Curious what people think. With a population of 13,798, Olean is a small town. Poverty rate is 19.9%, which is higher than I expected. Homes are going for about $90,500 on average. The unemployment rate is 3.9%, which is pretty low. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Any advice would be great. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The city has invested a lot in new development. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
8 upvotes
5 Replies
Reagan Martinez
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 10 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
40 upvotes
Brielle Rivera
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Maple Ridge area are excellent. Kids love it here.
34 upvotes
Naomi
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
31 upvotes
Emmett White
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Tampa it's underrated.
30 upvotes
Aaron Watson
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Thai places. it was the best decision I ever made.
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