Quaker roots and agriculture still shape South Valley today
Along the Allegheny River, South Valley is a rural, Cattaraugus County town offering homebuyers more space for a lower price compared to the rest of the state. “It’s affordable living, and you’re central to a lot of bigger cities like Buffalo,” says Ciji VanDyke, a licensed real estate salesperson/owner of RE/MAX On Point, who’s been selling homes since 2009. Quakers settled South Valley in 1798, setting up an agricultural industry that still supports the town today. The county is also known as the “Enchanted Mountains of Western New York,” a region featuring a picturesque landscape that was forged by melting glaciers at the end of the Ice Age. With its location on the Pennsylvania border, locals are uniquely positioned for easy commutes to several major hubs like Erie, Buffalo and Rochester. Additionally, the town offers a marina, and it borders New York's largest state park.
Midcentury and contemporary homes starting in the $100,000s
Homebuyers can find ranch-style homes and split-levels from the mid-1900s, as well as some contemporary houses built in the last 25 years. Properties sit along forested backroads, offering privacy with lot sizes ranging from a half-acre to 10 acres. Homes usually sit farther back from the roads with long driveways leading up to the properties. Houses here typically sell for $100,000 to $300,000.
Backroads connect to I-86, Route 62
South Valley is a heavily car dependent town. Locals can take backroads to connect to Interstate 86, which is 10 miles north. U.S. Route 62 is also close by and takes commuters 78 miles north to Buffalo. Olean General Hospital is 42 miles east. The closest airport, Buffalo Niagara International, is 79 miles away.
Access to boating, hunting and hiking
The Onoville Marina Park provides space for locals to park their boat and easily access the Allegheny River. South Valley State Forest offers open hunting space. Across the river, the 65,000-acre Allegany State Park features 18 miles of marked trails and another 80 miles of unmarked trails. The park’s Quaker area also holds campgrounds, playgrounds, sports facilities and a lake for swimming, fishing and kayaking. Just outside of town, the Martz-Kohl Observatory is aimed toward public education and amateur astronomers.
Served by the Randolph Central School District
Students may start at Gail N. Chapman Elementary, which teaches kindergarten through sixth grade and earns a B from Niche. Randolph Junior/Senior High gets a B-minus.
Horseshoe Inn, TOPS close by
On West Perimeter Road, the Horseshoe Inn serves American and Italian favorites and frequently has live music. “It’s a very popular spot, people even come from other townships,” says VanDyke. TOPS Friendly Market is 10 miles west for essentials. VanDyke says the county is also part of Amish country, and locals can find small vendors selling baked goods, crafts and sewn items.
Year-round events throughout Cattaraugus County
Events are held in the county year-round. At the Onoville Marina Park in July, Onofest offers live music, local vendors and family activities. Red House Beach in Allegany State Park has a Beach Party in August with lawn games and a sandcastle contest. Ellicottville’s Fall Festival in October celebrates local arts and crafts. There are also local music festivals like the Winter Blues Weekend in January, Winter Music Jam in February and Cabana Bar Music Series throughout the summer.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
