Orangeville maintains a rural feel with maple and wind farms
Orangeville offers a rural lifestyle outside of Buffalo defined by open landscapes and agricultural roots. Home to about 1,300 residents, the town is dotted with working wind, dairy and produce farms, creating a strong sense of connection to the land. “Orangeville is very rural and not as developed, but it has potential,” says Alyssa Cutcliffe, a real estate agent with WNY Metro Roberts Realty who was born and raised in the county. “We get a lot of visitors during maple syrup season; it’s pretty big out here.” With no downtown core or stoplight, the area has a quiet, unhurried character. But roughly 40 miles east of Buffalo, the Wyoming County community appeals to those who want proximity to the city while enjoying that slower pace. “It’s one of those on-your-way-to-Buffalo kind of towns,” says Cutcliffe. “The primary traffic, especially on Sundays, is Bills traffic because they cut right through on Route 20A.” While nearby Warsaw provides convenient access to health care, dining and parks, the town itself offers outdoor pursuits like hunting, fishing and snowmobiling.
Orangeville is also home to a notable renewable energy project: Orangeville Wind and Storage. Built by Invenergy, this 94-megawatt wind farm supplies electricity to homes and businesses across New York. The project has earned national recognition, receiving the Energy Storage North America Innovation Award and the Energy Storage Association’s Outstanding Industry Achievement Award for its role in advancing clean energy solutions.
Farmstands to the west and eateries to the east keep locals fed
Local food and farm markets add to Orangeville’s rural charm. A popular stop for residents traveling to and from Buffalo, Glosser’s Farm operates seasonally and offers fresh fruits, flowers, maple syrup and ice cream. “Merle’s is another huge one in Attica, just west of Orangeville,” Cutcliffe adds. “They have a farm stand with maple candies and things like that. And Boxler’s just opened a large facility next door in Varysburg. They also do homemade ice cream that incorporates their maple syrup.” For a wider range of dining and shopping, many head east to Warsaw. Silverlake Family Restaurant serves classic breakfast and lunch fare, while Laurie’s Restaurant is known for its sandwiches and casual atmosphere. Grocery needs can be met at Lantz’s Bulk Foods or Walmart. Wyoming County Community Hospital, also in Warsaw, provides access to health care.
Farmhouses and log cabins define the housing landscape
The residential setup in Orangeville complements its rural character, as two-lane country roads lined with farm fields and wooded lots set the scene. Sidewalks are absent, reinforcing the town’s open, spread-out feel. Historic farmhouses dating back to the mid-1800s stand alongside modern interpretations of the farmhouse style, while secluded log cabins offer privacy on wooded acreage. More traditional options, such as ranch-style and split-level homes, are also common. For move-in ready properties, prices generally start around $255,000 and can reach up to about $900,000. Land is plentiful as well, ranging from small parcels of a few acres for about $35,000 to expansive tracts of hundreds of acres priced near $2 million.
Access to Buffalo, campground and safari provide entertainment
Recreation is shaped by Orangeville's rural setting and access to the outdoors, with the added benefit of being a 45-mile drive from Buffalo for those who appreciate city amenities and entertainment. Locally, Dream Lake Campground draws in seasonal visitors who rent cabins or hook up their RVs for a lakeside stay with family-friendly amusement and events. On the town's west side in Varysburg, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure provides a unique safari experience with both guided and self-drive tours, plus casual dining at the Trailside Grill. “Hidden Valley is a big draw,” Cutcliffe says. “You can get really close up to the animals, and when you ride through there, some come right up to the trolley.” Just 7 miles east, Warsaw Village Park features a playground, community pool, athletic facilities and dirt trails that lead to a waterfall. The park also hosts the annual Warsaw Carnival around the Fourth of July, adding a festive touch to the summer season.
Warsaw Central public schools unite six nearby towns
The Warsaw Central School District serves the towns of Orangeville, Warsaw, Wethersfield, Gainesville, Middlebury and Java. Students from the six towns are together from elementary through high school, creating a sense of community. Warsaw Elementary School is rated a C-plus by Niche, and Warsaw Middle/High School is rated a B-minus. In late April 2025, the combined middle and high school building sustained significant damage from a severe hailstorm, leaving thousands of holes in the roof. Classes were temporarily canceled, but emergency repairs, combined with summer break, allowed the school to open on schedule for the following academic year.
Route 20A links the car-dependent community to Buffalo
Getting around Orangeville requires a car, as there is no public bus or train service in the area. State Route 20A serves as the main thoroughfare, running east–west through town and connecting to larger highways, including Interstate 90 about 40 miles west and Interstate 390 roughly 30 miles east. The nearest major airport is Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
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Written By
Mary Beth Greene
