Straddling the eastern border of Chautauqua County, Villenova's founding dates to the early 1800s, when pioneers built mills along its weaving waterways. However, the lack of railroads and nearby highways hindered this small town's population growth over the centuries. Today, Villenova's landscape consists of rolling hills, acres of farmland and patches of woodland. It's common to see tractors inching along winding country roads and even the occasional Amish buggy. "In the county, you can either live in a small town or a very rural area," says Rachel Willow, a licensed real estate salesperson with five years of industry experience. Villenova is one of the county's most rural communities.
There is little local infrastructure apart from a tiny town hall housed in a ranch-style building near an industrial site. Yet recent developments have aimed to enhance Villenova's economic growth. In 2023, New Leaf Energy, a renewable energy developer, leased approximately 14 acres of land to build three wind turbines, which provide enough electricity to power over 2,600 homes. Benefits from these projects include local tax revenue, job creation and economic growth by sourcing materials from local industries. However, the rural quality of the area is also one of its primary draws for residents. "Outdoor recreation is a large part of the lifestyle here,” says Louis Dispenza, a local Realtor with Midtown Realty, who has been in the industry for almost 20 years.
There are many Amish owned farms that sell locally grown meats and produce in Villenova.
There are dozens of windmills in the hills surrounding Villenova creating clean energy for the whole county.
1/2
Parks, lakes, forests and year-round recreation
While hues of green encompass Villenova's landscape, the lack of town infrastructure is also apparent in its lack of parks and recreational facilities. Yet some residents have taken matters into their own hands. On the east side of town, Chainbiters at Brown's Farm is a family-owned and operated 27-hole disc golf course. A small suggested donation fee helps the owners maintain the course, and a Sunday morning league attracts disc-golf lovers from around the region. A few miles north of Villenova, Tri-County Country Club offers a different kind of course, specifically a semi-private 18-hole golf course.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation oversees thousands of acres of woodlands and wetlands in the region. Surrounding landscapes give way to state forests with miles of hiking trails, weaving waterways with miniature waterfalls and swimming holes, established and primitive campsites, and rugged hills-turned-seasonal ski slopes. On the southwest side of Villenova, Canadaway Creek Wildlife Management Area offers wooded trails and freshwater fishing. The adjacent Eastside Overland Trail provides residents access to the nearly 3,000-acre Boutwell Hill State Forest.
When residents want to swap green landscapes for views of blue waters, Villenova residents can head about 12 miles north to Siver Creek's lakefront beaches or 15 miles northwest to Dunkirk. "Boating and water sports are huge," says Dispenza. “You have Lake Erie on one side of the county and Chautauqua Lake on the other." The latter is also home to the Chautauqua Institution, renowned for its summer programs that range from art classes to religious and political-centered lectures.
Five miles from the heart of Villenova and just over the town lines, South Dayton is home to a small village park with a covered pavilion, a playground, a basketball court and a baseball field across from the volunteer fire station. The park also hosts a seasonal Music In The Park series from June to August on Wednesday nights. A few miles east of the village, Lake Flavia is an artificial lake on Country Side Gravel Inc.'s property, with sections open to the public for fishing.
The Tri County Country Club is a sprawling course in Villenova.
Bikers in Villenova can take long rides along nearby Lake Erie.
1/2
Farmhouses, colonial- and ranch-style homes
Quiet one-lane country roads wind past generational farms. Other streets weave through swaths of woodland and small hamlets that feature clusters of homes sitting close together. Architectural styles include early 20th-century farmhouses and mid-to-late 20th-century split-levels, along with colonial- and ranch-style homes on roomy lots. These properties can range from the mid-$100,000s to the low-$200,000s. Manufactured dwellings can vary in price, ranging from around $20,000 to over $100,000. "We have some of the most affordable housing in the U.S., even after the pandemic boom," says Jerod Zahn, a real estate salesperson with ERA Real Estate, who has lived in the region for over 50 years. Most properties sit on long rectangular tracts of land spanning acres behind the house. However, there is little sales information about these tracts of land, apart from a recent sale in the upper-$400,000s. Villenova's CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Foursquare homes are quite common in Villenova.
There are Victorian style single family homes on private lots in Villenova.
1/2
Essentials in South Dayton
Driving is a must for shopping, dining and entertainment outside of town. Five miles away, the South Dayton Hotel was established in 1877. Today, it is a bustling restaurant, bar and liquor store known for its prime rib and pan-fried fish. Down the road, Racers Restaurant is one of the many stops along the New York State Amish Trail. This old-fashioned diner serves a range of pizzas, burgers and salads, but it stands out with its 46 Perry's Ice Cream flavors.
South Dayton Supermarket is another stop highlighted on the Amish Trail. This small market offers fresh meats, produce, baked goods and other groceries. Dollar General is down the street for last-minute necessities, while Dunkirk's national grocers and big box stores offer more extensive shopping options less than 15 miles away.
Eden Valley Creamery in Villenova is serving up homemade cheeses and Ice cream.
Villenova locals can fill their prescriptions right in town.
1/2
Multi-school district zoning in Villenova
Two distinct school districts serve the Town of Villenova. Most residents are zoned to Pine Valley Central School District, which scores an overall C-minus on Niche. Pre-kindergarteners through sixth graders may attend the C-minus-rated Pine Valley Elementary School. Seventh through twelfth graders may attend Pine Valley Central Junior/Senior High School, which scores a C. Both schools share a campus but reside in separate buildings. On the north side of town, a small section of residents are zoned to the Forestville Central School District, which garners a B-minus rating. Local schools here include the B-rated Forestville Elementary School and the C-plus-rated Forestville Middle/High School.
Forestville Central High School has 201 students.
Pine Valley Central Junior/Senior High School provides Villenova high schoolers with a top notch education.
1/2
Commutes along Chautauqua's country roads
The Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System offers public transit to the county's most densely populated communities. Owing in part to the fact that it is one of the county's most rural towns, bus service is unavailable in Villenova. New York State Route 83 is one of the main thoroughfares in town, connecting residents with Fredonia, about 15 miles away. Dunkirk's Brooks Memorial Hospital is also about 15 miles northwest, while Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 50 miles away via Interstate 90. U.S. Route 62 is also nearby.
Written By
Lillie Duston
Photography Contributed By
Vincent Mauriello
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Timothy Domanski,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Villenova, NY sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 69 days. The median sale price for homes in Villenova, NY over the last 12 months is $127,950, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Newly listed! 3 unit rare and unique find in the Town of Villenova offers many possibilities to the right buyer. With almost 5000 square feet, this building has 2 income properties on the 2nd floor bringing $2000 a month in rents. The lower unit is currently under construction and open to many possibilities as was once a veterinary clinic as well as a daycare. The current owner has started to
Welcome to your peaceful retreat! This spacious 3+ bedroom, 2-bathroom home is nestled on 5 beautiful acres of country property, offering the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and functionality. Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully designed layout featuring a convenient first-floor laundry, a full basement for extra living or storage space, and an abundance of built-in features throughout the home
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
