Clarence

It may be strange to find the Golden Gate Bridge split in half and next to the Statue of Liberty in Harris Hill, a suburb of Clarence, established in 1808 as the first town in Erie County. Though the neighborhood is far from The Golden City, it is home to Patriots and Heroes Park, a memorial for significant United States historical events, such as The Battle of the Bulge and the collapse of the iconic bridge in 1906. Harris Hill is within arm's reach of parks, schools and shopping. “It’s a suburban community, and it’s close to just about everything and high-rated schools,” says Devonte Davis, Realtor with Exp Realty with his own YouTube channel devoted to all things Buffalo. It is around 4 miles from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, the third busiest airport in the state, meaning more traffic and sounds of engines, but convenient travel. Harris Hill is 15 miles from Buffalo and 25 miles from Niagara Falls, characterized by rural farmland to its east and the city to its west. The neighborhood is designed in a grid pattern, with homes woven between parks, schools, major highways and shopping. Some subdivisions are classic suburbia, with brick Colonial and Neo-traditional style homes with window shutters, white mailboxes and lamp posts. Others have cozy Cape Cods and ranch-style homes adorned with big trees, attached garages and driveways. While there aren’t sidewalks, bigger lots make more room for backyard pools, sheds and gardens. With most homes built in the 50s through 70s, prices range from $230,000 for a fixer-upper to over $550,000 for renovated houses. Harris Hill’s youngest residents may be a part of the Clarence Central School District, with the neighborhood offering two primary schools, including Sheridan Hill Elementary, with an A grade, according to Niche. Harris Hill Elementary School and Clarence Middle School both offer an A rating, while Clarence Senior High School holds an A-minus, according to Niche. High schoolers may apply to specialized programs such as the Academy of Business and Finance or Visual and Performing Arts. Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary School is a private option in the community. Opening in 1927, Brookfield Country Club is members-only, offering a variety of activities for the entire family. Aside from the velvet greens of its 18-hole course, members enjoy tennis, swimming and various social events. Harris Hill Park is a place for athletes with four tennis courts, three football fields, a shady playground and a picnic gazebo. Thompson Road Park is the place for peaceful hikes along the forested trails and visiting The Clarence Nature Center. It is also less than 5 miles from Amherst State Park and 2 miles from Independent Health Family Branch YMCA, for access to youth and adult programs and an indoor swimming pool. Situated along Transit Road, residents can handle all their shopping needs at Walmart, Home Depot, T.J. Maxx and Big Lots. Eastern Hills Mall has dozens of retailers ranging from antique stores to upscale boutiques. For a bite to eat and old-fashioned cocktails, Neat’s buffalo statue greets patrons with its outdoor patio, where guests enjoy tapas and signature pizzas. Two Nines Kitchen Bar is a newer addition to the neighborhood, dishing out signature handhelds and Helen’s Kitchen’s friendly ambiance pairs well with their traditional diner classics. Or grab an outdoor table at Bar-Bill North on Main Street. Residents can check out the latest blockbuster releases at Regal Transit Center or take the kids to have a blast at Epic Sports and Fun Center. Then there’s the Lancaster National Speedway to experience the thrills of NASCAR races. Starting in June, Clarence hosts the Clarence Hollow Farmers’ Market and an Annual Christmas Party at Clarence Town Park, where residents gather along with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The community benefits from major highways such as Interstate 90, New York 78, and New York 5. “It’s a very much car dependent area,” Davis says. Several medical, dentistry and pediatric services serve as major employers, along with the school system. NFTA operates public transportation with several stops along Transit Road for the Metrobus. It is also 5 miles from Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital.