Salamanca offers small-town living in the Allegheny Highlands
Salamanca is a mountain town tucked away along the Allegheny River in western New York. Set amid the rolling foothills of the Allegheny Highlands, its residents enjoy small-town living, plenty of outdoor recreation and enough shopping and dining to save a trip to Olean. The city is within the Allegany Indian Reservation, which is part of the Seneca Nation of New York, adding a unique layer to its local identity. “It’s the only city in the country that’s fully on a Native American reservation,” says Realtor Tonya Studley of VP Real Estate, who grew up in Salamanca and now lives in neighboring Randolph.
The city's origins date back to the early 20th century, when it was a bustling rail hub and timber boomtown. Those companies have largely moved on, but several large manufacturing plants are still in business and provide employment for many residents. There’s also a casino in the town owned by the Seneca Nation that brings in thousands of visitors every year. “It’s a big draw for the town,” Studley says.
Older homes with large lots and early 20th-century charm
Salamanca offers older homes dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The architecture is reflective of that era, with spacious American Foursquares, Craftsman homes, bungalows and traditional homes. Most are situated on large lots with sprawling backyards, large driveways, sheds and one- and two-car garages. Some homes have been well-maintained by their owners, while others have fallen into disrepair and need major renovations. Prices range from around $100,000 to $200,000, although some fixer-uppers have sold for far less. The catch is that non-Native Americans can only purchase homes, but can’t purchase land. “It’s unique in that non-natives can buy a home here, but you’re technically leasing the land it sits on. There’s also a small tax for buying a home on reservation land,” Studley says.
Local parks and river access support an active lifestyle
Salamanca has plenty of parks and outdoor recreation, including Allegheny State Park, which sits just south of town. The park covers more than 64,000 acres and features numerous hiking trails that wind through its hills and forests. It’s also home to two historic dance halls that held concerts and live music throughout the 20th century. “Salamanca is known as a gateway town for Allegheny State Park,” Studley says. Within the town, residents can also take advantage of several local parks, many of which are within walking or biking distance of residential streets. James J. Crowley Community Park is among the largest, with baseball diamonds and a playground just a few hundred yards from the banks of the Allegheny River. Locals can launch their canoes and kayaks from the Peninsula on Lake Allegany.
Prospect Elementary and Salamanca High both earn B-minus grades
Students start their education at Prospect Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through third grade. Niche gives the school a B-minus grade. The next step is C-plus-rated Seneca Intermediate School, which serves grades 4 through 7, followed by Salamanca High School, which gets a B-minus. The high school has a 91% graduation rate, slightly higher than the statewide average. Just under half of all graduates move on to a two- or four-year college. “Salamanca is known for having good schools, and they recently renovated the high school very nicely,” Studley says.
Bowling, gaming, restaurants and antique shopping
The town’s Main Street has a handful of shops and restaurants, many of which are housed in historic brick storefronts dating back to the town’s earliest years. Abuela’s Café offers Puerto Rican staples like empanadas and fried plantains, while New Great Wall is the go-to for Chinese takeout. There’s also a hardware store, a bank, a jewelry store and an antique shop. For upscale dining, residents might consider Myers Hotel & Steakhouse, a long-running eatery serving hearty American fare in a wood-paneled dining room. Central Lanes is the town’s bowling alley, and the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino offers a wide range of slot machines, card games and entertainment.
No public transit means driving is a must in Salamanca
Salamanca residents will need a car to get around, as public transportation is not available in the area. Interstate 86 skirts the southern edge of town, offering a direct route to larger towns like Jamestown and Olean. Olean General Hospital, the nearest medical center, is about 20 miles east. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the nearest major airport, about 64 miles away.
