Tucked along the banks of the Chadakoin River, Jamestown, New York, is a former industrial city with less than 28,000 residents as of 2024. In the late 19th century, Jamestown was one of the leading producers of furniture and pearl ash, a key component in glass manufacturing, resulting in the nickname "The Pearl City." Manufacturers like Cummins still serve as major employers in the area. But today, much of Jamestown's revitalization efforts revolve around an influx of tourism as the birthplace of Lucille Ball, an American actress, comedian and beloved "I Love Lucy" star.
"The city has grown since the opening of the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center in the 90s," says Jerod Zahn, a real estate salesperson with ERA Real Estate, who has lived in the region for over 50 years. "When I was a kid, there was maybe one hotel. Now, there are at least three hotels, and tourism has stirred up other new businesses." Hotels, museums and local landmarks like the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center line West 3rd Street. A couple of blocks away, commercial corridors give way to urban residential streets that make up the neighborhood known as Jamestown Extended Downtown. Affordable multi-unit properties and a high percentage of renters makes the community a popular choice for investors.
Once an industrial city, Jamestown Extended Downtown is being revitalized.
Jamewtown Extended Downtown plays homage to it's favorite daughter all over town.
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Birthplace of Lucille Ball
The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum dives into Lucille and Desi's lives, careers and legacy, celebrating the pair deemed the "First Couple of Comedy." The museum also displays former film sets and iconic costumes. Down the street, the National Comedy Center documents the history of comedy and the notable artists, writers and cartoonists who have broken the status quo and have helped define the industry today. Every August, the center hosts the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. "It's by far the largest event," Zahn says. "It's the only national comedy center in the country, and all of the biggest comedians in the United States have been to Jamestown." The festival consists of four full days of comedy acts, music and food trucks.
Jamestown Wxtended Downtown is home to the Lucy-Desi Museum.
The National Comedy Center is located in Jamestown Extended Downtown.
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Affordable homes and multi-unit properties
Historic homes, both large and small, line bright red brick roads. Architectural styles include Victorians, Colonial Revivals with steep gabled roofs and Dutch Colonials. Many properties have been converted into multi-family dwellings ranging from two to four units. Some homes feature attached garages, while others have detached garages or rely on street parking. Well-kept homes are scattered in between properties that need some major TLC. Prices can range from the $50,000s for a two-unit property to the mid $100,000s for a four-unit property.
Like any urban area, crime may pose a concern. The community earns a CAP Index crime score of 6 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4, and homicide earns an 8 out of 10. Solar-powered cameras help monitor parks and open spaces, while prevention programs like Project Crossroads offer support to victims of domestic abuse. In June 2024, officials declared a state of emergency regarding large concentrations of unhoused people around the city. Proposed solutions include enhanced policing and surveillance of public spaces.
Old stately Victorian single family homes are popular in Jamestown Extended Downtown.
Colonial style homes can be found in Jamestown Extended Downtown.
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Restaurants within walking distance
Thanks to its influx of tourists, Downtown Jamestown is home to a growing food scene, with casual coffee shops, intimate eateries and a few high-end restaurants. The Landmark is a well-known steakhouse a couple of blocks from the Comedy Center. Comfort foods include juicy sirloins and filets, while seafood favorites range from salmon to scallops. Down the street, The Pub has served the community since 1965, serving hearty Reuben sandwiches, homemade lasagna and ice-cold beers.
Corner stores and small markets like Brick City Cherry cater to last-minute needs, while Farm Fresh Foods and Dollar General are about a half-mile away across the West 3rd Street Bridge. About 3 miles west, Fairmount Avenue is home to big-box stores like Wegmans and Walmart Supercenter, as well as the Chautauqua Mall.
A local favorite in Jamestown Extended Downtown is The Pub.
The residents of Jamestown Extended Downtown rely on Farm Fresh Foods for their groceries.
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Urban green spaces around town
Urban green spaces are scattered along the downtown streets. At Dow Park, open fields give way to a large playground, swing sets, picnic areas and a monument to the Underground Railroad. A few blocks away, Baker Park is another open green space with picnic tables. About 1 mile north of Baker Park, Jackson-Taylor Park is a large city park with a modern playground, a basketball court and a pavilion.
Along the riverfront, teenagers can practice their kickflip at the Jamestown Skatepark or ride their bikes along the riverwalk bike path. The nearby McCrea Point Park & Public Boat Launch attracts avid boaters and kayakers and is also home to the Chautauqua Lake Rowing Association. Jamestown also boasts riverside trails, with access from both north and south of the Chadakoin River.
Many Jamestown Extended Downtown residents take advantage of Jackson-Taylor Park's amenities.
Across from the library in Jamestown Extended Downtown is the beautiful Dow Park.
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Competitive athletics at Jamestown High
The Jamestown City School District serves the community and earns a B-minus rating from Niche. Pre-kindergarteners through fourth graders may attend Lincoln Elementary School, which scores a B-plus rating on Niche and is ranked as the No. 2 best public elementary school in the county. Washington Middle School earns a C-plus rating, and Jamestown High School earns a B-plus. Jamestown High also boasts a competitive athletics program, whose football team has won four state championships since 1994.
Getting around downtown
Although grocery stores and major employers like Cummins are not within walking distance, the extended downtown area is a walkable community. Restaurants, shops and entertainment along 3rd Street are just blocks away, as are multiple green spaces and riverfront retreats. The Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System, or CARTS, operates bus routes throughout the city. Buses run along roads like North Main Street and Washington Street. UMPC Chautauqua is about 1 mile south of the river. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is about 75 miles away via New York State Route 60 and Interstate 90, which winds along Lake Erie. Interstate 86 is also nearby for regional commuters.
Residents of Jamestown Extended Downtown rely on the CHQ Transit bus to get them around town.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Daniel Terhune,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Baker Park
Lucille Ball Memorial Park
McCrea Point Park and Public Boat Launc
Dow Park
Jamestown Skatepark
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Jamestown Extended Downtown
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Jamestown Extended Downtown, Jamestown sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Jamestown Extended Downtown, Jamestown over the last 12 months is $90,000, up 20% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Classic brick 12 unit with updated apartments. In close proximity to the National Comedy Center, Jamestown Ice Arena, restaurants, coffee shops etc. Newer metal roof, windows and extremely well maintained. Turn key, self sufficient building that can be overseen, and operated with ease.
TURN KEY TWO FAMILY MULTI UNIT INVESTMENT. Could be converted back to single family 3-4 bedroom residence by removing a wall at the top of the stairwell in the downstairs apartment. The spacious front porch has new deck boards, freshly painted and stained exterior perfect for watching and relaxing. The front lawn area has been landscaped with new bushes and mulch. Locking front gate keeps out
This is a great investment opportunity! House is a fully occupied 4 unit within walking distance to all downtown amenities. Owner financing is available to qualified buyers. Current management would like to stay on for new buyers.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Daniel Terhune,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
1,023
Median Age
43
Population under 18
22.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$19,956
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$31,265
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
71.4%
College Graduates
14.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.9%
% Population in Labor Force
45.2%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
50''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
48/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
78/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
