Poland Town offers country living in western New York
Located near the rolling Allegheny foothills, Poland Town is a peaceful, rural community in the eastern part of Chautauqua County. Surrounded by neighboring towns like Jamestown, Kennedy and Falconer, Poland Town offers residents convenient access to schools, local businesses and medical services while maintaining a quiet, countryside atmosphere. Residents also enjoy proximity to nature attractions like Chautauqua Lake and Allegany State Park, making it a popular choice for those who value tranquility and outdoor recreation. “This is a small town with a gas station and a post office,” says Bonnita Wallace, town clerk. “The rest of the town is just country living. We also have a pretty big Amish community here, and many of them have farms.” The area’s CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Single-family homes with rural character and large lots
Reflecting its agricultural heritage, Poland Town has stretches of open farmland and wooded terrain. Houses are spread apart, often set on expansive green lawns with deep backyards and private driveways. Properties typically sit on large lots ranging from half an acre to over 10 acres, providing ample room for privacy and recreation. While many residences were built during the 20th century, some date back as far as the 1850s, adding historical character to the community. The housing stock is a mix of Colonial Revivals, ranch-style homes, small cottages and classic farmhouses. Prices for single-family homes are usually between $100,000 and $350,000, and buildable lots can go from $15,000 to $45,000.
Waterways, state parks and forests offer year-round recreation
The town is near several parks and nature areas. Allegany State Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping and wildlife viewing. About 15 minutes away, Chautauqua Lake is a popular place for water sports and lakeside picnics. Along its shore lies the historic Chautauqua Institution, a cultural center that hosts lectures, concerts and art events. Closer to home, the myriad waterways in town provide fishing and boating opportunities. “We also have several small campgrounds and some snowmobiling trails in town,” Wallace says. “People go snowmobiling a lot in wintertime.”
Falconer Central schools serve majority of the community
Falconer Central School District serves the majority of the community. Primary education is covered by two schools: Paul B.D. Temple Elementary School and H.C. Fenner Elementary School, which get a C and a C-plus grade from Niche, respectively. Falconer Middle/High School earns a C-plus, offering sports programs for bowling, golf, soccer and wrestling. “A smaller portion of students are zoned for Randolph and Frewsburg schools,” Wallace says.
Shopping and dining options in Jamestown and Lakewood
Residents can go to downtown Jamestown for shopping and dining. La Cucina Della Nonna serves traditional Italian food with family recipes, while Labyrinth Press Company has vegetarian fare, a wine bar and live music. Grocery options include Kennedy Supermarket, Tops Friendly Markets, Farm Fresh Foods and Aldi. Jamestown and Lakewood also offer many big-box stores, including Walmart, T.J. Maxx and Home Depot.
Distance to larger cities like Dunkirk and Buffalo
Several highways pass through the area, including U.S. Route 62, New York state Route 394, and Interstate 86, which is also known as the Southern Tier Expressway. Jamestown and UPMC Chautauqua hospital are about 10 miles west of Poland Town. Dunkirk is about 30 miles north, and downtown Buffalo is approximately 65 miles away. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 70 miles northeast.
Community events hosted by local organizations
The annual Memorial Day Parade has games for children and a family picnic. Other community events include an egg hunt for Easter and a Halloween party. “Our fire department is volunteer based, and they do lots of festivities throughout the summer to fundraise,” Wallace says. “The local library also does lots of functions, and they offer help with homeschooling.”
