Buffalo is a tight-knit community amid the quiet prairie
Buffalo gets its name from a bison skull marker that was put up by one of the area’s early settlers. Today, this city offers quiet prairie surroundings and an engaged community of over 3,000 people. “Buffalo is a very tight-knit community,” says Kacie Covert, manager of Chrysler Commons, a wedding and events venue. “We’re a community that steps up to support our local families, our schools and our businesses.” People also come to Buffalo for its affordability, shops, attractions and conveniently located schools. “I would definitely say we have a reasonable cost of living, which makes it easier for families to grow,” Covert says. “Then, I would also add in our school system. I personally drop off at three different schools, and I’m done in 15 to 20 minutes in the morning.”
Buyers will find ranch-style homes, bungalows and Cape Cods
Homes here are along many narrow roads with no sidewalks. Groups of mature trees also surround homes in some parts of the city. The rural area around the city offers more space, and some homes there neighbor fields dotted with livestock. The area has many ranch-style homes, Craftsman bungalows and Cape Cods. Homes mainly sell from about $110,000 to $300,000, depending on square footage and acreage. Costs run between $320,000 and $460,000 for a few homes that are built after 2020 or have lots that are well over 1 acre. The area’s single-family home costs are lower than those in a few nearby cities. Buffalo’s median sale price for single-family homes is about $200,000 less than Bolivar’s. Also, just under half of Buffalo rents.
Dining options include Tex-Mex and downhome cooking
Expresso Company No. 825 is a popular stop for coffee and to-go breakfasts. Los Hermanos Mexican Restaurant is the community’s go-to spot for Tex-Mex. Southern Fried Kitchen is a casual, music-themed restaurant serving burgers, sandwiches and comfort foods. The items covering the restaurant’s tin walls include large vinyl discs and portraits of Elvis Presley. The city has a Woods Supermarket and Walmart for grocery and retail shopping. Locally-owned shops include Market 116, a staple for home goods. “We have people traveling from all over to shop there, especially during the holidays,” Covert says. “It’s my go-to for gifts.” In 2022, the city welcomed the Twin Crescent Drive-In movie theater.
Students may attend Dallas County schools
Students may start at Mallory Elementary, which gets a C-plus from Niche. They may then go to Buffalo Prairie Middle and Buffalo High, both of which receive C grades. The district also has the Dallas County Technical Center for students interested in trades. The facility offers courses in fields like welding and cybersecurity. Students in the latter program may learn about cloud computing and game design. Businesses here also regularly provide funds to buy snacks and hygiene products for students in need. “A lot of our businesses go above and beyond for our schools,” Covert says.
City has a few parks and a YMCA
Buffalo’s recreational spots range from community parks to indoor sports facilities. Buffalo City Park has a walking trail and some tree-shaded spaces. During the summer, many come to the park to swim and cool off at the city pool. Dallas Community Park has soccer and basketball fields, a basketball court and a playground with bars, swings and a jungle gym. There’s also a skatepark and an open field often visited by dog owners and their pets. The Dallas County Area YMCA facilities include another pool and areas for cardio and weight training.
Celtic festival is a tradition
Buffalo’s recreational spots range from community parks to indoor sports facilities. Buffalo City Park has a walking trail and some tree-shaded spaces. During the summer, many come to the park to swim and cool off at the city pool. Dallas Community Park has soccer and basketball fields, a basketball court and a playground with bars, swings and a jungle gym. There’s also a skatepark and an open field often visited by dog owners and their pets. The Dallas County Area YMCA facilities include another pool and areas for cardio and weight training.
Commuters have access to national and state highways
U.S. Highway 65 passes through Buffalo and goes directly to Springfield, less than 40 miles south. The Springfield-Branson National Airport is the nearest hub for commercial flights. Missouri Route 32 also runs through the city and goes to cities like Bolivar, nearly 20 miles west. Bolivar has the 86-bed Citizens Memorial Hospital, one of the nearest acute care facilities.
