First Ward
Suburban Neighborhood in Buffalo, New York
Erie County 14203, 14204, 14210
20th century homes close to neighbors
Built alongside Silo City, First Ward’s home reflects the early 20th century with Shotgun-style homes, duplexes and Victorians with inviting front porches, bay windows and roof dormers. Some are painted in green, blue and yellow, adding a touch of vibrancy to this industrial community. While the front yard space is few and far between, there are sidewalks, driveways and spacious backyards. Some bicentennial homes require a little TLC, starting at $50,000 to $195,000 for well-preserved residences. “Lots of renovations are happening to older homes,” Davis says.
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The weekends come alive at Riverworks
After the brisk winter, with summer comes warmth and more time for kayaking and drinking beer with friends along the banks of the Buffalo River. Visitors and locals alike spend the weekend at Riverworks, hosting everything (almost) under the sun, from roller derby, rock climbing, boating, an arcade, ice skating and an amusement park. With the water comes recreation, Mutual Riverfront Park boasts views of the historic Elevator Alley, while Buffalo River Fest Park draws hundreds for the summer concert series. And when the kids need to burn some steam, Conway Park has big grassy fields with a playground and baseball diamonds. Just across from Silo City, Buffalo Harbor State Park is the city’s first state park, where neighbors come for live tunes, skateboarding, scenic bike rides and fishing for freshwater gar and minnow.
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Students can apply to specialized high schools
Kids may be a part of Buffalo Public Schools, the nearest school being Southside Elementary School or P.S. 93, with a C rating according to Niche, nurturing kindergarten through 8th grade. Students can apply to specialized high schools catering to prospective career pathways. Nearby is P.S. 206, South Park High School, with a B-minus and P.S. 304, Hutchinson Central Technical High School with an A-minus, according to Niche. The technical school hosts various after-school programs in cycling, French and guitar.The Old Neighborhood Parade celebrates Irish heritage
Out of two of Buffalo’s St. Patrick’s Day parades, one of them takes place right here in the First Ward. The oldest in the state and heralded The Old Neighborhood Parade, where thousands flock to experience traditional folk music and express pride for Irish culture. Then there’s The Old First Ward Arts & Heritage Festival, a celebration of the community’s talented artists and musicians. Under a mile from Downtown Buffalo, from iconic annual festivals such as, Taste of Buffalo and Juneteenth of Buffalo.
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Commutes along the Buffalo Skyway
Residents of First Ward benefit from convenient access to the Buffalo Skyway, a bridge hovering over the river and connecting to Downtown Buffalo, though prone to closures due to inclement weather. In the neighborhood, locals access the Erie Canal Harbor station to hop on the light rail operated by NFTA for quick commutes. And downtown, Interstate 190 cuts right through the city. The neighborhood is 3 miles from Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and 12 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
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Get a taste of the neighborhood at Adolf’s Old First Ward Tavern
Tops Friendly Market is available to restock the fridge and The Downtown Country Market is held every Thursday on Main Street. Opening doors in 1934 and reopening in the mid-2010s, Adolf’s Old First Ward Tavern’s motto of “bringing the old neighborhood bar back to the old neighborhood” is an ode to the community’s rich Irish culture. Swannie House, opening in 1886 and Gene McCarthy’s, with a beer garden, are long-standing watering holes for more tastes of Ireland. Locals have a big appreciation for distilleries, and at Resurgence Brewing Company, guests enjoy a curated selection of IPAs, sours and seltzers on tap and signature handhelds. And then there’s Ballyhoo, known for its specialty sausage links. For shopping, Walden Galleria is 8 miles and across the street from Target.
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Written By
Pao Cordero
Photography Contributed By
Stefan Ludwig
Video By
Mike Dunleavy
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Joseph Sciandra
Joseph Sciandra
Responds QuicklyAvant Realty LLC
(716) 271-7606
93 Total Sales
2 in First Ward
$55K - $125K Price Range
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Musa Alamari
Musa Alamari
Howard Hanna WNY Inc.
