$141,461Average Value$100Average Price per Sq Ft43Homes 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
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GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Olean, NY sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Olean, NY over the last 12 months is $144,500, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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
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
Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home located in West Olean. Fully remodeled from top to bottom, this property offers modern finishes, functional space, and true move-in-ready convenience. The first floor features a spacious living room and an additional family room, providing ample space for both relaxation and entertaining. The bright eat-in kitchen has been completely
Welcome to this beautifully renovated and spacious 2,500 sq ft home offering flexibility, style, and income or multi-generational living potential! The main residence features 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, with a smart layout that includes one bedroom and full bath on the first floor and two additional bedrooms upstairs. Step inside through the covered front porch/mudroom into a bright and
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath ranch located in the Town of Olean, offering the perfect blend of convenience and privacy on 1.89 acres. Tucked away in a quiet, natural setting yet just minutes from downtown, this property provides a peaceful country feel while remaining close to shopping, dining, and everyday amenities. Inside, the home features approximately 1,064 square feet of
This 42.5 acre property consists of hunting and recreational land with a building site for your new home or cabin located in Olean NY, Cattaraugus County. The land is mostly wooded with a mixture of both hardwoods and pine trees. There is an open, level clearing approximately 500 feet from the road that could be a great location to build your home, cabin or even park a couple of campers. The open
Rare find just outside of Seneca Heights in Olean — priced to sell and won’t last. Fully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sitting on 11 acres with endless potential. Massive Walk-in Closet! This is turnkey living with all the work already done! Just move in and enjoy. The land is what sets this property apart. Ideal for hunting, off-road trails, or creating your own private retreat. Features
Welcome to this charming and well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home, beautifully remodeled between 2019–2021 while preserving its timeless character. The updated kitchen features rich cherry cabinets with soft-close drawers and stunning quartz countertops, which seamlessly carry through to the bathroom vanities for a clean, cohesive look. Inside, you’ll find gorgeous hardwood floors, abundant
This charming South Olean home offers 2–3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, providing flexible living space to suit your needs. The first floor features a convenient laundry area, along with a spacious family room complete with a cozy wood-burning fireplace. Enjoy gatherings in the formal dining room and the bright double living room, offering plenty of space for relaxation or entertaining. Outside, a
This well-maintained two-story home offers three bedrooms and one and a half bathrooms, making it a great option for both homeowners and investors alike. Enjoy relaxing evenings on the open front porch or unwind in the privacy of the backyard. With its solid condition and inviting layout, this property is ready to be your next home or a smart addition to your investment portfolio.
This stunning property is a rare gem. An enchanted retreat with 42 acres of old hardwood forest untouched for many decades. The property has a four bio-diverse and formally stocked ponds with a well-built seasonal cabin overlooking the largest pond. The largest pond is large enough for exploring with a small paddle boat. Other features include an established trail system, electrical service, and
Spacious and full of character, this 5-bedroom, 2-bath Colonial offers the perfect blend of classic charm and comfortable living. The inviting interior is filled with natural light throughout, highlighting generous living spaces ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy the warmth and ambiance of not one, but two wood-burning fireplaces—located in the living room and family
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: $2500/m): Features central air conditioning, two
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.
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