean to Buffalo
While most of Olean is walkable, residents will likely rely on cars to get to other parts of the state. North Union Street is the main north-south thoroughfare, connecting the community to Interstate 86 and Buffalo.
March Madness and the Ellicottville ski resort
Outside of March Madness, when support for qualifying St. Bonaventure teams grips the town, Olean’s events are driven by local churches and the community. “St. Mary of the Angels is a church that gained basilica status,” Collier says. “They have a huge festival for four days every year that always draws a crowd.” The local farmer’s market takes place every Saturday when in season and the nearby Ellicottville ski resort hosts Oktoberfest celebrations and other festivals throughout the year.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Stefan Ludwig
Video By
EB Fox
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Olean, NY sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Olean, NY over the last 12 months is $140,000, up 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming 1985-built home, meticulously maintained by its original owner, offering a perfect blend of practical space and modern updates. Most of the house was thoughtfully remodeled just 7 years ago, ensuring it provides comfort and style. Step outside, and you'll be blown away by the spectacular pool/patio area—an entertainer’s dream! While the above-ground pool offers all the
Welcome to this beautifully crafted new-construction ranch in the Town of Olean, completed in 2024 and thoughtfully designed for comfort, convenience, and modern style. Step inside to an open-concept floor plan with luxury plank vinyl flooring throughout, creating a seamless, elegant look from room to room. The heart of the home features a bright, airy living space that flows seamlessly into the
Just outside of town but tucked away at the end of a quiet road, this 2+/- acre building lot in Olean offers a rare combination: corner-lot access, valley views, and the kind of privacy that’s hard to find this close to town.The land sits slightly elevated from the road, mostly level, with a gentle rise that opens up long views across the valley as you drive toward Olean. You’ll feel like
This inviting 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfort, convenience, and plenty of room to spread out. The first floor features a bright living room, an updated kitchen, a cozy family room, a formal dining room, a first-floor bedroom, convenient laundry area, and an enclosed porch perfect for year-round enjoyment. Brand-new carpeting has been installed on the main level, adding a fresh touch
Welcome to 829 S Union St, a charming 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home conveniently located in the heart of Olean. The inviting covered front porch offers a perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee or relax after a long day. Inside, the first floor features a cozy family room, a bright living room, and an eat-in kitchen with plenty of space for gatherings. A full bathroom is also located on the main
Welcome to this charming 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home located in the desirable Seneca Heights neighborhood. With 1,952 square feet of living space, this home offers a perfect blend of character, comfort, and modern updates. The first floor features newly refinished hardwood floors and a spacious living room complete with a gas fireplace, built-in shelving, and a sliding glass door that opens to the
Spacious and versatile, this well-maintained two-family home in Olean offers over 3,576 sq. ft. of living space, not including the fully finished attic. The first-floor apartment features three bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, a large living room, formal dining room, kitchen, enclosed front porch, a welcoming front entry room, and a convenient in-unit laundry room. The second-floor apartment
Beautifully renovated upper/lower duplex located in a prime Olean neighborhood, offering an excellent investment opportunity or ideal owner-occupied setup. This spacious property features a total of 2,570 square feet, with each unit offering 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath. Numerous updates have been completed, including new windows, vinyl siding, updated kitchens and bathrooms, new flooring, fresh
TWO FOR ONE!!! This rare find offers two homes on over an acre in a peaceful setting within a sought-after school district, making it ideal for multi-generational living or investment. The property includes a newer-construction three-bedroom, two-bathroom doublewide featuring central A/C, an eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, multiple upgrades throughout, and a relaxing deck overlooking the
This cape cod-style home includes a garage and is located in Portville NY, Cattaraugus County. This conveniently located 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home offers a spacious and functional layout. The main level features a living room, kitchen, and a versatile dining or office space. The master bedroom and full bathroom are also located on the first floor providing convenient one-level living.
A rare opportunity in the Portville School District—privacy, acreage, luxury finishes, and unforgettable views all in one property.Welcome to 1414 Witherell Heights, a truly one-of-a-kind home perfectly situated between Olean and Portville, offering the ideal blend of convenience and seclusion.Inside, the main floor delivers exceptional comfort and function. The spacious living room
Discover the potential in this charming 2-bedroom, 2-full-bath home featuring beautiful hardwood floors and granite countertops that bring warmth and modern appeal to the open floor plan. The layout offers a bright living area that flows smoothly into the kitchen and dining spaces, creating an easy, comfortable feel throughout. One of the property's standout features is the amazing two-car
This well-maintained two-family property offers a great opportunity for owner-occupants or investors alike. Recent updates include a brand-new roof and fresh interior and exterior paint, making this property truly move-in ready. One unit features 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, while the second unit offers 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath, providing flexible living or rental options. Both units are fully
This property at 121 N 8th St features 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom within a total of 992 square feet. The living room provides ample space for relaxation and entertainment. The bathroom is equipped with standard fixtures and offers functional amenities. Each bedroom is designed for comfort, suitable for various living arrangements. Additional amenities include a washer/dryer hookup for convenience,
This is a 1 bedroom 1 bedroom fully furnished rustic home. Small balcony off the upper bedroom and little back lawn, This has its own private driveway.
This property located at 115 N 17th St offers a spacious 1,600 square feet of shared living space. The available bedroom is furnished with a queen-sized bed and dresser (optional) as well as ample closet space. The private bathroom has a tub/shower combination for convenience. Key amenities include a security system and high-speed internet access. Additional features comprise in-unit
For rent is a single private ROOM -- not the whole house. This property located at 3021 W State St features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms within a total of 1,550 square feet. The living room offers ample space for relaxation, while the dining room provides an area for meals. The kitchen is equipped with essential appliances including a refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher, along with
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