Chautauqua County, NY 2024 Relocation Guide

CHQ CHQOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE Chautauqua County, NY Relocation Guide

L E A R N M O R E AT LiveCHQ.org

Dear Prospective Residents, Developers, and Employers, Thank you for your interest in learning about Chautauqua County, New York.

The following pages will give you an idea of our affordable quality of life where you can choose from a variety of lifestyles. Whether owning a home on or near one of our 昀椀ve magni昀椀cent lakes, in the quiet countryside, or in a city or village setting, Chautauqua County has housing options to 昀椀t any budget. There is something here to suit everyone’s needs from our resurgent cities of Dunkirk and Jamestown, to our quaint villages like Fredonia, Lakewood, West昀椀eld, and many others. We also have many lakeside communities and scenic countryside towns.

Chautauqua County has a wide range of recreational activities and special events throughout the year to satisfy the many interests of our residents and visitors. As a four-season destination, we have ski resorts, scenic hiking trails, snowmobile trails, equestrian trails, and cycling routes throughout our communities, along with swimming, boating, and 昀椀shing opportunities on our numerous lakes and waterways. Our county is also home to the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, the renowned Chautauqua Institution, and agriculture and agri-tourism industries including craft breweries like Southern Tier Brewing Company, and 11 wineries (9 of which are award-winning) of Lake Erie Wine Country.

Our county is conveniently located between Buffalo, New York and Erie, Pennsylvania, and is within a short driving distance to other major cities including Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Toronto, Canada. Here, you can have an appealing small-town lifestyle with a low cost of living, access to excellent schools and quality healthcare services, and still be within a short drive of major cities and the additional attractions they offer.

I hope this guide helps introduce you to our great county, and I look forward to welcoming you to our wellbalanced way of life.

Sincerely,

Paul M. Wendel Jr. Chautauqua County Executive

On behalf of Chautauqua County, I would like to welcome you to our amazing corner of Western New York.

As community stakeholders, we felt it was necessary to develop a package to be handed out to contractors, potential employees, developers, visitors, and any other individuals that are not familiar with all that our community has to offer. As you will see, this compendium provides information about the character and location of community amenities, events, places to recreate and spend leisure time, the industries located here, as well as information about schools, cost of living, and housing.

Whether you are interested in starting a business, locating here for the multitude of available jobs with family-sustaining wages, purchasing a home, or just visiting, Chautauqua County has the resources to deliver an amazing experience. As you spend time here, I am certain you will appreciate our residents, natural and cultural attractions, and welcoming business climate.

I invite you to imagine living, working, playing, and doing business in our unique community. When you are ready to take action, please contact the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency for assistance in planning your next steps. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you personally.

Best Regards,

Mark Geise Deputy County Executive for Economic Development/ Chief Executive Of昀椀cer of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency 716.661.8900

Table of Contents LIFE WELL BALANCED ................................................................... 3 A well-rounded and ful昀椀lling lifestyle LIFE WELL LOCATED ...................................................................... 4 Connected to the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern Ontario LIFE WELL LIVED ............................................................................ 6 Attractions and seasons LIFE WELL EARNED...................................................................... 14 Manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism LIFE WELL PLANNED ................................................................... 22 Housing, healthcare, and education RESOURCES ................................................................................. 26 Contacts and information

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LIFE WELL

BALANCED

Welcome to Chautauqua County — an affordable, accessible, naturally beautiful place to live, work, play, laugh, and learn all year long.

Take a closer look at New York’s far western region. As a predominantly rural community, Chautauqua County offers a unique blend of cultural, historical, educational, and recreational attractions coupled with an environment primely suited to start, build, or expand a business or 昀椀nd employment.

The cost of living here is 25 percent less than the national average, and well-paying jobs with advanced manufacturers are readily available.

The unemployment rate is low, while resources for training and workforce development are exceptional. This combination creates the opportunity for residents, business owners, and employees of all skill levels to live a wellrounded and ful昀椀lling lifestyle.

If you like what you see, please contact the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) or Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG). CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to live, work, visit, and conduct business. CCPEG is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC) that brings together public and private leaders to focus on county-wide and regional economic development. Call 716.661.8900 or visit ChooseCHQ.com for assistance in making your next move.

