Olean, NY Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Olean, NY: What You Need to Know

Olean (pronounced OH-lee-an) is located where the Olean Creek meets the Allegheny River in western New York. It’s the largest city in Cattaraugus County and the county’s business hub.

Job Opportunities in Olean, NY

Olean is part of the Southern Tier region of New York State, composed of eight counties. The region is known for its advanced manufacturing, health care, engineering, and agriculture industries. In Olean itself, major employers include Dresser-Rand/Siemens Company (engineering and manufacturing), Cutco Corp. (cutlery manufacturer), Eaton Cooper Power Systems (electrical equipment and components), and SolEpoxy (epoxy molding compounds).

Cost of Living in Olean, NY

The Empire State is one of America’s most expensive states to live in. The good news – Olean, home to 13,437 people, is an exception. The city’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 11.7%, 23%, and 35.4% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent is $648. New York collects a progressive income tax rate of 4% to 8.82%. It levies 4% to 8.875% in sales tax.

What Does Olean Mean?

The name stemmed from the Latin word oleum, meaning oil. It was coined by Adam Hoops, an agent of the Holland Land Company, which bought the acreage that became Olean. The city was formed in 1808 and incorporated in 1893. Native Americans discovered oil in the area, which they called Seneca oil, and used it for medicinal purposes. In 1874, J. H. Dills established the Olean Petroleum Company and constructed a pipeline that pumped oil from Olean to New York City. The 19th-century oil boom in Olean eventually declined due to fires and problems with production techniques.

What are the Popular Attractions in Olean, NY?

The Allegany State Park, 17 miles from Olean, attracts locals and visitors alike. It features five miles of paved hiking and biking paths and a sandy beach for swimming. In the winter, the park is ideal for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park has 125 campsites and 144 cabins, most of them winterized. If you like fishing, you can make Olean your base for exploring popular fishing spots in the area such as Ischua Creek, Cattaraugus Creek, Mansfield Creek, Case Lake, and Harwood Lake.

Does Olean, NY, Get a Lot of Snow?

Yes. If you’re moving to Olean, you can expect about 76 inches of snow annually, a lot more than the national average of 28 inches.  On Feb. 2, 2005, Olean received 16 inches of snow, quite a bit even by western New York standards. The city gets about 43 inches of rain per year versus the U.S. average of 38 inches.