Living in MLK Park means living within walking distance of one of the city’s most dynamic green spaces. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, located on the south side of this Buffalo neighborhood, attracts people from all over town to both explore history and get active on the park’s grounds. Residents can take advantage of this outdoor attraction that also includes the Buffalo Museum of Science, while purchasing a home for a fraction of the cost of other nearby neighborhoods. The community’s diversity shines through the area’s variety of local halal markets, houses of worship and Black-owned businesses. And access to Kensington Expressway means quick trips to downtown Buffalo and easy commutes around upstate New York.
Honoring history at MLK Park
The neighborhood’s namesake sits in the community’s southwest corner. The 56-acre Martin Luther King Jr. Park was established in the 1800s and continues to be the gathering place for family picnics and open jazz concerts. "The city has started to pay a little more attention to it, so there are more amenities as far as park activities and after-school programs," says Ben Schwed, a Broker with Park Realty of WNY with more than a decade of experience selling homes in the Buffalo area. These amenities include a Greenhouse and a splash pad with 300 fountains open during the warmer months, converting into a reflecting pool in the spring and fall and an ice rink in the winter. When they’re not running through the spraying water, children can run through the park’s playground. The Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Plaza features an 8-foot sculpture honoring King. Buffalo Museum of Science is also on the park grounds, offering interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. Nearby, the John E. Brent Garden is a tribute to Buffalo’s first African American architect. Also known as the secret garden, this quiet area features a walking trail surrounded by perennial flowers, cherry blossoms and weeping cypress trees.
The splash pad in MLK Park is supposed to be a reflection pool in spring and fall.
The MLK Tribute Plaza recognizes the park's namesake and is a central meeting spot of the park.
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Four square homes with A-frame designs
Four squares with A-frames reign supreme throughout the residential streets of MLK Park, while some homes feature Craftsman architectural influences. Narrow sidewalks lead residents home, where they can walk up the front steps to their wide front porch. Some properties need a full update, while others have been recently remodeled. "Some of these areas were long neglected," Schwed says. "There are older houses, but local buyers come in and make much nicer houses and renovations. It improves the area." Move-in ready single-family dwellings, some with balconies and skinny side driveways, range from 1,500 to about 3,000 square feet and typically fall in the $150,000 to $275,000 price range.
The average home value in MLK Park is $104,000.
Homes in MLK Park on average sell after 68 days on the market.
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Buffalo public and magnet schools
Students living in MLK Park can begin with a 10-1 student-teacher ratio at Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School, which Niche grades a C-minus. This school shares a campus with the Buffalo Museum of Science and serves kindergarteners through eighth grade learners. Students can then progress to a 7-1 student-teacher ratio at East Community High School, which Niche grades a C-plus. This high school offers virtual learning pathways and special programs, such as police and firefighter cadet programs.
The Dr. Charles R. Drew Science Magnet School in MLK Park is connected to the Science Museum.
East High School is One The Architectural Staples in MLK Park.
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Steak subs on Fillmore Avenue
Residents head to Fillmore Avenue and Genesee Street for most of their local dining and shopping needs. Around where these two streets meet are salons, mechanics, pharmacies, gas stations and takeout spots. Sub lovers can grab a hearty steak hoagie to-go at either Black by Demand or Mike’s Texas Hots & Steakhouse. On the east side of town, G & B Fish, Shrimp and Chicken serves fried fish plates and sandwiches. Shoppers can stock up their pantries at one of the neighborhood markets like Al-Aqsa or Zubaidah, both halal grocery stores specializing in South Asian foods. Residents can also head to the west side of town to shop the aisle at TOPS Supermarket. Also along these main thoroughfares are a variety of houses of worship. Masjid Daru-s Salaam is an Islamic Center near the park, Saint Luke’s Mission of Mercy is a Roman Catholic Church on the south side and True Bethel Baptist Church sits to the north.
Mike's Texas Hots and Steak House sells hearty steak hoagies.
Black by Demand is on outside eatery that sells classic American cuisine.
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Cruising Kensington Expressway to downtown
The NFTA bus system serves the neighborhood, with several stops along Genesee Street and Best Street. Residents can quickly hop onto Kensington Expressway – or New York State Route 33 – which runs along the west side of MLK Park and land in downtown Buffalo after just 3 miles. The city, sitting on the banks of Lake Erie, offers more adventures. Residents can spend the day exploring Buffalo Naval Park, catch a game or a concert and brewery-hop along the Buffalo River. City proximity also comes with higher-than-average crime rates. According to CAP Index, MLK Park receives a crime score of 6 out of 10 in comparison to the national average of 4, with homicidal crimes scoring a 9.
