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
Melanie Pritchard,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Olean, NY sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Olean, NY over the last 12 months is $149,900, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to this beautifully maintained ranch, where pride of ownership is evident in every detail. From the moment you step onto the inviting front porch, you'll feel the warmth and character this home has to offer. Step inside to gleaming hardwood floors flowing through the main living areas, paired with durable, easy-care ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathroom. A versatile addition was
Opportunity awaits with this 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch home located in a desirable Olean neighborhood near the prestigious Bartlett Country Club. Offering the convenience of one-floor living, this home features a spacious primary suite with a private en suite bathroom, first-floor laundry, a full basement with endless storage or finishing potential, and an attached one-car garage. Step outside to
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath ranch home offering spacious living, thoughtful updates, and exceptional indoor-outdoor entertaining. The inviting covered front porch welcomes you into a bright, open floor plan featuring a formal dining room and a stunning vaulted-ceiling living room with a cozy gas fireplace. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the living area, creating
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
Excellent investment opportunity or perfect for owner-occupancy! This well-maintained 2,388 sq ft two-unit property is ideally located near downtown Olean, offering easy access to shopping, dining, schools, parks, and other local amenities. Each unit features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, spacious living and dining areas, and separate utilities for tenant convenience. On-street parking is
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 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
Seller will consider offers between $14,900 and $24,900 Opportunity awaits at 1206 Spruce St, a versatile duplex located in the peaceful north end of Olean. Whether you’re an investor seeking a value-add rental property or a buyer looking to “house hack” by living in one unit and renting the other, this property is a fantastic find. Offering a blank canvas, this duplex is ready for your personal
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
Your new chapter begins here.... this .36-acre lot is tucked away on a quiet dead-end street, Backing directly to the former Walsh High School grounds. It offers a peaceful setting with the convenience of nearby amenities. The detached 2-car garage features an automatic door opener, and an attached storage shed provides the perfect space for lawn and gardening equipment. Enjoy relaxing mornings
JUST REDUCED!!! ACT NOW!!! High-visibility commercial building on Route 417 in the Village of Allegany. This block-and-brick property offers excellent potential for a wide range of businesses with C2 Highway Commercial zoning. The building features a large open shop area with concrete floors, high ceilings, and an overhead bay entry for easy access. At the front, a dedicated office/showroom with
Are you looking for a beautiful scenic and rural property? This 34 acre lot is priced to sell. This could be usedto build your dream home, used as a camp, or even for recreation. Majority of the lot is wooded. S
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.
Clean, well maintained, spacious apartment in Oak Hill Historic District of Olean, NY. Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eat-in kitchen with gas range and electric refrigerator. Living room with coat closet; bedroom with large walk-in closet, bath with tub shower; office/study; large walk-in closet in hall between bathroom and office; Window air conditioners in
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