Seventy-five miles south of Buffalo's bustling streets, Jamestown is a city that blends urban, suburban and rural living along the eastern edge of Chautauqua Lake. In the late 19th century, this former industrial hub earned nicknames like "The Pearl City" and "The Furniture Capital of the World." Today, Jamestown is best known as the birthplace of Lucille Ball, one of comedy's most influential women.
Every year, visitors flock to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center's annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. "Jamestown has the only national comedy center in the country," says Jerod Zahn, a local real estate salesperson with ERA Real Estate. "The festival attracts some of the largest comedians around. People like Jerry Seinfeld have all been to Jamestown." Four full days of comedy acts, music and food trucks make it the city's largest event. "Everything revolves around Lucy. It's the main tourist attraction," Zahn says.
The inception of state-of-the-art museums has led to a revitalization of downtown Jamestown within the past decade, with historic buildings repurposed into spaces for art, dining and entertainment. Establishments such as the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, a restored historic theater, and the Northwest Arena host various concerts, games and events. Major employers span manufacturing, education and healthcare sectors. Yet one of the city's biggest draws is its scenic landscapes, year-round recreation and close-knit community. "It may be a city, but it feels like a small town," says Rick McMahon, associate broker and partner at Real Estate Advantage.
An I Love Lucy mural is portrayed on a building as you head into Jamestown.
Businesses sprawl throughout the downtown Jamestown area and provide new experiences for guests and residents alike.
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19th- and 20th-century homes
An eclectic mix of 19th- and 20th-century buildings line Jamestown's city streets. Multi-unit properties sit next to single-family homes along historic red brick roads or traditional asphalt. Some neighborhoods, such as Forest Heights , are designated historic districts. Architectural styles include narrow Dutch Colonials, Victorians, Italianate and National-style homes. On the city's outskirts, 20th-century Cape Cods, colonial- and ranch-style homes on roomy lots come with higher price tags. Depending on size and interior upgrades, multi-family homes can range from $60,000 to $600,000. Median sales prices hover around the low $100,000s, with turnkey single-family homes ranging from $50,000 to the upper $200,000s.
Moderately sized Colonial style homes can be found around Jamestown.
Stately Victorian and Mid-Century single and multi-unit homes are popular in Jamestown.
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Lake Erie snowbelt
Jamestown residents experience all four seasons. Hot and humid summers attract an influx of tourists to the area around Chautauqua Lake. However, residents should be prepared for harsh winters. Lake effect snow from Lake Erie often results in abundant snowfall, with a yearly average of around 97 inches.
Year-round recreation around town
Residents are down the road from the blue waters of Chautauqua Lake and the renowned Chautauqua Institution. This seasonal lakeside resort attracts thousands of lifelong learners for nine weeks of religious, educational and thought-provoking seminars throughout the summer. "It's what puts our county on the map," says Louis Dispenza, a local Realtor with Midtown Realty. Stretches of sandy beachfront also attract sunbathers and swimmers, while others set sail along the 17-mile-long lake. Public boat ramps and marinas are scattered around the lake and the neighboring Village of Celoron. Westfield is the closest town to Lake Erie, about 30 miles away.
Chautauqua Lake feeds into the Chadakoin River, which weaves through Jamestown. A 5-mile trail winds along its banks, while riverfront green spaces welcome picnickers, kayakers and anglers. Small pocket parks dot downtown streets, but Jackson-Taylor Park is the city's largest park, with a playground, a pavilion and sports fields. Three miles south, Bergman Park features the city's only disc golf course and hosts events like the annual Labor Day Celebration and the World Series of Wheels. Allen Park is another popular green space that features the summertime Bandshell Concert Series.
Surrounding towns give way to acres of woodland, farmland and vineyards. Hiking and snowmobiling paths lead as far as the Canadian border, while rugged trails await in the nearby Allegheny Mountains. Swaths of land include nature preserves and state forests open to the public for hunting, trapping and snowshoeing. Highlighting the popularity of outdoor activities, Zahn notes that many students and parents take off for the first day of hunting season. Multiple ski resorts, including Peek’n Peak and Holiday Valley resort, are also within a 60-mile radius of the city.
The Lighthouse and pier near Forest Heights in the Lucille Ball Memorial Park is a nice place.
Allen Park is a commonly visit place in the warmer months for families and friends to enjoy outdoor recreational activities.
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Jamestown City School District
The Jamestown Public Schools earns a B-minus rating from Niche. The district enrolls around 4,500 students across five elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school and two specialized institutions. Raymond J. Fashano Technology Academy provides smaller class sizes and the Personalized Learning Program for high schoolers, while the R.R. Rogers Innovation Center offers career and technical education programming.
Jamestown Business College is the city's oldest educational institution, established in 1886. However, new student enrollment stopped in February 2024, with the school planning to shut its doors after its last graduating class. Those interested in business can still pursue an associate’s degree at Jamestown Community College.
Jamestown High School is ranked 627th in the state of New York by US News.
The Jamestown Community College Jayhawks have a phsycial education building for their students.
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A revitalized downtown area
When the National Comedy Center opened its doors in 2018, the city's food scene began to grow to accommodate an influx of tourists. Today, establishments include a mix of locally owned cafes, casual eateries and a few high-end steakhouses. A handful of boutiques and beauty salons are scattered along downtown sidewalks. While the Comedy Center attracts tourists, the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation has been working behind the scenes since 2006 to revitalize downtown, offering grants for business owners, promoting neighborhood beautification efforts and more.
From June to October, residents can venture downtown to Jamestown Public Market, a seasonal farmers market with locally sourced goods and live entertainment. Numerous chain grocers are peppered throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Big-box stores and the Chautauqua Mall are a short drive away in Jamestown West, a neighboring community in Ellicott.
The average income of the residents of Jamestown Extended Downtown in 2022 was $39, 507.
The National Comedy Center in Jamestown is a popular attraction for those who enjoy laughing and having fun.
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Commutes around Chautauqua County
Jamestown is a compact city with many sidewalks, while the Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System (CHQ Transit) offers bus service throughout the metro area and beyond. However, many residents still rely on personal vehicles. Major thoroughfares include New York State Route 394 and 60. Erie International Airport is about 60 miles west via Interstate 86, while Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 75 miles northeast. UPMC Chautauqua, the nearest full-service hospital, is centrally located within Jamestown.
Crime rates above the national average
As of January 2025, the Jamestown Police Department's 2024 annual crime report has not yet been published. However, the city's crime rates remain higher than the national average. According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, property crimes decreased by nearly 7% between 2022 and 2023, while violent crimes saw a 3% increase.
Buying or selling your home is not hard. I strive to make the process as simple and straightforward as possible. As a long member of the U.S. military, I have learned how to be detail oriented without compromising deadlines. Before entering real estate, I was a multiple business owner who focused on accuracy and customer satisfaction. My previous experiences have allowed me to develop understandings of negotiating, doing things right the first time, and most importantly... making my clients happy! In my personal life, I have a wife and 2 dogs. I also get involved in the community by teaching music periodically at local marching band programs. I would LOVE to help you write the next chapter, be it buying a new home or selling one that just isn't right anymore. Call, text, or email me at any time for some more information. Serving the Greater Rochester & Finger Lakes areas.
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