Characterized by towering high-rises and historic city buildings, Downtown Buffalo is primarily a business district. It doesn't have the same neighborhood vibe as places like Allentown or West Side, as downtown tends to empty out when commuters head home. However, a network of buses and a high-speed metro rail keep locals feeling connected, and many choose to settle here to be within walking distance to work. Within the last couple of years, downtown has gained a grocery store, a modernized public transit system, and a considerable influx of apartments that bring a growing sense of community. It's becoming a place where Buffalonians are excited to work, play and — increasingly — live.
Misuta Chows in Downtown Buffalo offers Japanese street food and has an arcade upstairs.
OSB Ciderworks in Downtown Buffalo has board games and a retro arcade corner.
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Front seats to Buffalo's best entertainment
Downtown is a destination at one point or another for everyone who lives in Buffalo — but permanent residents get front seats to all the action. Yearly celebrations like the Saint Patrick's Day Parade or Taste of Buffalo festival draw huge crowds, and summer Thursdays come alive with a farmers' market. All year round, breweries host trivia nights, and The Buffalo Theatre District, home to the historic Shea's Theater, has a variety of live performances by nationally recognized talent. Sports fans support the Buffalo Bisons at Sahlen Field or get rowdy at a Buffalo Sabres hockey game in the KeyBank Center, which is also a major concert venue. And with affordable events and programs all year round, the waterfront Canalside area is growing into one of the most vibrant destinations in the city.
You can usually find plenty of dogs in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Buffalo.
42 North Brewing opened their second location on Main Street in Downtown Buffalo in 2024.
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An influx of local businesses to fill in the gaps
Downtown Buffalo has always been a destination for a night on the town, but there's a lack of substantial retail and amenities for those living there. Residents rejoiced when Braymiller Market finally brought fresh groceries to the downtown area in 2021, but bigger brand options are still a drive away. With an influx of new living units, more local businesses are popping up to meet residential needs. Take, for example, Hounds & Hops — a combination brewery and dog care service with plans to expand into the city's largest indoor and outdoor dog park. Co-founders Jarod Miller and Bob Manley wanted to create a spot where city dogs could have space to run loose, even in Buffalo's cold winters. "It's going to be like dog wonderland," Miller says. "And downtown Buffalo is the perfect place to do it — it's so vibrant, and there's a real sense of community support for local businesses."
Braymiller Market is one of the few grocers in Downtown Buffalo.
Wurlitzer Flats are some of the newest addition to the Downtown Buffalo luxury apartments.
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Preserving Buffalo history along the Heritage Corridor
The Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor is a local organization that preserves the city's history and culture along a stretch of Michigan Avenue. Among many destinations along the corridor, The Colored Musicians Club & Jazz Museum celebrates Buffalo's rich musical past, and just across the street, the Michigan Street Baptist Church was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Terry Alford, Executive Director for the organization, says: "People come to The Corridor to really experience its history." Alford is among many locals with grand visions and plans for the downtown district. "We hope that when people come back in five years, they'll see it drastically changed from what it looks like today," he says. "Downtown attracts people who want to see new things being developed, like Canalside."
Downtown Buffalo is home to The African American Heritage Corridor.
The Erie Canal historically started right here which made Buffalo grow rapidly around 1900.
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Condo living: from historic to modern
Apartments dominate downtown, with 93% of residents renting. But for those looking to buy, the burgeoning condo market offers a low-maintenance, amenity-rich lifestyle. Prices start around $200,000 for condos in historic buildings from the 1800s, getting up to $450,000 for buildings from the 1990s. Modern glass structures with attached hotels and offices, like The Avant, have units from $500,000 to $800,000. Condos also come with associated monthly fees, ranging from $300 to over $1,000. "Downtown Buffalo has received tons of big investment money from outside the area, so there isn't a huge opportunity for owner-occupied residential housing," says Nicholas Giambra, an associate broker at Keller Williams Realty WNY. "But as investors repurpose a lot of the buildings, the commercial market is picking up, and the housing component is the next phase of downtown development."
