$139,553Average Value$100Average Price per Sq Ft48Homes For Sale
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
Joseph Sciandra,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Olean, NY sell after 72 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Olean, NY over the last 12 months is $150,000, up 26% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Check out what's new at 805 Main Street! Now that warmer weather is in full swing cleaning, painting, and improvements are in motion that might just make you want to take a 2nd look! Per the recent appraisal report, this home "needs nothing", but there are cosmetic details that the sellers know buyers will most likely want to address. For that reason, the price has been reduced, and the home is
Completely remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bath home conveniently located near the hospital and shopping in Olean! This move-in-ready property features a beautiful updated kitchen, consistent flooring throughout the entire home, and the convenience of first-floor laundry. Major improvements include a new roof, new windows, and updated electrical service, providing added peace of mind for years to come.
Welcome to this delightful 2-bedroom, 1 1/2-bathroom home located in the desirable West Olean neighborhood. Step inside to discover the beauty of hardwood floors that grace the entire home, exuding warmth and character. The main level features a cozy living area adorned with stunning stamped tin ceilings, adding a touch of vintage charm. Relax and unwind on the inviting front porch, perfect for
This Duplex is an Upper & Lower and practically identical! Both with 2 bedrooms, a small bonus room that could be used as an office and are very spacious! They have off-street parking & Separate Utilities. Roof was completely torn off and replaced 10 years ago. The foundation is solid. Part of a package deal w 4 duplexes, 2 single family and a vacant lot for parking. 2 Edwards Ct (R1635038), 1
This 0.73-acre parcel is located in a quiet residential area and features a mostly wooded landscape, offering natural privacy and a peaceful setting. A great opportunity for a variety of potential uses, this property provides a blank canvas for your ideas. Whether you're looking for land to hold, explore, or shape into something of your own, this lot offers flexibility and potential in a
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Welcome to this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home in West Olean, offering a classic layout with functional updates throughout. A covered front porch leads directly into the main living area, with stairs to the left and a spacious living room to the right. The first floor also features a formal dining room and an updated kitchen with a conveniently updated half bathroom. The kitchen
Very well maintained two family dwelling in convenient location. All utilities have been updated, nice kitchens and baths, large deep lot with garage. All the work has been done. Part of a package deal w 4 duplexes, 2 single family and a vacant lot for parking. 2 Edwards Ct (R1635038), 1 Edwards Ct (R1635036), 120 E Green St (R1632864), 118 E Green St (R1632863), and 116 E Green St (R1632862).
Sold as a package w 4 Duplex, 2 Single Family Homes & a Vacant lot out back for Parking. - MAKE US AN OFFER!!!! Being Sold as an investor "portfolio" price includes: a package deal with the following properties: 1 Edwards Ct (R1635036), 120 E Green St (R1632864), 118 E Green St (R1632863), 116 E Green St (R1632862), and 114 E Green St (R1632859).
Large well cared for duplex in town within walking distance to all amenities. Currently fully occupied. Separate meters for utilities. Seller pays for water/sewer. Upper and lower duplex. Part of a package deal w 4 duplexes, 2 single family and a vacant lot for parking. 2 Edwards Ct (R1635038), 1 Edwards Ct (R1635036), 118 E Green St (R1632863), 116 E Green St (R1632862), and 114 E Green St
This is a fantastic investment opportunity! This well-maintained duplex offers two units with great potential. The downstairs unit is a spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath, while the upper unit is a cozy 1-bedroom, 1-bath. Both units feature brand new stoves, refrigerators, and washer/dryer units for convenience. The property has seen numerous updates over the years, including renovated kitchens and
Seize this incredible opportunity to acquire a well-maintained, income-generating real estate portfolio in Olean, NY. This package includes five properties, consisting of a mix of multi-family units, totaling 11 rental units. With a strong rental history and consistent cash flow, this portfolio is perfect for both seasoned investors looking to expand their holdings and newcomers seeking a solid,
Welcome to this beautifully remodeled Cape Cod-style home, offering a perfect blend of classic charm and modern updates. The first floor features a convenient entrance through the attached carport into a spacious mudroom, leading to an inviting eat-in kitchen complete with a cozy dining nook. Entertain with ease in the formal dining room or relax in the large, sun-filled living room highlighted
Beautiful Brick side by side duplex. 3 Beds, 1 Bath. Hardwood floors large kitchen, living and dining rooms. Beautiful home. You won't be disappointed.
This impeccably maintained, upscale triplex is situated on a desirable corner lot and offers convenient off-street parking in a pleasant neighborhood. You will appreciate the easy access to shopping and dining, along with the generous space and comfort typically associated with a single-family home.Unit Details:Downstairs Apartment (Unit 1: $2250/m): Features central air conditioning, two
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