Opportunity

JTN • Y • NOT?

Opportunity Awaits

A community where opportunity, affordability, and quality of life converge.

Why Jamestown?

Competitive Cost of Living
Strategic Proximity to Major U.S. and Canadian Markets
Reliable Municipal Utilities with Long-Term Cost Stability
Strong Educational Institutions and Workforce Pathways
Robust Healthcare Infrastructure
A Community-Sized City with Metropolitan Access and Economic Runway

In today’s high-demand economy, people and businesses seek environments that enable productivity, stability, and work-life alignment. Jamestown delivers on all three. Here, individuals find room to grow, families find room to thrive, and employers find room to invest. Jamestown offers the accessibility of a regional hub, the livability of a small city, and the economic value that modern workers and organizations demand.

Strategic Location. Regional Connectivity. Expansive Reach.

Jamestown is the largest city in Chautauqua County and serves as a gateway to Southwestern New York’s economic corridor. Its location offers direct access to major U.S. and Canadian markets—1.5 hours from Buffalo, 2.5 hours from Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and 3 hours from Toronto—positioning Jamestown as a cost-effective, well-connected base for businesses, commuters, and remote workers alike.

Learn More: Live CHQ

Learn More: Choose CHQ

Cost Advantage + Quality of Life: A Competitive Mix

Jamestown’s housing market provides a distinctive economic advantage. At a time when housing affordability is a barrier in most U.S. markets, Jamestown offers price points that expand opportunity for first-time buyers, remote workers, young professionals, and businesses looking to relocate talent. The city’s residential landscape ranges from historic homes with character to modern developments with customization potential, offering options for every lifestyle and investment strategy.

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Jamestown also provides a fully integrated, municipally managed utility system—an uncommon advantage nationwide. The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities (BPU) delivers electric service, district heat, water, wastewater, solid waste, and recycling at competitive rates, with community fiber coming online in 2026. The Samuel A. Carlson Electric Generating Station—one of the oldest and most efficient municipal power plants in the country—anchors this reliable network. For residents and employers, this means predictable costs, system stability, and long-term dependability.

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A Strong Environment for Families & Workforce Growth

Jamestown provides an ecosystem that supports talent development from early childhood through collegiate achievement. Jamestown Public Schools serves approximately 4,500 students and is recognized for high-quality academics, substantial arts programming, and competitive athletics. The district’s 30+ college-credit opportunities and 11 AP courses position students for strong postsecondary outcomes.

Jamestown Public Schools

Jamestown Community College—the first locally sponsored public community college in the SUNY system—extends those opportunities by offering accessible pathways in emerging fields, workforce-aligned programs, and strong transfer partnerships. Approximately 2,000 students enroll annually in 35 degree programs and 22 certificate options, creating a pipeline of skilled, locally trained talent.

Jamestown Community College

High-Quality, Accessible Healthcare Anchoring the Region

UPMC Chautauqua, a 277-bed nonprofit hospital within the nationally recognized UPMC system, is the region’s primary healthcare provider. With more than 15 specialties and multiple locations, the hospital blends local accessibility with major-system clinical capability—an asset that supports both population health and economic resilience.

UPMC Chautauqua

From Comedy to Classics: Jamestown’s Cultural Scene

Jamestown offers a vibrant mix of arts, culture, and recreation that enriches daily life for residents and attracts visitors from across the region. The city is home to the National Comedy Center, Lucy Desi Museum, the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Lucille Ball Little Theatre, Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Robert H. Jackson Center, and more—each contributing to a dynamic cultural ecosystem.

National Comedy Center

Lucy Desi Museum

Reg Lenna Center for the Arts

Lucille Ball Little Theatre

Roger Tory Peterson Institute

Robert H. Jackson Center

Recreation & Leisure: Enjoy Life in Jamestown

Jamestown offers an active, accessible lifestyle anchored by water, parks, arts, and wellness. From river recreation and bike paths to creative studios, cultural spaces, and year-round programming, residents have meaningful ways to engage, recharge, and stay connected. Whether the focus is outdoor adventure, fitness, artistic expression, or quiet reflection, Jamestown provides opportunities that support both energy and balance.

