$239,969Average Value$804Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A mix of rural, suburban and lakeside living
Situated along the southeast banks of Lake Erie, Dunkirk is a small town in western New York. "We're situated on Lake Erie, so there are a lot of lakefront homes, lovely views and waterfront parks," says Anne LaPaglia, associate broker with Howard Hanna Holt Real Estate, who has been in the industry for decades. "For being this close to the lake, it's extremely affordable." The town was established in 1859 after the New York and Erie Railroad built a station in the area. The City of Dunkirk divides the town into two sections: the east and the west. Lakefront homes co-mingle with swaths of farmland, while most amenities are a short drive away into the city. With waterfront recreation and affordable dwellings, Dunkirk offers a mix of rural, suburban and city living along the shores of Lake Erie.
Affordable lakefront homes
On the east side of town, modest ranch-style and colonial-style homes are scattered along rural country roads that pass through acres of farmland. Most properties sit on roomy lots that average just over half an acre, with prices ranging from the $100,000s to the $200,000s. Farther north towards the waterfront, pockets of residential streets feature similar homes, with prices in the $300,000s. About 5 miles west, lakefront properties that back up to Lake Erie can range from the $200,000s to the $500,000s, depending on square footage and interior updates. A concrete floodwall protects residents along the waterfront, while most properties feature small staircases that lead down to the water. Residents can utilize a shared concrete boat ramp at the end of Wilbur Road.
The median price for homes in Dunkirk Township is $243,000.
Prices for homes in Dunkirk Township are up 50 percent over the previous 12 months.
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Lakefront beaches and golf courses
On the west side of town, Shorewood Country Club hugs the banks of Lake Erie. This members-only club features an 18-hole golf course. A PGA professional is on staff to help members improve their swing, and a full-service pro shop is on site. Members can enjoy sweeping lakefront views at the club's fine-dining restaurant, heated outdoor pool and fire pit.
About 3 miles from Shorewood, Point Gratiot is a popular lakefront park and community gathering place. Point Gratiot is home to some of the longest stretches of sandy beaches in Dunkirk, attracting beachcombers, sunbathers and swimmers throughout the summer. Additional amenities include a playground, ballfields, a public restroom and covered pavilions. The park is also a favored spot for birdwatching, with sights of orchard orioles and red-headed woodpeckers. A 1-mile path weaves around the point, leading to the historic 1826 Dunkirk Lighthouse.
Wright Park Beach is another small, sandy lakefront beach about 3 miles east. Additional amenities include tennis courts, a large park and a skatepark. Wright Park is also home to the city's only beachfront restaurant, Beach House Bar & Grille. An outdoor patio offers scenic sunset views while tired sunbathers can grab a quick bite with entrees like chicken tenders, hotdogs and burgers.
When warm summers turn into snowy winters, Dunkirk residents swap their sandals for skis. "There are a lot of ski resorts around here," LaPaglia says. Cockaigne Resort is just 20 miles south, and Holiday Valley Resort is hidden amongst the foothills of the Allegany Mountains, about 45 miles away. Green, blue and red trails vary in difficulty, while private and group lessons are available. Holiday Valley is also a year-round destination, with hiking and biking trails that wind through the ski slopes, a rope-course adventure park, a golf course and multiple outdoor pools.
Dunkirk Township was established in 1859.
Shorewood Country Club is a members only 18-hole golf course with a PGA professional on staff.
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Eateries in the city, chains on the outskirts
Chain grocers like Aldi and Tops Friendly Markets are clustered along the east side of town. Big box stores like Walmart Supermarket and The Home Depot are also located here. Residents on the west side are slightly closer to Save A Lot, which is in the heart of the city.
The city is also home to a handful of local restaurants. Central Station Restaurant is a no-frills eatery known for its classic American fare. Waterfront dining awaits up the road at the Dunkirk Boardwalk Market. Demetri's On the Lake outdoor patio is its main attraction, while daily specials range from fresh lobster alfredo to kielbasa platters.
Demetri's On the Lake in Dunkirk Township also offers some of the best lake views in town.
There are plenty of big box stores just out of Dunkirk Township.
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Events in the City of Dunkirk
Residents typically head into the City of Dunkirk for a range of events. Throughout the summer, locals flock to Point Gratiot Park for the annual summer concert series on Wednesday events. In the fall, football season takes the reigns. "Everyone here is a Buffalo Bills fan, so many residents have season passes and head about 40 miles into the city for games," LaPaglia says.
The weekend following Thanksgiving, Christmas spirit fills the air. Local vendors sell holiday crafts on Central Avenue during Christmas on Central. Horse-drawn carriages roam the streets, and free hot cocoa stands welcome kids and adults alike. Entertainment options include visits from Santa and kid-friendly activities like cookie frosting, arts and crafts stations and holiday card-making for troops.
Dunkirk is also down the road from the Chautauqua County fairgrounds. For over 140 years, attendees have gathered every July for a week full of amusement rides, carnival games, animal exhibits and live entertainment. Tickets for the fair's Demolition Derby and Monster Truck Show are sold separately.
Small class sizes in Dunkirk
The community's Dunkirk City School District earns a B-minus on Niche. Kindergarteners through second graders are divided between three C-rated schools: School No. 3, School No. 5 and School No. 7. Third through sixth graders may attend the C-plus-rated Intermediate School 3-6, sometimes called Dunkirk Middle. Secondary School 7-12, also known as Dunkirk Senior High School, scores a B on Niche and offers small class sizes with a student-to-teacher ratio of 11-to-1. The State University of New York at Fredonia is also nearby.
Commutes on Interstate 90
Although public transit is available in the city, Dunkirk is a car-dependent community. The city is home to Brooks Memorial Hospital, about 3 to 4 miles away, and numerous churches of different denominations. Chautauqua County/Dunkirk Airport is a small local airport for chartered flights and training. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is about 40 miles away via Interstate 90, also known as the New York State Thruway. Other significant thoroughfares include U.S. State Route 20.
GreatSchools:
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Charming Lake Area Cape Cod – 3BR/2BA with Deeded Lake Access! Discover the perfect blend of comfort and convenience in this beautifully updated Cape Cod-style home. Featuring a newly designed primary suite, this bright and inviting residence boasts modern upgrades throughout, including a stylish kitchen and baths. Enjoy spacious living with a formal dining room, cozy living room, and a versatile
59 Acres near high traffic, South Roberts Road! Close to Lake Erie and the Dunkirk City Pier, NYS Thruway and SUNY Fredonia! Zoned R2, great parcel to develop single or multi-family homes or your dream home! Other possibilities w the approval of a use permit may be an option as well!
Village of Fredonia treed, triangle shaped, building lot tucked in on a dead end street! Fredonia Schools, close to SUNY Fredonia, D&F Plaza and NYS Thruway.
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
1,673
Median Age
43
Population under 18
20.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
26.2%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$49,843
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,671
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89.3%
College Graduates
27.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14.2%
% Population in Labor Force
51.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
33''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
27''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
31/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
