$277,912Average Value$157Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Growing in diversity of all kinds
West Side is on a roll with increased walkability, investment in small businesses and housing rehabilitation. "It's a great place to live, and plenty of diversity exists. Not just with race and ethnicity, but diversity in age, language, dress, opinion and lifestyle," says Mary Schaefer, the director of operations for West Side Community Services. Public parks add to the area's appeal, as does its proximity to downtown Buffalo and Niagara Falls. A large part of the neighborhood's charm exists in its colorful collection of small businesses and community organizations, including a "cluster of community gardens in empty lots throughout the residential streets," Schaefer notes. West Side is lively and quirky and has brought an increase in young renters and buyers over the past ten years.
Becoming a hub for eating local
Small markets for quick grocery trips are around. Still, for national grocers and familiar retailers, residents must head a few miles from the city to the shopping plazas and malls of Elmwood or Cheektowaga. The Left Bank is the neighborhood's premier dining location, serving Italian and global cuisine in a white tablecloth setting for over 30 years. Five Points Bakery and Butter Block are bakeries that share an intersection and compete for the attention of passer-byers on the street, with mouthwatering aromas luring customers in. Shaefer notes, "West Side Bazaar is just north of the neighborhood and is a non-profit organization that holds space for local restaurants and small businesses" to get their feet wet in the community.
An involved community
Residents can count on various year-round community events, including picnics, outdoor festivals and civic engagements. "The area is very friendly to refugees and there are a few programs that work to help resettle them in West Side and get them involved with the neighborhood," Schaefer says. In addition, Kleinhans Music Hall, designated as a historic landmark and home to the award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, is conveniently located within the neighborhood.
Colorful homes and investment opportunities
Although 75% of the residents in West Side are renters, the area is a superb destination for those looking to set down roots and own. Schaefer states, "There are a lot of multi-unit houses with split floors and big front porches. They certainly aren't cookie-cutter though, and they vary in color, style and architecture." Investment opportunities are plentiful, and buyers can find homes between $150,000 and $340,000. A few outliers are on either side, like small bungalows needing love or large historic mansions that have been perfectly preserved for over 100 years, reaching upwards of $475,000. The narrow Victorian homes sell quickly, usually lasting only three weeks on the market. "Within the last ten years, there has been a big decrease in empty properties," Schaefer says.
A surprising amount of green space in a major city
The most extensive park in the area, Ralph Wilson Park, "Is undergoing a massive renovation and is set to reopen in the coming years," Schaefer informs. It's the busiest spot in the area on warm summer days, home to baseball diamonds, a dog park, a skatepark and a pool. While the park is undergoing renovations, residents can stretch their legs on the walking trails and soccer fields at Front Park or play a game of tennis on the provided courts. Living along the Niagara River has its perks, one of which is easy access to the Empire State Trail, a paved walking and biking trail that stretches over 750 miles throughout New York state up to the Canadian border.
No need for a bus with schools so close
Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School is in the neighborhood and walkable for most students. The institution serves pre-k through 8th grade and is rated a C-minus by Niche. High Schoolers are likely to attend Leonardo Da Vinci High School, which receives a high grade of A-minus. The school not only has the highest level of diversity but holds a low student-teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
Digging cars out of the snow
Because the houses sit tightly together, driveways and off-street parking are rare. And with upwards of 15 feet of snow every winter, street parking can be a struggle. Fortunately for residents, the area is very walkable, and "It's the kind of place where if your car does get stuck in a blizzard, strangers will help you push it out," Schaefer says. The Peace Bridge takes off from West Side, leading to Canada across the Niagara River. The Buffalo Metro Rail leads northeast, stopping at 16 stations, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport is less than 10 miles away.
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 West Side neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Side
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
West Side Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Side, Buffalo sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in West Side, Buffalo over the last 12 months is $275,000, up 31% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This spacious West Side home offers more living comforts than expected, beginning with a large foyer featuring a decorative stairway and open sightlines to the main floor, which includes a huge living room accessed by french doors, a formal dining room, and an eat-in kitchen, all leading to double doors accessing the large back deck and private yard. Upstairs, you'll find a truly unique primary
Monster money maker waiting for its new savvy investor. Massive 4 unit on high demand West Side street in Buffalo! Large apartments with paying tenants! One unit is vacant to leave easy for showings, but the other 3 are occupied with great, paying tenants who want to stay! New roof '25, many new windows '25, and 2 fully rehabbed units '25. This place is just waiting for you to sit back and make
Now is your chance to own a corner lot in a great location in the revitalized West Side of Buffalo! One block from D'Youville College, the vibrant Connecticut Street corridor, Five Points and with easy access to downtown Buffalo. 178 Vermont has ample space to build a comfortably sized home, complete with off street parking. A wonderful location to live, or as an investment opportunity. The sale
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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.