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LIFE WELL

LOCATED After 昀氀ying around the world to write articles for a 昀椀shing magazine, I come home and am reminded of how fortunate we are to have world-class 昀椀shing opportunities in our backyards.

‘‘

Alberto Rey

Artist, Educator, Fly Fishing Guide

Connected to the Northeast, Midwest, and Southern Ontario It has often been stated that Chautauqua County is a great place to meet and connect. While typically used in reference to travel and recreation, it also denotes its strategic position for business and industry, which is centrally located between several major metropolitan areas and at the juncture of commerce routes.

As the western-most county in New York State, Chautauqua County is bordered by Lake Erie to the north, Pennsylvania to the west and south, and the Seneca Nation of Indians, the greater Buffalo metropolitan area, and the Southern Tier region to the east. The county is situated within a day’s drive of most of the major population centers of the northeastern United States and the southern Canadian province of Ontario, and is well served by the transportation corridors that connect the Northeast with the Midwest. In addition to being crossed by two major interstates (I-90 and I-86), the county also includes a network of other state and federal highways and well-maintained county roads, providing fast and easy access to every community. Railroads cross through the southern and northeastern portion the county. General aviation airports are located in both Jamestown and Dunkirk, which are frequently used by a variety of businesses and private charter services.

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BY THE NUMBERS

Drive Times

POPULATION

LARGEST CITY

124,891

Jamestown

Erie, PA .................................................................45 min Buffalo, NY.........................................................50 min Rochester, NY .......................................1 hr, 45 min Cleveland, OH ....................................................... 2 hr Pittsburgh, PA ......................................2 hr, 30 min Toronto, ONT ........................................3 hr, 20 min Columbus, OH ......................................4 hr, 10 min Detroit, MI .............................................. 4 hr, 45 min New York, NY........................................ 6 hr, 40 min Chicago, IL ...............................................................8 hr

POPULATION 28,243

LAND AREA

AVERAGE COMMUTE

1,062

17.5

Closest International Airports

MINUTES

SQUARE MILES

AVERAGE WINTER TEMPERATURE

AVERAGE SUMMER TEMPERATURE

33

75

AVERAGE ANNUAL SNOWFALL

AVERAGE NUMBER OF SUNNY DAYS

120”

159

The Buffalo-Niagara International Airport, just 35 miles from Chautauqua County, serves 31 airport destinations with up to 100 nonstop 昀氀ights per day.

In nearby Pennsylvania, the Erie International Airport’s Tom Ridge Field is just 26 miles from Chautauqua County offering nonstop 昀氀ights to Charlotte and Orlando with connections to hundreds of destinations.

Toronto

Milwaukee

Niagara Falls Buffalo

London

Rochester Boston

Detroit Erie

Chicago

7

5

Toledo

15

Cleveland

0

27

Cincinnati

m

ile

m il e s New York City Newark

s Pittsburgh

m

5

Indianapolis

0 40

ouis

CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY

m ile s

il e

Philadelphia

s Baltimore Washington D.C.

Louisville Lexington-Fayette

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LIFE WELL LIVED

World-Class Attractions and Four Distinct Seasons Offer Work-life Balance With lakes, rivers, foothills, forests, and four distinct seasons, residents of Chautauqua County have plenty of opportunities to enjoy their downtime, both outdoors and indoors.

Opportunities abound for hardy sports enthusiasts to take full advantage of the lakes, slopes, and trails. For those who want to appreciate art, history, and culture, there are a wide variety of theaters, museums, and resorts to choose from. With a thriving agricultural industry that supports farmers markets, a wine trail, breweries, and distilleries, residents and visitors alike can immerse themselves in the local food and craft beverage scene.

LIFE WELL

LIVED

A Year-Round Destination The county’s rolling hills, lakes, forests, and rivers support resorts and golf courses, exceptional 昀椀shing, water sports, parks, and hundreds of miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. In the winter, lake effect snow and the Allegheny foothills provide excellent conditions for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

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Naturally Diverse The county’s landscape is one of its greatest assets, with an elevation that ranges from 570 feet along Lake Erie to 2,180 feet along the Chautauqua Ridge. Here you will 昀椀nd diverse microclimates, bird migration routes, numerous trails through forests and meadows, and plenty of fresh water including tributary streams, Western New York’s largest inland lake, and access to the Great Lakes through 50 miles of Lake Erie shoreline.

