Our Residents Are Our Greatest Asset
The residents of Chautauqua County are the fabric of their community and include a wide and diverse group of people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Don’t believe us? Find out for yourself!
If you visit the hamlet of Lily Dale in search of a cup of coffee or a sweet treat, you’ll probably find Stacy Schuerman (right) and her spouse, Michele Shull (left), serving up delightful cups of java and a warm and welcoming environment at the Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse. Stacy and Michele once called Wisconsin and Pennsylvania home, respectively, but have found their place together in Lily Dale.
Chautauqua County resident Monica Simpson lives in Forestville, but had never heard of it until she moved to the small community about ten minutes to the southeast of Dunkirk.
Monica was born ...
Erica Rose first visited Chautauqua County in 2008 - and found herself drawn back here after finishing college. Erica is a social media management and marketing strategist and also brings her ...
After relocating due to an employment opportunity for her partner, Staunzie Grady said she fell in love with her new found home in Westfield, near the shores of Lake Erie. Staunzie came to ...
While Falconer is a small village, it lays claim to a community of movers and shakers in Chautauqua County, including Stephanie Nick, who currently works as Chautauqua County Department of ...
Natalie Langworthy is a Chautauqua County native who’s lived in various areas across the country, but decided to return to her roots because she wanted to raise her daughter here. Natalie, a licensed massage therapist, said she remembers her childhood fondly and wanted to “raise her where I grew up.” Natalie is also a cat owner and is the proud owner of two felines, Princess Peach and Cumulo Nimbus.
For some people, Chautauqua County is a vacation destination filled with opportunities for outdoor fun, local attractions and exciting culinary experiences. Others have been born and raised ...
“I thought Fredonia was the sweetest little village. I always say that it's the epitome of a Hallmark movie - the gazebo in the park, Village Hall, the storefronts, it's all just the perfect backdrop and you feel good being surrounded by it. That's something that has always stayed with me."
“My first impressions of the county is that it was beautiful, but the ruralness was a shock after being raised and going to college in more metro areas.... While we might not have everything that more urban areas offer, I enjoy the richness of life that is possible here."
“I love the fact I can walk down 4th Street in Jamestown and wave at (and hug) people I know and respect. Everyone here is so special and talented. This community embraced me and lets me be genuine and to me that is invaluable."
Dominican Republic Native and Professional Firefighter Puts Down Roots in Southern Chautauqua County
“I lived in New York City for several years... Living in Jamestown was a BIG change for me – slower pace, less noisy, no traffic. There’s more grass, woods, and lakes, and the surrounding areas around Jamestown offer hunting opportunities. I never heard about hunting deer before! There’s also fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the Conewango River, four-wheeling, bonfires with my neighbors, and more. I was introduced to a new world after living in the city. I love how laid back it is!”
“It’s location to the rest of the east coast is very central. Upstate New York has so much to travel to and do. The abundance of locally grown produce and locally farmed meat and chicken offers some great choices. The local food is also very affordable here. I value the great sense of community and safety in this area.”