What's Happening in Jamestown? (Binghamton, Chautauqua: real estate, houses, movie theater)

[madcook]

I spent summers on Chautauqua Lake as a teenager in the 1960's and always loved going to Jamestown where there was a department store (Bigelows), a great movie theater, and lots of small owner-occupied shops. Have since lived in NYC. My husband and I have been looking at the real estate ads and can't believe how inexpensive the houses are there--many listed for under $30,000. What is the city like today?

[EugeneBKLYN]

From what I hear, it's depressing (economically and otherwise).
It's turning into the Binghamton of WNY.

[Hadassah59]

I grew up in a rural town in Chautauqua County. Last I visited was a year ago, it changed some, but the beauty is still there. Chautauqua Institution isn't the same as it was in 1960's, but it is still a beautiful country there. Sadly, it changed since 20 years ago.