About Olean
They say that the locals don't like to let out their secret. That's the only reason one could think of why Olean isn't at the top of the list of the best small cities to live in the United States. With romantic and mystical rolling hills surrounding - the area is exquisitely scenic, the community is warm and inviting and business is booming.
Olean is located in New York's Southern Tier. Buffalo, NY sits one and half hours to the north, Erie, PA sits two hours to the west and New York City six hours to the east, and Pittsburgh, PA four hours to the south. Major highway systems, airports, and rail systems make getting in and out of the Olean area quite feasible.
Olean, New York has a perfect four-season climate.
Summers fill the surrounding hills with lush green and bring temperatures from 75 to 85 degrees. Winters carry plenty of snow to compliment many recreational activities and temperatures average in the 30's. Fall is spectacular is its color scheme with temperatures cooling from summer's 70's to the mid 50's. Spring's new greens and bright flowers are prompted with temperatures budding from 60 to 75 degrees.
Many of Olean's residents who have moved here from other areas tend not to leave. This caring and affectionate community draws people in. The people who live and work in Olean have a sincere concern for the area and for each other. For parents, Olean is a safe haven. It's a place where neighbors are trusted and kids are socially active yet have the freedom to be kids.
For businesses and the civic minded, you will find that Olean cares about Olean. Committees, meetings, and forums are rallied into action with new ideas about how to make Olean a better place to live and work. The
Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and the
Cattaraugus Economic Development Zone Corporation are very active and supportive in Olean and have been the vehicle through which many of these activities have taken off.
Olean boasts a complete line of services offered to area residents - from technical to personal. Health care services are well covered by many organizations including the Olean General Hospital.
Two subjects at the top of many residents lists, shopping and eating, can be experienced in and around town. An energetic downtown furnishes residents with daily living supplies as well as specialty items such as household furnishings, decorative items, unique gifts, photography products, jewelry, and local artisans creations. Of course, retail chains are in abundance throughout the Olean area including inside the Olean Center Mall. Local eateries offer fine dining, International cuisine, and family fun.
Visitors to the area have their choice of lodging. The Hampton Inn offers a convenient and efficient overnight. Other motels in the area and bed and breakfasts are available for a good night's rest as well.
Almost every weekend in the summer a host of community festivals, including ethnic celebrations of Italian, Irish, Polish and Lebanese descents, bring the residents and visitors out in
droves. Summer is also an ideal time for families to hit the trail - the Allegheny River Trail that is. The Allegheny River Trail winds along the breathtaking Allegheny River providing exercise or a relaxing stroll.
In the winter, anything and everything you can do in the snow is here from downhill and cross country skiing to snow tubing. The downtown gets decked out during the holidays as the main drag is magically
transformed into "Santa Claus Lane" which ceremoniously begins with an evening parade where Santa arrives to light up the town.
If you don't feel you are busy enough, the City of Olean Organization, through the
Parks and Recreation Department, maintains many municipal recreational facilities including parks, a pool, an ice skating rink, football/track facilities, tennis courts, and softball/baseball fields.
For an evening of entertainment, Olean residents have their choice of cultural events. Community theater, national touring theatrical companies, art galleries, museums, and touring orchestras provide unique cultural experiences.
Looking to the west, the
Chautauqua Institute is a an hour away and plays host to a wide array of cultural events with nationally and Internationally recognized performers. Other surrounding attractions includes Griffis Sculpture Park where artists works are displayed 5in a natural setting. Rock City Park, a five minute drive, explodes with gigantic rock formations created from prehistoric times.
Holiday Valley Resort in Ellicottville, NY is where the best skiing can be found.
Allegany State Park shows off great hiking, camping, and swimming. White water rafting is available in nearby Zoar Valley.
Pfeiffer Nature Center, a fifteen minute drive, is a great place to learn about wildlife surrounding the area.
So, before the word gets out, come to Olean and experience one of the best small cities in the United States.