The Village of Angola, located in the Town of Evans in southwestern Erie County, sits just 22 miles from Buffalo—Erie County’s economic and population hub. Known as a charming waterfront cottage community, Angola draws seasonal visitors seeking lakefront recreation from the various beaches and parks along Lake Erie and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Despite the area’s popularity in the summer months, the Village has yet to fully harness its waterfront assets to support year-round economic growth and vibrancy.

With a $4.5 million award from New York State’s NY Forward program, Angola is poised to transform its downtown into a vibrant center of activity for both residents and visitors. Building on a wave of recent investment, including the restoration of the historic Angola Theater, the adaptive reuse of the former Town Hall, and the creation of the Peaceful SOUL Farmers Market, the Village is working to establish a more robust mix of dining, retail, events, and services. Additional recent investment such as planned housing developments, a new pocket park, and recreation amenities like a pickleball court further contribute to Angola’s revitalization momentum. The NY Forward investment will accelerate these efforts and help create a thriving, inclusive downtown that reflects the community’s unique character and long-term vision.