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
Are you familiar with the MLK Park neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
MLK Park
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
MLK Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in MLK Park, Buffalo sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in MLK Park, Buffalo over the last 12 months is $125,750, down 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
WELCOME HOME - This 2-unit home sits on a rare, mostly-fenced, triple lot w/ 2 driveways, parking area, 1-car garage, shed & plenty of grass to play on! Many replacement windows throughout, plumbing updates, and BRAND NEW ELECTRIC service, panels w/ circuit-breakers. The UPPER unit is VACANT and ready for an owner-occupant or next tenant (previously rented for $1,000/month). It has a living room
Welcome to this beautiful Multifamily house. Completely renovated 3/3 double house conveniently located to all the facilities. Newer roof , new windows, newer furnaces. The first floor has 3 bedrooms, generous living-dining, kitchen and a full bath. The second floor also has 3 bedrooms, generous living-dining combo, Kitchen, one full bath. The house has full walk in attic. The electric is updated
Welcome all to 63 Woeppel this is a GREAT opportunity to create sweat equity. This gem is being sold inAS IS condition!! Seller will Not make any repairs. Property will be sold in AS IS condition. Included with this property is a three-car detached garage with power and adjourning vacant lot. The vacant lot is to the of the driveway. Lot is 65 Woeppel and the Tax ID#
This single-family home has 4 bedrooms and 1 full bathroom. A great opportunity for a primary residence or an investment property. Currently open lots on either side. This home has an updated bathroom with tile floor and surround and updated vanity. Pergo floors. Updated electrical. Foam insulation in attic. Architectural roof. A great home to own!
Vacant residential lot located at 843 Woodlawn Ave, offering a great opportunity for new construction orinvestment. Situated in an established neighborhood with nearby homes, this parcel provides convenient access to local amenities, schools, shopping, and major routes. Utilities are available at the street, making development more accessible. Ideal for builders, investors, or buyers looking
Multi-unit upper/lower property in Buffalo! Each unit has a practical layout with well-sized rooms, featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, an eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, and living room with original hardwood floors. Newer mechanical updates include both furnaces and hot water tanks (2025). The lower unit includes a porch, and the upper unit has a balcony, giving each unit private outdoor
Welcome to 339 Landon Street, a spacious and well-maintained two-family home offering exceptional flexibility for both owner-occupants and investors. Each unit features 3 bedrooms, with the lower apartment offering 1.5 baths and the upper apartment 1 full bath. With over 2,400 square feet of living space, this property provides generous room sizes, functional layouts, a full basement for
Excellent mixed-use investment opportunity! This commercial/residential property offers the perfect combination of business potential and rental income. The first floor features a restaurant/ store front space with great visibility and strong street presence, ideal for an owner-operator or commercial tenant. The upper level includes a spacious residential apartment, providing an additional source
Welcome to this rare opportunity to own a three-unit residential property that offers both immediate livability and long-term potential. This home has been maintained with care over the years and continues to stand strong with good bones, making it an excellent candidate for buyers who appreciate character, value, and the chance to add their own updates. While the property would benefit from
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath single-family home that's full of potential! Featuring a spacious living room, large eat-in kitchen, and detached garage, this home offers a solid foundation for first-time buyers or anyone looking to build equity. While it could use a little TLC and your personal touch, the home is structurally sound and ready for its next owner. Enjoy a welcoming front
Welcome to 688 Riley Street, ideally located in the heart of Buffalo! This spacious 2-unit property features 6 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, offering an excellent opportunity for investors or owner-occupants.The lower unit offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, a comfortable living room, dining area, and a nicely sized kitchen. The upper unit offers a similar layout with 3
Check out this 2,000+ sqft 2/2 multi-family! BOTH units are unoccupied and ready for you to do what you want with it! Ideally located with quick highway access to downtown, close to Martin Luther King Jr. Park, the Science Museum, local restaurants, public transportation and everyday amenities. The lower unit features a kitchen with pantry area (washer hook up), formal dining room, a spacious
Spacious 2-Bedroom Apartment - Section 8 ReadyREAL DEAL - ONLY $1100.Great opportunity to rent a comfortable 2-bedroom lower apartment in a convenient Buffalo location. This apartment offers a practical layout, personal parking space, and easy access to bus routes, Buffalo, and Amherst.The unit is Section 8 ready, and rental assistance programs including RAC, BMHA, and Belmont are
Welcome to 529 Winslow, located on Buffalo's East Side near MLK Jr. Park! Schedule a showing and apply online at today!Walk right into a bright and inviting living room with beautiful LVT flooring that continues throughout the apartment. This newly renovated second floor, two bedroom home also features a separate dining room, giving you plenty of space to relax and entertain.The
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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