Hamlin Park Historic District

The Hamlin Park Historic District has an allure that captured generations past and continues to attract to this day. The stylish, well-preserved turn-of-the-20th-century houses here are a draw, as is the neighborhood’s location, near Canisius College and multiple medical centers. “It’s just the actual character of Hamlin Park,” says local Realtor Andrew Scott of Scott Realty Group. “Buffalo is one of the oldest cities in America. Being that, many of these houses are built in the 1890s. You see these cobblestone roads. You see builds that you’ve never seen before.”

There are quite a few houses in Hamlin Park Historic District built a bit earlier than the 1890s, too, plus many more built at the beginning of the 20th century. Many of these homes have Victorian and Craftsman styling, and facades in an array of colors. Take a peek closer, and the craftsmanship of the era will shine even closer. “You’ll see the woodwork, you’ll see the inlays of the wood,” Scott says. These homes maintain a uniform look, too, Scott says, thanks in part to the neighborhood’s protected status as a local, state and national historic district, which limits the types of alterations that can be made. Hamlin Park Historic District includes a mix of single and multifamily layouts, and all are generally well-kept, and streets lined with sidewalks and trees. These homes range anywhere from about 1,000 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet. A house in good shape here typically sells for a price in the $225,000 range.

This neighborhood is convenient for members of the Canisius College community — the campus is a short walk away from the homes. This private college, which has some 300 faculty members and roughly 2,500 students, is in the Top 25 of U.S. News’ list of schools in the northern region. Hamlin Park Historic District is also just minutes from both the Sisters of Charity Hospital and the ECMC Health Campus, which have well over 1,000 beds combined.

Children in Hamlin Park Historic District have quick access to one of the best schools in the state, too. City Honors School is a short drive away, a 5th to 12th-grade institution that Niche ranks No. 2 on its list of the best magnet high schools in New York. This school is known in part for its International Baccalaureate program; it offers both the middle years level for students in Grades 5 to 10 and the diploma program for Grades 11 and 12. P.S. 074 Hamlin Park Claude & Ouida Clapp Academy is a neighborhood school within walking distance for kids in prekindergarten through eighth grade, and one with a student-teacher ratio of just about 10-to-1.

Hamlin Park Historic District residents of all ages can enjoy nearby Delaware Park on a day off from work or school. Delaware Park stretches a whopping 350 acres and is known in part for who it was designed by: Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of New York City’s Central Park, too. The expansive Hoyt Lake is a signature feature of Delaware Park. You can immerse yourself in the sights here by taking a rowboat ride down the lake, or by grabbing a bite to eat at the adjacent Terrace at Delaware Park restaurant, whose brunch is particularly popular, with dishes ranging from red velvet waffles to the Nashville chicken po’boy. The Terrace at Delaware Park proclaims to have the best patio in Buffalo. Buffalo Spree magazine backs this up, naming The Terrace at Delaware Park the spot with the best views for dining in its annual Best of Western New York awards.

Or head down Northland Avenue in Hamlin Park Historic District to reach another of the area’s standout restaurants in Manna @ Northland. This is the spot for soul food — you can start the day here with an order of shrimp n’ grits or finish the day with a fried chicken dinner with macaroni and cheese and collard greens. Alternatively, EM Tea Coffee Cup Café is a handy neighborhood spot to grab a quick coffee and breakfast sandwich on the way to work.

The reputation of Hamlin Park Historic District is well-established, built by the quality of the residential atmosphere here, from the homes themselves to the streetscape. This is a neighborhood that has grabbed residents for years, and just might grab you, too.

Written By

Wayne Epps Jr.

Photography Contributed By

Fabio Riso

Video By

Daniel Willingham