Western New York
Olean, New York
City in Cattaraugus County
The commercial center of the Enchanted Mountains
Olean is a city in Cattaraugus County on the Allegheny River, the largest city in the county and its commercial hub. It sits near the Allegheny foothills and Allegany State Park.
History & Local Character
Olean grew as a lumber, oil and manufacturing city in the 19th century, with refineries and rail connections along the Allegheny. Its downtown retains early-20th-century commercial buildings.
Housing & Real Estate
Housing includes Victorians, duplexes and apartments, with low prices and some vacant properties.
Restaurants & Shopping
North Union Street and Main Street hold pizzerias, diners, Italian and American restaurants and bakeries.
Schools & Education
Olean City School District serves the city, with St. Bonaventure University just to the north.
Parks & Recreation
The Allegheny River, War Vets Park and nearby Allegany State Park provide trails, fishing and camping.
Transportation & Accessibility
I-86, Route 16 and Route 417 serve the city, with Buffalo about 80 minutes north.
Local Businesses
Restaurants, shops, manufacturers, healthcare practices and contractors serve the city and surrounding towns.
No businesses are listed in Olean yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Allegany State Park
- St. Bonaventure University
- Allegheny River
- Rock City Park
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Low housing costs
- Access to Allegany State Park
- Regional commercial center
Considerations
- Limited job growth
- Population decline
- Older infrastructure
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Olean a city?
Yes. Olean is a city in Cattaraugus County, on the Allegheny River.
Is Olean near Allegany State Park?
Yes. The park entrance is a short drive south of the city.