Historically Signi昀椀cant Since the early days of its establishment in 1811, Chautauqua County has been at the crossroads of history in the arts, education, industry, and innovation. It is the birthplace of Lucille Ball, Roger Tory Peterson, Robert H. Jackson, and innovations such as the Chautauqua Movement, Welch’s 昀椀rst grape juice plant, and the iconic Crescent wrench.

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LIFE WELL LIVED

A Year-Round Destination Chautauqua County is renowned for several attractions — Chautauqua Institution, the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum, the National Comedy Center, Chautauqua Lake, 昀氀y-昀椀shing in Lake Erie’s tributary streams, and lake effect snow country, to name a few. Residents and those who own a second home in the county understand that while summer is high season for tourists, every month of the year offers new events, festivals, and places to explore.

Four Seasons of Play • Three state parks (Midway, Long Point, and Lake Erie), and three county parks.

• Hundreds of miles of overland trails, water trails, and Rails-to-Trails for walkers, hikers, cyclists, canoeists, horseback riders, and snowmobilers.

• 17,000+ acres of state forest land, and 900 acres of county forest land.

• Hundreds of miles of designated on-road bike routes.

• Excellent 昀椀shing and hunting opportunities.

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Chautauqua Institution

100,000+ PEOPLE PER SUMMER visit Chautauqua Institution

A unique and charming, Victorian campus-like village founded in 1874, Chautauqua Institution is a designated National Historic Landmark and a National Historic District located along the shores of Chautauqua Lake. Each day during the nine-week summer program season, approximately 7,500 people enjoy the grounds of Chautauqua to attend popular evening entertainment, daily lectures, and workshops that explore important religious, social, and popular political issues of our time. Chautauqua is open to the public year-round, but passes are required during the summer season (excluding Sundays).

National Comedy Center The story of comedy lives in Jamestown at the National Comedy Center, which opened in 2018. Named one of the “Top 25 Family Weekend Getaways in the United States”

by U.S. News & World Report, the NCC is a nonpro昀椀t cultural institution that celebrates comedy’s great minds and unique voices with exclusive collections and more than 50 immersive exhibits, presented with cutting-edge, state-ofthe-art technology.

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LIFE WELL LIVED

Lake Erie

Naturally Diverse From a low lying plain along Lake Erie ascending an escarpment to the Allegheny Plateau, Chautauqua County’s changes in elevation and landscape provide a multitude of agricultural and recreational opportunities. The Eastern Continental Divide runs through the county, making it part of both the St. Lawrence and Gulf of Mexico watersheds. Several areas of the county are also signi昀椀cant stopover points for migratory birds.

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Chautauqua County follows the eastern Lake Erie shoreline for approximately 50 miles, offering access to beautiful sandy beaches, abundant bass and walleye 昀椀shing locations, and countless boating and swimming opportunities. Part of the “West Coast of the East Coast”, it also provides the perfect vantage for amazing and often surreal sunsets. Tributary streams that feed Lake Erie have become renowned for their steelhead trout 昀椀shing.

Chautauqua Lake

5 LAKES WITH 50 MILES OF LAKE ERIE SHORELINE

Western New York’s largest inland lake and the county’s namesake, Chautauqua Lake stretches 18 miles from Mayville to Jamestown. It is well-known for bass, walleye, and musky 昀椀shing, and for sailing and boating. Historically, summer cottage enclaves dotted much of the shoreline.

Today, many fortunate residents live along the lakeshore year-round.

Trails & Parks Chautauqua County is a unique and adventurous place to live. It boasts a diversity of trails (more than 600 miles!) and scenic parks for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and birding. Meticulously groomed trails are maintained for cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and winter fat biking. Chautauqua County has more miles of groomed, single-track fat bike trails than anywhere else in New York State. Two overland trails offer visitors scenic views and paths through reforestation areas. A connecting Rails-to-Trails system provides an additional 24.3 miles of abandoned rail corridors winding through scenic woodlands, wetlands, 昀氀owering meadows, and villages.

In addition to numerous navigable lakes and streams, there are two maintained 25+ miles of 昀氀atwater trails to explore. Learn more at CHQTrails.org.