Northwest Arena – Ice Skating, Curling, Ice Bumper Cars
Jamestown Bike Path & Riverwalk
Lawson Boat & Motor – Pontoon Rentals
Chautauqua Belle – Historic Lake Cruises
Bergman Park – Disc Golf, Basketball Court, Volleyball
JTNY Power House Skatepark
Jackson-Taylor & Allen Park – Splash Pads

McCrea Point Park – Boat & Kayak Launch, Fishing Access
Roseland Park – Paddleball & Baseball Fields
Pearl City Clay House – Art & Pottery Classes
Lotus Healing Center – Wellness & Fitness
Solt Spa – Float Therapy & Relaxation
Sukanya Burman Dance – Dance Programs
James Prendergast Library – Community Programs & Collections

Savor the Pearl City: A Culinary Adventure Awaits

Jamestown’s culinary scene reflects Western New York tradition with strong local character. Signature favorites include crispy chicken wings served with house-made bleu cheese, thin and thick-crust pizza staples, and the region’s classic beef on weck served on salted Kimmelweck rolls. Local institutions like AJ’s Texas Hots have built a following around their signature hot sauce, while longtime staples such as Ecklof’s Bakery and Farm Fresh Foods continue to deliver beloved Pink Stripe Cookies and fresh donuts that generations of residents have grown up with. From neighborhood taverns and family diners to craft breweries and elevated dining rooms, Jamestown offers depth, flavor, and authenticity.

Local Favorites & Pub Fare – The Pub, Wicked Warren’s, Shawbucks, 2 Gingers Inn, Raven & Rune, 4 Below Haggy’s, The Cherry Lounge
Coffee & Cafés – Crown Street Roasting, Solt Café, HotSpot Café, Labyrinth Press Company & Brazil
Breakfast & Lunch – Lisciandro’s, Ecklof’s Bakery, The Eatery, Phil-n-Cindy’s
Pizza Staples – Pace’s, Lena’s, Honest John’s, Pizza Express
Elevated Dining – Landmark, Encore, The Chop House on Main
Explore More Dining Options –The Taco Company, Sauce, Fifties Grill & Dairy, La Cucina Della Nonna, Pearl City Hops

From Global Industry to Global Influence

Jamestown’s impact extends far beyond its size. Known historically as the “Furniture Capital of the World,” the city built a global reputation for craftsmanship and manufacturing excellence. The Crescent wrench — a tool recognized in households across the country — was developed here, reflecting the innovation that has long defined the community.

Jamestown has also produced leaders of national and international influence. Supreme Court Justice and Nuremberg Chief Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson helped shape modern international law. Reuben Fenton served as Congressman, United States Senator, and Governor of New York. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell leads one of the most influential professional sports organizations in the world.

As the birthplace of Lucille Ball and the home of the National Comedy Center, Jamestown holds a permanent place in American cultural history. The city is also the hometown of Roger Tory Peterson, whose groundbreaking work transformed conservation and environmental education worldwide.

Strong Swedish and Italian heritage remains visible throughout the community today, reflected in neighborhoods, architecture, traditions, and civic life. Jamestown’s history is not simply something to celebrate — it continues to shape a community defined by resilience, creativity, and forward momentum.

A Championship Tradition: Baseball in Jamestown

Jamestown’s connection to baseball runs deep — rooted in community pride, national competition, and generations of summer nights at the ballpark. In 1980, Jamestown hosted the very first Babe Ruth World Series, establishing a legacy that continues today. In 2025, the city marked the 45th anniversary of that inaugural championship — a milestone that underscores Jamestown’s long-standing role in national tournament play.

Since that first event, Jamestown has proudly hosted the Babe Ruth World Series 20 times, welcoming teams and families from across the United States and around the globe. These tournaments have placed Jamestown on the national stage, reinforcing its reputation as a community capable of delivering first-class events with hometown hospitality.

Jamestown Tarp Skunks