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 and raised in Buffalo and first visited Chautauqua County in 2011. At the time, she started visiting the area when she began dating her now-husband, Chuck. Monica, now Partner Engagement Coordinator at the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth and the co-chair and founder of CHQ Professionals (formerly Northern Chautauqua County Young Professionals), said she is thrilled she and her family now reside in the more rural area of Chautauqua County.
“We both worked at the University of New York at Buffalo and bought a house in the city of Tonawanda where we lived for three years,” she said. “Chuck, originally from the Chautauqua County village of Brocton, longed to return to the area. We moved to Forestville in the summer of 2015, and I quickly understood his desire to be back in such a beautiful, spacious area.”Prior to moving to the county, Monica had lived in Buffalo, Kenmore, Amherst and Tonawanda. Outside of Western New York, she also lived in Allentown, Pa. And San Antonio, Texas, but soon returned to Buffalo. While big-city living has its perks, she said there is something to be said for a smaller-town vibe.
“While I enjoyed city living, moving to Chautauqua County to start a family was the best decision,” she said. “The fresh air, kind people, and open spaces make rural living unbeatable. It feels like camping every day, surrounded by trees and nature. The friendliness and warmth of the people here are unparalleled.”
While there may not be miles of malls or city blocks chock full of chain stores and restaurants, Monica said small-town charm and small businesses make up for the hustle and bustle of a big city.
“Chautauqua County offers a better quality of life; our paycheck stretches further, allowing us to live a bigger lifestyle,” Monica said. “Our 2017 wedding at Dunkirk Lighthouse was filled with handmade items from local artisans for everything from catering, custom outfits for her dogs, to flower girl dresses. The people here are the salt of the earth, and lots have side businesses that handcraft beautiful things.”
The friendliness of the people here is one of the major draws of Chautauqua County. When living in a big city, she missed the local mom-and-pop restaurants, coffee shops, and the Western New York tradition of saying “Hi” to strangers.
However, the scenery is also high on her list of reasons Monica enjoys living here.
“I was captivated by the natural beauty, outdoor amenities, and welcoming community,” she said. “We have more time to enjoy our lives and family here, with an excellent work-life balance. My commute in Buffalo used to be 30-60 minutes in traffic each way. Now, I drive 12 minutes through beautiful grape vineyards, passing only one stoplight. This newfound time allows me to pursue hobbies like growing fruits and vegetables, hiking, canning, paddleboarding, snowmobiling, and four-wheeling.”
“On top of the beauty and extra time, I have been given the opportunity to have a career with flexibility and growth opportunities. I started a professional group – CHQ Professionals Group, served on many Boards, joined the Chamber of Commerce, and made a significant impact in my County. I can develop new ideas and run with it. I work on a great team with people who are as passionate as me. We’ve started an ambassador program so we can have more positive voices in our County,” Simpson said, adding, “I love working so close to Lake Erie in the Dunkirk Historic Business District. Dunkirk is such a great place to work from. You’ll find her at lunch spots Off the Hook and Duper’s.”
Monica said she and her husband love to take their children, Vera and Charles, to local beaches and parks in the summertime, including Wright Park and Sunset Bay.
“These beaches are accessible and well-maintained,” she said. “The Beach House Grill at Wright Park in Dunkirk is a favorite with its beach, outdoor shower, splash pad, volleyball and pickle ball courts, skate park, playground, restaurant, and ice cream shop. It’s a safe, fun place where children can enjoy various activities while we relax. Cabana Sam’s at Sunset Bay is another family-friendly spot where our kids can play in the sand while we finish our meal, and then we all dip our toes in the lake and build sandcastles. We take our boat out on Lake Erie launching from Bart’s Cove Marina. You can’t beat the atmosphere there!”
In the autumn, she switches gears to enjoy hiking and other fun fall-themed festivities.
“Fall is a magical time here,” she said. “Friends from Buffalo visit, and we explore Amish markets for pumpkins and fall décor, hike at the Luensman Overlook, and enjoy activities at Harvest View Greenhouse. The zombie hayride paintball is a unique and thrilling experience. These activities have become beloved traditions for us and our friends. We love the new CHQ Trails maps to explore new trails, I especially love our little trail in Forestville which is great for toddlers.”
Despite various experiences in larger metropolitan areas, Monica said she is glad to have settled down in Chautauqua County. She said the area offers experiences that can’t be found elsewhere.
“Watching hundreds of fireflies hatch in our backyard, enjoying huge bonfires, and stargazing from our hot tub is like reconnecting with childhood,” she said. “Since moving here, I’ve made it my mission to spend more time outdoors, and Chautauqua County is an outdoor mecca that has enriched our lives in countless ways. I cherish the unique experiences and community spirit of Chautauqua County, finding it an ideal place to raise a family and enjoy nature.”
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