450 MILES OF GROOMED SNOWMOBILE TRAILS

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LIFE WELL LIVED

Historically Significant Chautauqua County’s unique and historic character can be attributed, in part, to its Victorian heritage, artisan immigrants who built furniture and founded tool and die shops, and to its native sons and daughters who’ve brought international recognition to its various communities. The historic McClurg Museum in West昀椀eld, the D.R. Barker Museum in Fredonia, the Fenton History Center in Jamestown, and the Dunkirk Lighthouse all offer exhibits, libraries, and information that tell the stories of Chautauqua’s rich and interesting past.

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HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSES

The 昀椀rst lighthouse ever to be lighted by natural gas (1829) still stands at Barcelona Harbor on Lake Erie.

Roger Tory Peterson Prompted by a seventh-grade teacher, a young boy from Jamestown joined a Junior Audubon Club, fell in love with birds, and grew up to become one of the world’s preeminent naturalists. As an artist and photographer, Roger Tory Peterson authored more than 50 昀椀eld guides for plants and animals from North America and around the world. In 1984, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History was founded in his hometown to preserve his lifetime body of work and to educate new generations of naturalists.

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Robert H. Jackson Center The mission of the Robert H. Jackson Center is to advance public awareness and appreciation of the principles of justice and the rule of law as embodied in the achievements and legacy of Robert H. Jackson, a native son who 昀椀rst practiced law in Jamestown and went on to become a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Chief U.S. Prosecutor at Nuremberg.

The Jackson Center uses its beautiful historic mansion in Jamestown to host educational programs, exhibits, and seminars to advance its mission.

One of the things I really enjoy about living here are the people; there is a helpfulness, pride, and a can-do attitude here that contributes to this community’s ability to thrive.

When I moved here, someone told me that if I’m ever bored, it’s my own fault, because I’m not paying attention to the many things there are to do. The variety of activities and opportunities are astounding.

‘‘

Kristan McMahon PRESIDENT, ROBERT H. JACKSON CENTER President since 2019, she relocated to Chautauqua County from northern Virginia to take on this role. She is a former principle with Vetted Solutions, an executive search 昀椀rm, and is also a practicing attorney in Washington D.C.

Marion Beckerink

Lucille Ball Born in Jamestown on August 6, 1911, Lucille Desiree Ball became one of the most recognized faces in the world. An actress and comedian, she was the 昀椀rst woman to head a major Hollywood studio, Desilu, which produced some of the most beloved and successful TV shows of all time, including I Love Lucy, Star Trek, Mission Impossible, and The Untouchables, while also serving as the production hub for The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Andy Grif昀椀th Show, That Girl, and many more. Her life story, and that of her 昀椀rst husband, actor, musician and producer Desi Arnaz, are told at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum in Jamestown.

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LIFE WELL EARNED

Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Tourism Dominate the Business Landscape For new as well as established businesses, Chautauqua County offers a strategic geographic location, ground breaking economic development incentives, inexpensive hydro-power, a low-cost of living, and an incredible quality of life.

For people seeking employment opportunities, the county boasts a low unemployment rate with living wage jobs available for every skill level. While tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing are the county’s primary industries, a growing number of people are moving to the area and working remotely, or starting their own enterprises.

In order to bolster the economic growth and stability of the county, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) collaborates with various local, state, and federal partners to offer 昀椀nancial incentives, technical assistance, and business planning.

Agribusiness From grapes and fruit to corn and dairy, the county’s small, local farms grow products and deliver services that support the national food supply.

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Advanced Manufacturing Manufacturing has a strong history in Chautauqua County, from early craftsmen who built furniture and tools, to today’s businesses that utilize state-of-the-art technology to provide materials used in transportation, medical supplies, packaging, industrial tools, and other sectors.

LIFE WELL

EARNED

Tourism and Hospitality A wide variety of accommodations, resorts, and restaurants provide comfort and convenience for accessing the county’s four-season recreational and cultural attractions.

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LIFE WELL EARNED

Advanced Manufacturing Historically, furniture and tool and die shops dominated Chautauqua County’s manufacturing environment.

Today, products and services utilizing advanced technology lead the sector, while approximately 20 percent of the county’s workforce is employed in manufacturing (more than twice the state average).

SKF USA Inc. SKF USA Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of SKF Group, a world leader in high-performance and precision rolling bearings and related technologies for the aerospace industry - including commercial and military jet aircraft and helicopters. Twenty-eight of SKF’s 140 global manufacturing sites are located in the U.S., including a modern heat treating and research & development facility in Falconer.

