c.1898 New York 2-Family W/ Original Elements Under $35K – Brick Street

Bring your vision to bring this back to its glory! Being sold as is and priced to sell! Owner will consider seller financing.

Pros of Living in Jamestown, NY

1. Incredible Housing Affordability

   • Real estate in Jamestown is among the most affordable in the nation. The median home price typically ranges between $110,000 and $130,000, allowing buyers to acquire grand historic homes (Victorian, Craftsman, and Colonial styles) or modest single-family houses for a fraction of national average costs.

2. Chautauqua Lake & Year-Round Outdoor Recreation

   • Living right at the foot of Chautauqua Lake offers immediate access to summer boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and world-class bass and muskie fishing. In the winter, the region turns into a hub for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing at nearby resorts like Peek’n Peak.

3. Rich Cultural Heritage & Entertainment

   • Despite its small size, Jamestown boasts a surprisingly vibrant cultural footprint:

     • National Comedy Center & Lucy Desi Museum: Attracts national acts, comedians, and tourists year-round.

     • Chautauqua Institution: Located just 20 minutes away, offering world-class summer lectures, symphony performances, and arts programming.

     • Reg Lenna Center for the Arts: A restored 1920s theater downtown hosting live performances and films.

4. Solid Municipal Infrastructure & Local Services

   • Jamestown operates its own public utility (Jamestown Board of Public Utilities), which offers reliable, low-cost electricity compared to much of New York State. The city also hosts UPMC Chautauqua, providing direct regional hospital and emergency medical care.

5. Community-Minded, Small-Town Feel

   • With a manageable size, life moves at an unhurried pace. Traffic is virtually non-existent, and civic pride runs deep through local farmers’ markets, festivals, and community park events.

Cons of Living in Jamestown, NY

1. Heavy Lake-Effect Snow & Severe Winters

   • Located in the Western New York snowbelt, Jamestown gets hit with heavy lake-effect snow from Lake Erie, averaging around 100 inches of snow per year. Winters are long, dark, and cold, stretching from November through April and requiring comfort with winter driving and snow removal.

2. Economic & Industrial Transition

   • Like many Rust Belt cities, Jamestown suffered significant industrial job losses in the late 20th century. While major employers like Cummins Engine still operate nearby, the local job market for corporate, specialized, or high-tech fields is limited, and household median incomes sit lower than state benchmarks.

3. High Property & State Taxes Relative to Home Values

   • While home purchase prices are very low, New York State and local Chautauqua County property tax rates can feel disproportionately high relative to home values. Combined state income and sales taxes also add to the overall tax burden.

4. Aging Housing Stock & Maintenance Demands

   • A large majority of Jamestown’s housing stock was built prior to 1950. While full of character, older homes often require ongoing investment for updated insulation, roof replacements, modern plumbing/wiring, and foundation upkeep to withstand severe winters.

5. Distance to Major Metropolitan Centers

   • While Jamestown has good local essentials, major international airports, broad specialized healthcare networks, and big-league professional sports require a drive:

     • Erie, PA: ~45 minutes west

     • Buffalo, NY: ~1.5 hours north

     • Pittsburgh, PA: ~2.5 hours south