Just outside the Quad Cities region—about 10 miles from Davenport—sits the small Iowa town of Buffalo, right on the shore of the Mississippi River. For those interested in Quad City living, “a lot of people prefer Iowa to Illinois because of taxes, though that can change with elections,” says Sally Johnson, RE/MAX real estate agent with 12 years of experience. And for Buffalo specifically, people are attracted to “its small town and country setting,” says Johnson. Plus, “there is a huge Amazon facility being built in the area, so that’s a draw for employment, in addition to quite a few factories.”
Twentieth-century homes along the Mississippi River
Buffalo streets are dotted with telephone wires and tall, mature trees. Train tracks run parallel to the Mississippi River shoreline. Though the cement plant is in view on the outskirts of town, its operations don’t affect the sights, smells or sounds of daily residential life. Buffalo might not have the busiest real estate market, but there is reasonable variety and affordability. Most homes are between $120,000 and $210,000 but can cost as low as $40,000 for a three-bed, one-bath ranch-style built in 1900. It's not uncommon to see gabled roofs, bay windows and small gardens. Many of the older homes have been renovated and remodeled. Some homes built as recently as 2017 sit on wooded lots in the more rural parts of town. A four-bedroom, one-bathroom Georgian-style home built in 1869 with a 2-car attached garage sold for $203,000 in 2023.
A row of houses near the Buffalo Community Center in Buffalo.
Grassy lawns fill the Buffalo streets.
Single-story homes are common in Buffalo.
Buffalo sits outside the Quad Cities.
1/4
Buffalo Elementary: 5 minutes away
Buffalo Elementary, rated C-plus by Niche, teaches prekindergarten through sixth grade. It is located within Buffalo, so commutes are quick. Walcott Intermediate, located in Walcott, teaches seventh and eighth grade and earns a C. Finally, students may attend West High School in Davenport, which also earns a C-plus. West High School’s Career and Technical Academy addresses pragmatic topics such as finance, manufacturing and health care.
Students can attend Buffalo Elementary.
Buffalo students can attend Walcott for kindergarten through eighth grade.
West High School is near Buffalo.
1/3
Buffalo gathering spots for all seasons
The Buffalo Community Center keeps locals entertained not only with library books and a playground, but also with father-daughter dances, photos with Santa and other events. Additionally, the Buffalo Pumpkin Farm has a popular fall festival and a year-round country market. For more outdoor fun, residents can unwind at Buffalo Shores Park, West Lake Park, West End Park and Marietta Park. West Lake Park is home to multiple lakes and campgrounds. Buffalo Shores Park includes a beach on the shore of the Mississippi.
West End Park includes a playground.
The library of the Buffalo Community Center serves residents of Buffalo.
Locals can explore West Lake in Buffalo.
1/3
Shop in Davenport; dine in Buffalo
As for the grocery store, Buffalo residents must drive into the Quad City area to go to a Hy-Vee. For a meal out in Buffalo, Judy’s Barge Inn and Janie’s Riverview Café offer casual fare and relaxed patio seating.
Locals enjoy the Janie’s Riverview Cafe in Buffalo.
Residents can get lunch at Judy's Barge Inn in Buffalo.
1/2
Quad Cities amenities about 12 miles away
There is no public transit around Buffalo or into the Quad City area, but Buffalo is a bikeable community. It’s under a mile from Buffalo Shores Park Beach to Judy’s Barge Inn; a straight path that can be walked or biked. The main intersection in town is Jefferson and West Front Street. West Front Street runs parallel to the Mississippi River and the train tracks. The nearest Amtrak stop is 57 miles away in Illinois. The nearest general hospital, Trinity Medical Center, is about 15 miles away. To the east, the Quad City area is home to several universities, such as Augustana College, a private university 12 miles away. The nearest airport, Quad City International Airport, is 14 miles away.
Buffalo sit near the Mississippi River.
The Buffalo Pumpkin Farm is near the Buffalo Shores Park in Buffalo.
One of the last remaining buildable lots in the town of Buffalo. This lot has been cleared of all but one tree at the back of the lot which was left for a shade tree. It backs up to city owned land so has some privacy. Utilities at the street. This lot is just waiting for your beautiful home to be built!
Charming Home on an Extra-Large Lot Near the Mississippi River, Out of Flood Zone! Don't miss this adorable 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home in Buffalo, IA, offering small-town charm just minutes from the Mississippi River. Situated on an extra-large lot, this home provides plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. A 15x20 addition (built in 2008) features a fireplace, making it a perfect family room or
Enjoy small town charm in Buffalo, Iowa with a 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bathroom home offering scenic river views, ample parking in a heated and air conditioned 2 car garage and a generous double lot on the corner. Featuring a water tight basement, new furnace and water heater in 2016.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jesse Hammes,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public RecordsDisclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