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Premier Precision Machining In October 2018, Premier Precision Machining reopened Rand Machine Products, a custom/build-to-print manufacturing facility in Falconer which has been a 昀椀xture in the community for nearly three quarters of a century.

Through strong leadership and signi昀椀cant investments in technology, equipment, people, and facilities, Rand is now positioned to take advantage of both existing and new opportunities in the defense, aerospace, industrial, and commercial arenas. Like many other manufacturers, Rand employs machinists, CNC lathe and mill operators, engineers, quality control CMM operators, and programmers.

Weber Knapp has been a long-time employer in the Chautauqua Region, providing jobs and careers to countless residents. We are proud to be a part of the Chautauqua story, and look forward to continuing that commitment in the years that lie ahead.

‘‘

Rhonda Johnson and Wayne Rishell CO-OWNERS OF WEBER KNAPP CO. JAMESTOWN Weber Knapp Co. was founded at the turn of the 20th century as a manufacturer of hardware for the furniture industry. Today, the company leads the motion control industry with state-of-the-art spring assisted products.

LIFE WELL EARNED

Cummins Engine Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant in Lakewood has a long history of providing exceptional career opportunities. First opened in 1974, Cummins JEP has continued to remain committed to partnering with local communities to make Chautauqua County a prosperous area where its employees and families can thrive. In 2023, Cummins secured its future in Chautauqua County by announcing a $452 million investment in its Lakewood plant, allowing the plant to produce new engine block platforms that can operate using hydrogen or biogas fuels.

ImmunityBio, Inc. In early 2022, this clinical-stage immunotherapy company moved into a new state-of-the-art biotech production facility that includes clean rooms for upstream and downstream manufacturing activities, as well as 昀椀ll, 昀椀nish, and largescale lyophilization capabilities. The full-scale facility will enable ImmunityBio to substantially expand and diversify its existing manufacturing capacity in the U.S. and through its strategic collaborators in Africa.

They plan to add a signi昀椀cant number of new jobs within the next 昀椀ve years.

Jamestown Plastics Located in a 100,000 square foot plant in Brocton, Jamestown Plastics provides custom thermoforming and packaging solutions for a wide range of industries including medical devices, aerospace, defense, electronics, consumer goods, and automotive. They are ISO certi昀椀ed and known for their rapid turnaround and creative solutions. Their Clickit-Clam design has revolutionized traditional clamshell packaging.

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LIFE WELL EARNED

Agribusiness Chautauqua County has two distinct microclimates that support agriculture and food processing businesses, an important segment of the county’s economy. The microclimate along Lake Erie and the Allegheny escarpment supports grape and fruit farming. Atop the Allegheny Plateau, the uplands are utilized for 昀椀eld crops and grasslands.

1,291 FARMS IN CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY* Our farms focus on dairy production and grow a variety of crops, including: vegetables, fruit trees, grapes, and grains. Combined, our farmers and growers help Chautauqua County rank second in New York State for total number of farms. Furthermore, the 332 grape farms, operating 17,040 acres, comprise the largest fruit and nut industry in the state. * as of 2023

17,040 ACRES OF GRAPES makes Chautauqua County the largest grape growing region in the country outside of California.

Refresco Refresco is the world’s largest independent bottler for retailers and branded beverage companies in Europe and North America, employing more than 400 people in Dunkirk.

With a fruit processing facility and six lines of production running three shifts, Refresco’s Dunkirk plant produces multiple types of beverages in a variety of packaging formats and sizes. Their vision is “Our Drinks on Every Table” and they take pride in providing quality bottling and packaging solutions.

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LIFE WELL EARNED

Farmers’ Markets

Nestle Purina Purina is a global pet care leader dedicated to helping pets live longer, healthier lives through science-based nutrition and care. Dunkirk is home to one of Purina’s 20 manufacturing sites across the U.S. where they produce high-quality and trusted Purina pet food brands including Purina ONE, Purina Pro Plan, Busy, and Dog Chow. Purina’s 370 associates in Dunkirk are committed to the well-being and welfare of pets and people beyond the food bowl, with focused efforts to support their local community and reduce their environmental impact.