Residents in Downtown Buffalo can choose high end apartments as their home of choice.
The Glenny Building in Downtown Buffalo has condos in an historic building,
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Walkable to diverse vocational high schools
Buffalo Public Schools prioritizes choice, so parents and their children can apply to any school within the district. Kids in kindergarten through eighth grade could walk to the nearby PS 95 Waterfront Elementary School, which receives a C from Niche. Also walkable is PS 304 Hutchinson Central Technical, which has a high A-minus grade and is ranked as the most diverse high school in New York by Niche. The vocational high school PS 302 Emmerson School of Hospitality and PS 355 The New Buffalo School of Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management are also located downtown.
Waterfront Elementary School is right situated right next to Lake Erie.
Hutchinson Central Technical High School serves students in the local community.
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Sources of community support
Downtown Buffalo has a CAP Index Crime Score of 10 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. In 2023, the Buffalo Police Department began to increase police presence in violent-prone areas based on real-time data, which they believe was the main factor in homicide rates dropping by 44% in that year. Several non-profit organizations centered around the downtown and East Side neighborhoods are also working to make the city safer. Most Valued Parents offers youth programs, and Buffalo SNUG works to reduce gun violence.
Large freight boats can often be watched from Canalside in Downtown Buffalo.
The Buffalo Lighthouse is a popular attraction in Downtown Buffalo.
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Welcome to the Condos at the HUB. Centrally located and walking distance to Sahlens Field, Keybank Center, Canalside, The Casino, and much more. The Hub perfectly blends Modern and old Buffalo Charm. Secure gated parking with a spacious storage locker will be included in the sale. 50 fully renovated units available for sale with various layouts. 1 and 2 bedroom units available. Roof deck with 360
Top floor unit in the coveted Avant Building is now available! Unit 1604; offering fresh paint throughout, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a balcony, a loft and simply exquisite views of the city. As you enter you'll be greeted by an open concept, tall ceilings, hardwood floors and beautiful natural light. In the kitchen are stainless steel appliances and a dining area overlooking the downtown
Welcome to the Condos at the HUB. Centrally located and walking distance to Sahlens Field, Keybank Center, Canalside, The Casino, and much more. The Hub perfectly blends Modern and old Buffalo Charm. Secure gated parking with a spacious storage locker will be included in the sale. 50 fully renovated units available for sale with various layouts. 1 and 2 bedroom units available. Roof deck with 360
Welcome to Unit 1501 at The Avant, an extraordinary residence in Buffalo’s premier luxury condominium building. Perched on the 15th floor, this expansive three bedroom, three and a half bath home offers over 3,100 square feet of impeccably designed living space, showcasing sweeping panoramic views of Lake Erie, downtown Buffalo and beyond. From your private outdoor balcony, enjoy front row seats
The Police Apartments feature 114 modern units, including studios, one, and two bedroom layouts. Located in the heart of downtown Buffalo and just a short walk to the waterfront, our community offers the perfect balance of city convenience and peaceful living. Enjoy premium amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, in-unit washer and dryer, complimentary dry-cleaning pick-up and drop-off, and
CITY CENTREModern 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Furnished Condo in Buffalo’s Theater DistrictDiscover urban living at its finest in this fully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo located in the heart of Buffalo’s vibrant Theater District. Situated on the 7th floor, this unit offers beautiful city views and is just steps away from premier dining, shopping, and entertainment
Welcome to Vistas at Avant, offering premium furnished apartments in Buffalo's Central Business District. Located within the prestigious Avant - home to the Embassy Suites hotel, luxury condominiums, Class A office space, and the acclaimed Bella Ciao restaurant - our fully furnished apartments provide the perfect blend of modern style and everyday convenience.Each apartment is
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,008
Median Age
37
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
9.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$56,599
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$86,273
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.2%
College Graduates
51.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.1%
% Population in Labor Force
55.2%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
188''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
88/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
81/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
65/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: 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.
