A small Western New York town with a rich heritage and strong community
Like many of the small towns surrounding Buffalo, New York, Cheektowaga is often eclipsed by its larger neighbor. However, this little hamlet on the eastern outskirts of the city inspires generational loyalty in its residents with its slate of international restaurants and its centrality to nearly any attraction in the area. “I was born and raised in Cheektowaga, and I’m still living here today,” says Mary Kosmider, licensed real estate salesperson with WNY Metro Roberts Realty. “A lot of my neighbors are the same way – all born and raised right here. This was my parents’ house, and I inherited it and started my family here. It may not be as rich as other places, but it’s my home.” The well-priced homes, convenient location and longstanding cultural heritage may be enough to recommend Cheektowaga, but it is the sense of neighborliness that truly sets it apart. “If you’re born and raised here, you can’t go to a grocery store without running into someone who’s known you your whole life,” Kosmider says. “My next-door neighbor is out shoveling my sidewalk as we speak. It’s just got that kind of small-town vibe.”
Cheektowaga is popular because of proximity to downtown combined with a suburban lifestyle.
There are plenty of events at Walden Galleria Mall in Cheektowaga.
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Prices and property tax rates are on the rise in Cheektowaga
Over the last 10 years, prices have risen steadily throughout Cheektowaga. “In 2015, the median housing price was $83,000,” says Anne Kader, an associate broker with Metro Roberts Realty who works with Ms. Kosmider in Williamsville. “In December 2024, the median price had risen to $230,000. So it’s absolutely incredible how it’s rising.” Midcentury homes in neighborhoods like Pine Hill and Maryvale on the north side of town tend to be newer and larger. “They’re 15 feet apart compared to 8,” Anne Kader laughs. Older homes in southern neighborhoods like Bellevue and South Cheektowaga sit very close together on small lots, often with only strips of green yard between them.
Prospective owners should be aware of rising tax bills resulting from the scarcity of developable land in the area. “The one thing that almost makes me want to move sometimes is the property tax,” Kosmider says. “It’s very high, apparently, because there’s no land to build on, so you end up paying more for a smaller lot than you might in other parts of town.” Cheektowaga sees an average of 188 inches of snowfall per year, driven by the city’s proximity to Lake Erie.
Cheektowaga has a very suburban feel while still being close to downtown Buffalo.
Split level homes are typical for Cheektowaga.
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Cheektowaga High ranks in the top 5 for the Buffalo area
The Cheektowaga Central School District, which operates all three public schools in town, scores an overall B-minus from Niche. Cheektowaga High, which rates a B-plus, places 5th on Niche’s list of standout high schools in the Buffalo area. Opportunities for higher education also exist within the town. Villa Maria College, a Roman Catholic four-year institution, sits on Pine Ridge Road and offers both degree programs and career technical certifications.
Union East Elementary School is part of the Central School District in Cheektowaga.
Cheektowaga Middle School is located right next to the associated High School.
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Cheektowaga has helped Buffalo to become the Dyngus Day capital of the world
Cheektowaga’s most famous festival derives from the community’s Polish heritage. “The Dyngus Day celebration on Easter Monday happens here,” Kosmider says. “There’s a parade, but it’s mostly known for the beer drinking. Everyone wears red and white with the Polish falcon, and there’s a tradition that, if a man is interested in a woman, he squirts her with a water gun. If a woman is interested in a man, she slaps him on the behind with a pussy willow. So all the men have water guns, and all the women carry around their branches.” While the celebration, which also includes traditional foods and live music, honors the town’s Polish roots, Dyngus Day is not widely observed in the mother country. Because of this ironic fact, Buffalo is actually considered the Dyngus Day capital of the world.
Cheektowaga Town Park has multiple swimming pools in the summer.
Basketball is most popular in Cheektowaga right around the Central School district.
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Interstate 90 is a major thoroughfare for this car-dependent city
Given the car-dependent nature of life in the Buffalo area, centrality is a key contributor to Cheektowaga’s appeal. Interstate 90 runs north and south through the center of the city. “What they say about Cheektowaga is that no matter where you are, you can get there in 20 minutes,” Kosmider says. “We’re surrounded by South Buffalo, West Seneca and Williamsville.” Most of Cheektowaga is less than 7 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
This bus line in Cheektowaga connects the Transit Hub with Walden Galleria Mall.
Most homes in Cheektowaga are modestly sized.
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Walden Avenue and the Galleria mall are shopping destinations for the area
There are shopping centers along Walden Avenue, and chain eateries line this road as well. However, Cheektowaga is known for its bevy of locally owned restaurants and bars. “We have lots of small restaurants, like La Bella Sicilia, which is very good,” Kosmider says. “And we have the Walden Galleria, which is our one mall that’s still doing well.” The Galleria, as it is known colloquially, is home to over 170 restaurants and retailers.
Alton's Restaurant in Cheektowaga offers Buffalo classics like Beef on Weck and Greek Platters.
Earthbound Trading in Cheektowaga has a large amount of creative home decor.
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While property crime rates have risen, violent crime rates have lowered
According to the FBI, the number of reported property crimes increased by 12 percent between 2022 and 2023. Violent crimes decreased by 5 percent in that same period. According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Erie County’s property crime rate is higher than the statewide rate, while the county’s violent crime rate is lower.
Parks and sidewalks are available for outdoor recreation
At Cheektowaga Town Park, the largest green space in the city, residents can play pickup games on the baseball diamonds, practice their crossovers on the indoor ice rink or swim laps in the public pool. While Stiglmeier Park in Bellevue offers miles of trails to explore, locals do not have to travel far from their front door to stretch their legs. “The nice thing is that I can’t think of too much of Cheektowaga that doesn’t have sidewalks,” says Todd Aichinger, a Realtor and licensed real estate salesperson with WNY Metro Roberts Realty. “My mom grew up in that town, and I can’t tell you how many miles I logged on a bicycle, rolling through neighborhoods.”
Dingens Park on the border of Cheektowaga is popular in the afternoon.
Stiglmeier Park in Cheektowaga features over five miles of trails.
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