Chautauqua County residents enjoy a strong farm-to-table movement. There are a multitude of farmers’ markets located throughout the county, where one can “buy local” and support our local growers and producers. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, farm stores/markets, and roadside stands can all be found here - each committed to selling local products.

A variety of resources - including Chautauqua Grown, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County, and Edible WNY - also help promote our local growers and producers.

Wells Enterprises, Inc. Wells is the largest privately held, familyowned ice cream and frozen treat manufacturer in the United States. They are most known as the makers of Blue Bunny Ice Cream. Other brands include Halo Top, the iconic Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics. Recently purchased by Ferraro in Italy, the company announced in 2024 it would essentially replace their old facility in Dunkirk and build a new state-of-the-art complex on the current site in order to produce ice cream and frozen novelty products, including chocolate. Once completed, the project will create approximately 270 new jobs.

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LIFE WELL EARNED

Tourism and Hospitality Tourism in New York State has an annual impact of over $100 billion, reaching a record of $123 billion in 2022. This growth trend is no different in Chautauqua County, where tourism creates a $294 million economic impact and revenue from accommodations experienced double digit growth in recent years.

The peak months for visitor revenue in Chautauqua County are June, July, and August. However, signi昀椀cantly increased occupancy rates are starting to point to growing “shoulder seasons” in both the spring (May) and fall (September and October).

50+ EVENTS Held in Jamestown in early August, the annual Lucille Ball Comedy Festival features more than 50 events and 30 artists, and attracts more than 13,000 visitors from across the United States. Jerry Seinfeld, Nate Bargatze, Trevor Noah, Lily Tomlin, John Mulaney, Taylor Tomlinson, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Sebastian Maniscalco, Jim Gaf昀椀gan, Margaret Cho, Ellen DeGeneres, and Lewis Black have all taken the stage during the festival.

Chautauqua Harbor Hotel Opened in 2018, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel is located at the south end of Chautauqua Lake in the village of Celoron and provides 135 upscale hotel rooms overlooking the water. Occupying a nine-acre site that features 1,100 feet of lakefront, the hotel has expanded the county’s tourism industry signi昀椀cantly by attracting lakeside vacationers, wedding and celebration groups, and corporate and conference guests.

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Campgrounds From secluded woodlands to lakeside locations, Chautauqua County’s campgrounds provide the setting for lifelong memories – with great options for RV, tent, cabin, and cottage camping. Amenities include swimming pools, boat and canoe rentals, picnic and recreation areas, playgrounds, 昀椀repits, beaches, activities, electric hookups, internet, dumping stations, and more. Several campgrounds offer nightly and weekly sites as well as seasonal or permanent sites.

Peek‘n Peak Resort Founded as a ski destination in 1964 with six trails and two lifts, Peek’n Peak has grown into a resort with a world-class golf course that hosted the PGA’s Web.com Tour from 2016–2018. Peek’n Peak also offers an aerial course and ziplines, miniature golf, biking, and Segway tours. During the winter, the resort is transformed into a winter wonderland with Alpine and Nordic skiing, terrain parks, and snow tubing.

The Inn at the Peak, a charming oldworld chalet, boasts 108 guest rooms, conference and meeting rooms, restaurant, day spa, 昀椀tness center, indoor/outdoor hot tub, indoor and outdoor pools, and 115’ water slide. The Peek is well-known for its annual Fall Fest held during two weekends in October, which often attracts 10,000+ visitors daily.

Chautauqua County’s strength in the arts and education comes from a rich diversity of resources and a tireless spirit of collaboration that bring opera to a brew house, world-class musicians to countless high school classrooms, and Shakespeare to our parks. And we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible.

‘‘

Michael E. Hill PRESIDENT, CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION

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LIFE WELL PLANNED

Low cost housing, quality healthcare, and noteworthy education The county’s centers of commerce and industry — including Jamestown, Fredonia, and Dunkirk — provide centralized professional services, shopping, and year-round cultural attractions. Education is highly valued here, offering strong elementary and secondary public school systems and two State University of New York campuses. It is also in close proximity to several urbanized cultural, shopping, and business hubs, including Buffalo, Erie, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Rochester, and Toronto.

LIFE

25% LOWER COST OF LIVING THAN THE NATIONAL AVERAGE* *as of 2024, according to BestPlaces.net.