(716) 403-2842
156 Total Sales
3 in First Ward
$55K - $110K Price Range
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Kamran Mazhar
Kamran Mazhar
Signature Real Estate Services
(929) 552-5464
67 Total Sales
1 in First Ward
$71,000 Price
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David Serota
David Serota
Responds QuicklySerota Real Estate LLC
(716) 671-3079
180 Total Sales
1 in First Ward
$282,000 Price
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Brandi Bashor
BB
Brandi Bashor
Responds QuicklyBuffalo Home Sellers LLC
(848) 301-1768
109 Total Sales
1 in First Ward
$230,000 Price
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Nicholas Giambra
Nicholas Giambra
Responds QuicklyIconic Real Estate
(716) 274-6572
218 Total Sales
1 in First Ward
$170,000 Price
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Private
- 7th to 12th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cathedral Park
- Picnic Area
- Trails
- Playground
Buffalo Harbor State Park
- Fishing
- Trails
- RV Hookup
Buffalo River Fest Park
Buffalo Naval Park
Father Conway Park
Mutual Riverfront Park
Seneca Bluffs Natural Habitat Park
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | First Ward | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 9 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 6 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 7 | 4 |
| Robbery | 7 | 4 |
| Burglary | 5 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 6 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
First Ward Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in First Ward, Buffalo sell after 10 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in First Ward, Buffalo over the last 12 months is $127,500, up 204% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$100,000
Median Sale Price
$127,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$125,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$21,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-6%
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
204%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$95
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
618
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1900
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,253
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,325
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
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$219,000
- 6 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2,920 Sq Ft
- 268 Miami St
- New 13 days ago
Welcome to 268 Miami, a solid multi-family property in the up & coming First Ward neighborhood! This 3/3 double has had updated kitchens & bathrooms in both units, fresh paint, beautiful wood floors & newer vinyl exterior siding. There is a very large, fully fenced yard complete with a concrete patio. Each unit has a bonus mechanical room that can also be used for additional storage & or living
Jill McMahon HUNT Real Estate Corporation
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$70,000
- 3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,325 Sq Ft
- 98 Tennessee St
- New 30 days ago
Don’t miss your chance to finish what’s already been started at 98 Tennessee Street. This property has been completely gutted to the studs and features a newer roof and framed interior, providing a solid head start for your next project. Located in the rapidly developing First Ward, just minutes from downtown, the waterfront, and Larkinville, this is a prime opportunity to add value in a
Brandon Kmiotek HUNT Real Estate Corporation
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$21,000
- Land
- 2,613 Sq Ft Lot
- 179 Mackinaw St
Buildable residential lot in the Old First Ward. Nice neighborhood close to the grain silos, the Buffalo River, Father Conway Park and the 190 Expressway.
Bob Meredith Gurney Becker & Bourne
Homes for Rent
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$1,000 per month
- 2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 4,062 Sq Ft
- 200 Mackinaw St
- Buffalo, NY
First floor unit with 2 bd rooms, laundry hook ups. Freshly painted, new carpet, remodeled bathroom. Walking distance to downtown Buffalo.
Michael Algawani Queen City Realty Group LLC
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,345
Median Age
41
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$26,760
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$48,322
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.6%
College Graduates
20.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.9%
% Population in Labor Force
51.9%
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
Bikeable
Bike Score®
64
/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
53
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Ellicott
Up-and-coming neighborhood within a short drive to downtown and Buffalo River
Seneca Babcock
Neighborhood mixed with residential and converted industrial buildings
Downtown Buffalo
A growing condo market in Buffalo's business and entertainment district
Columbus
Columbus has amenities and access to downtown within walking distance
Hopkins-Tifft
A southside neighborhood with a mix of rehabbed housing and natural preservation
Valley
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Buffalo, and once a booming industrial district
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