Colden has a scenic, rural setting near Buffalo
The town of Colden rests in Erie County about 25 miles south of Buffalo . “It’s got a rural, country feel, with rolling hills and windy roads, but you’re really close to the amenities of the city,” says Erin Cronin, a Realtor with Hunt Real Estate who has lived and worked in the region for about five years. The town’s attractions include local restaurants and small businesses, but for many buyers, space and privacy are the primary draws. Colden also appeals to outdoor enthusiasts, with a little of everything, from blueberry picking and scenic drives through fall foliage to snowboarding.
Winter sports dominate, but Kummer Town Park offers summer fun
While Colden has some year-round recreation, winter is when the town comes to life. “There are tons of snowmobile trails, and a lot of people come to Colden for skiing,” Cronin says. With Buffalo Ski Center at Colden’s north end and Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort just south of town, skiers and snowboarders often flood the area throughout the season.
In the off-season, residents stay active by playing pickleball or disc golf at Walter Kummer Town Park, which also hosts youth sports programs during the summer, and Kissing Bridge All Seasons Resort has 20 miles of hillside trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Another warm-weather destination is the 18-hole Shamrock Hills Golf Course, which is open to the public.
Cottages, cabins and Colonial Revivals line Colden’s wooded roads
Along state Route 240, it’s not uncommon to spot a wood-sided cottage or a ranch-style house behind a small grove of trees. Other architectural styles include log cabins, Colonial Revivals and farmhouses — a few date back to the 1800s. Smaller byways wind throughout the rest of the community, sometimes passing long, curving driveways that lead to larger estates.
The majority of houses sell for between $110,000 and $540,000, while custom-built homes on multiacre parcels typically range from $570,000 to $780,000. Residences within the hamlet of Colden have access to public water service, but most owners maintain their own wells and septic systems. Heavy rains and snowmelt can cause flooding in some areas, so lenders may require flood insurance.
Holland and Springfield-Griffith school districts serve area kids
Colden is nearly evenly divided between two school districts. The Holland Central School District serves the eastern portion, and it receives a C-plus rating from Niche. Children who live in the western half of town may be zoned for the Springfield-Griffith Institute Central School District, which earns a B rating. SGICSD’s schools include Colden Elementary School, rated a B-minus. Springfield Middle School gets a B, and Springfield High School holds a B-plus. Springfield High offers multiple career pathways, including a business track where students gain hands-on experience by helping run a small on-campus business.
Ski shops, blueberry farms and local dining, plus more in Hamburg
Colden has several independently owned businesses, most of which are centered in the Colden or Glenwood hamlets. The Colden Mill Restaurant serves steaks, pasta and craft cocktails inside a converted 1830s mill. The Pizza Glen has more casual fare. “It’s a hole-in-the-wall pizza place, and it’s a really popular place for snowmobilers to stop,” Cronin says. “There are also a whole bunch of shops and stores that are wrapped around ski culture.” One landmark spot is Colden Ski & Board Shop, which rents ski and snowboard equipment, as well as mountain bikes.
During the growing season, residents can buy fresh produce at farm stands or pick blueberries at South Hill Farm and Paul’s Organic Farm. The closest full-service grocery store is Tops Friendly Markets, located less than 10 miles away in North Boston. “If you live in Colden, you’ll definitely be driving into Hamburg and Ellicottville ,” Cronin says. Hamburg is about 10 miles northwest, and Ellicottville is roughly 30 miles south — both have walkable downtowns with shops and restaurants.
Local highlights include concerts, fireworks and the Colden Festival
The town hosts a few events throughout the year, including summer concerts at the town gazebo, Fourth of July fireworks at Walter Kummer Town Park and a New Year’s ball drop at the fire station. One of the longest-running traditions is Colden Festival, a fall art fair that was first held in the 1960s. The event remains a popular gathering for regional artists to showcase their work and for locals to listen to live music and shop for handmade goods.
Driving Colden’s rural roads to get to nearby cities and services
Rural Transit Service provides a limited on-demand shuttle service to help residents access medical care and other essential services. Otherwise, Colden is largely car dependent. Drivers can take two-lane state and county roads to connect with larger thoroughfares, such as U.S. Route 219, which is less than 10 miles away. Buffalo is approximately 25 miles north, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a similar distance. The closest emergency room is in the Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, less than 15 miles south in Springville.
Heavy winter snowstorms may create hazardous driving conditions. Residents are advised to prepare in advance so they can avoid traveling during storms.