Healthcare As residents and business owners in Jamestown, we are proud to contribute to a thriving downtown. There is a wealth of opportunity to be had and a strong sense of community unique to our region

Nick & Mikayla Certo

‘‘

OWNERS, CROWN STREET ROASTING CO.

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Chautauqua County is serviced by three area hospitals located in Jamestown, West昀椀eld, and Dunkirk/Fredonia, and two healthcare centers in Jamestown and Dunkirk.

The county’s central location also lends convenience to additional healthcare resources as four major medical centers — UPMC, Cleveland Clinic, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and the University of Rochester — are within a two to three-hour drive. Major insurers include BlueCross/ BlueShield of Western New York, Independent Health, Univera Health Care, and Fidelis Care New York.

WELL

PLANNED

Housing In addition to the urban areas of Jamestown and Dunkirk, the county is blessed with many small, walkable, lakeside, and agriculturalbased communities that possess unique character and charm. Much of the Victorianinspired, American Craftsman, and Foursquare architecture built in the early twentieth century remains, and there are ten districts in the county listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

OWNER-OCCUPIED DWELLINGS

69% MEDIAN COST OF HOME

$145,700 AVERAGE RENT 2-BEDROOM APARTMENT

$830/month *All numbers as of 2024

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LIFE WELL PLANNED

Education and Learning Parents often state that the quality of Chautauqua County’s educational system is one of their primary reasons for living here. Participation and achievement in arts, music, and sports programs are all noteworthy, as is an average student to teacher ratio of less than 13 to 1.

Youth art, music, and outdoor education and recreation opportunities in Chautauqua County include: In昀椀nity Visual & Performing Arts, Audubon Community Nature Center, Chautauqua Institution In-School Programs, and the Boys and Girls Clubs in both Jamestown and Dunkirk.

K-12 STUDENTS IN AREA SCHOOLS

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participate in Chautauqua Institution’s arts education programs including the “I Can Drum” school residency, a collaboration between the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra and Chautauqua Lake Elementary School.

LIFE WELL PLANNED

Workforce Development Higher Education Two institutions of higher education are located in Chautauqua County — both within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. SUNY Fredonia is one of the premier schools in the state system and offers one of the most notable and popular performing arts programs.

With 65+ majors and 50+ minors, SUNY Fredonia educates successful leaders, artists, and changemakers in a supportive and inclusive community. With locations in Jamestown and Dunkirk, Jamestown Community College was one of the state’s 昀椀rst community colleges, and offers more than 60 degree and job training certi昀椀cate programs for students of all backgrounds and ages.

The Workforce Development Board, also known as Chautauqua Works, collaborates with area training providers including Jamestown Community College and its Manufacturing Technology Institute (MTI). Several workforce development programs and customized job skills training courses are offered at multiple locations. Programs include customized management and leadership training, social media and computer-related training, welding techniques, continuous improvement methods, training needs analysis, and skills assessment for credentialing needs.

Technical Training In partnership with local school districts, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) provides extended opportunities for special education, as well as career and technical education classes. These include diverse subjects from automotive technology and computer assisted design, to culinary arts and exercise science.

The Manufacturing Technology Institute at Jamestown Community College provides students with highly-skilled training on industry-standard equipment to prepare for manufacturing careers. MTI facilities are on the Jamestown and Cattaraugus County campuses.

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Business Resources Choose CHQ - CCIDA & CCPEG Choose CHQ is the new branding initiative for the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) and its partner organizations, including the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG).

CCIDA’s mission is to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit by attracting new businesses while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. It provides 昀椀nancial and technical assistance to enhance the opportunities for business retention and expansion. CCPEG is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), which launched in 2019, to assist various public and private sector partners from across Chautauqua County with projects associated with economic development. It is the catalyst and broker of resources for communities, municipalities, and organizations working to advance economic prosperity efforts county-wide. Learn more at ChooseCHQ.com.

CHQ Chamber

Chautauqua Works American Job Centers Administered by the Workforce Development Board (WDB), the Chautauqua Works American Job Centers in Dunkirk and Jamestown provide a network of comprehensive services and labor market information for businesses, workers, and job seekers. They offer skills assessment, career guidance, central posting of open jobs, work readiness workshops, access to quali昀椀ed service and training providers, training funding, and referrals to jobs, education, training, and community services.

Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau

CHQ Chamber (formerly the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce) provides a diverse set of services designed to meet the needs of businesses. CHQ Chamber provides services and programming to drive sales to local businesses, connect with peers in the region, provide cost savings solutions for employee bene昀椀ts and human resources compliance, and support economic, tourism, and workforce development initiatives. It also recognizes and celebrates business startups in the county.

The Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau (CCVB) is the of昀椀cial tourism promotion agency for Chautauqua County.

CCVB markets the area’s attractions, visitor experiences, and related amenities to vacationers, touring and getaway travelers, group travelers, and event attendees.

It also provides area tourism-related businesses with several marketing programs designed to bring businesses and tourist guests together. These include a travel guide, TourChautauqua.com website, information center locations, and a year-round calendar of events.

Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier

SUNY Fredonia Center for Innovation & Economic Development

Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier (MAST) is a privately funded organization that has represented the interests of manufacturers in the region since 1900.

MAST provides services and programming that address workforce development, economic and infrastructure development, and cost drivers such as workers’ compensation and health insurance.

Located in Dunkirk, the Center for Innovation & Economic Development (CIED) is a New York State certi昀椀ed business incubator operated by SUNY Fredonia. Formerly called the Fredonia Technology Incubator (FTI), the CIED provides entrepreneurs with access to work-ready space, business consulting, mentoring and training, professional services, assistance with business formation, networking opportunities, and connections to University resources and student interns.

Small Business Development Center at JCC Administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Jamestown Community College works with regional businesses to help them succeed. Since their start in 1986, advisors have worked with over 13,000 businesses, helping them to invest more than $176.5 million into the area’s economy and create or save more than 9,000 jobs. Services are

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con昀椀dential and free of charge. The SBDC can assist in business plan development; packaging loan applications; 昀椀nancial planning including cost analysis and revenue projections; marketing and social media assistance; export and procurement guidance; complying with permit, licensing, and other regulations; productivity enhancement; and supporting the start-up and/or the expansion process for small businesses.

START-UP NY START-UP NY offers new and expanding businesses the opportunity to operate tax-free for 10 years on or near eligible university or college campuses in New York State.

Partnering with these schools gives businesses direct access to advanced research laboratories, development resources, and experts in key industries.

CHQ CHQOSE A LIFE WELL BALANCED Imagine doing business in Chautauqua County — an active, affordable, accessible, naturally beautiful community.

www.CCIDA.com 716.661.8900

Four inland lakes and 50 miles of Lake Erie shoreline offer easy access to boating, swimming, and 昀椀shing.

Chadwick Bay Industrial Park

Mark Geise, Administrative Director/CEO Shelby Bilskie, CFO

Three parcels covering 20+ acres with electric, gas, water, and sewer.

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Lake Erie Wine Country

Marinas & Beaches

Hiking Trails Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails traverse the county’s rural foothills and forests.

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Lake shores and rural landscapes support 17,000 acres of vineyards.

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Ripley Development Site Coming Soon - A 140+ acre, shovel-ready development site in the Town of Ripley with direct access to I-90.

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The summer program of lectures, performances, art, and recreation entertains multiple generations.

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Chautauqua Institution

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Golf Destination

More than a dozen courses offering numerous choices for hitting the links.

Charming Historic Towns Offer high-ranking schools and low-cost housing with architectural diversity.

National Comedy Center The story of comedy lives in Jamestown at the nationally designated center for comedy.

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Peek’n Peak and Chautauqua Harbor Hotel Resorts provide comfort and convenience to recreational and cultural attractions.

Mason Industrial Park 40+ acres with electric, gas, water, and sewer.

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W H AT’ S I N A N A M E? Chautauqua is a Seneca word – most commonly translated as “bag tied in the middle” or “two moccasins tied together” – and used to describe the shape of its namesake lake.

Historically, it refers to an adult education movement in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the Chautauqua Institution, where the movement began. Chautauqua is also Western New York’s largest inland lake and western-most county. Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt was quoted as saying that Chautauqua is “the most American thing in America.”

In 1974, author Robert M. Persig used the term as a philosophical journey in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Today, Chautauqua is renowned as a place for nurturing the mind, body, and spirit – a wellrounded, balanced lifestyle.

For more detailed information, please visit ChooseCHQ.com and LiveCHQ.org or call 716.661.8900