Historic East Aurora has a strong sense of community
East Aurora, 22 miles from Buffalo, may look familiar, as it is occasionally used as a set for Hallmark Christmas movies. “Sometimes when I walk to my office, the whole block will have flocking Christmas snow and Christmas decorations in July,” says Stephanie Morgan, the owner and broker of Jrs. Morgan Realty LLC. Morgan has lived and worked in the area for 23 years. “It has that Norman Rockwell sort of feeling.” The town isn’t just a picturesque backdrop; it’s also the origin and headquarters of Fisher-Price and where Millard Fillmore, the 13th president of the United States, began his legal career prior to running for public office. One of East Aurora's crowning achievements is the Roycroft Campus, founded by Elbert Hubbard off Main Street. This 1895 collection of buildings housed a community of craft workers who began the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States. “It has many things that make it unique and different,” says Morgan. “It’s a vibrant village, and it's walkable and very pedestrian-friendly. It kind of harkens back to a bygone era where your kids can walk to school and have a genuine sense of community.”
Sports at community parks and a historic state park
Hamlin Park is a recreation area along South Grove Street with a baseball and soccer field, tennis courts, and a basketball court. Nearby is a colorful playground for little ones. The park is also the site of periodic dramatic performances and other community events. Warren Drive Park has similar facilities, along with covered picnic areas and pickleball courts. From May through August, residents gather at the Aurora Community Pool, an outdoor pool outside the Aurora Parks & Recreation Department. Surrounding the pool are baseball and softball fields. October through March is public ice-skating season at Classic Rink on Riley Street. Along Pine Street is Sinking Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, a wetland nature preserve with a trail around the pond and an observation area for bird watching. Nearby, less than a mile from town, is East Aurora Country Club, a private 18-hole golf course. For hiking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing, residents visit Knox Farm State Park, just outside the town. The park is the former country estate of the Knox family, who built their reputation and fortune from five-and-dime stores.
Older homes along gridded streets with sidewalks
Most homes are along gridded streets lined with sidewalks and greenery. Houses have large lots, and some have space for in-ground pools. Residences closer to the Aurora Expressway may be along winding roadways and rely on wells and septic systems. Most of the town was built up in the 1800s to 1920s, says Morgan. There was a racetrack on the north side of town until 1918, so houses over there were built around the 1950s. “It’s funny that’s considered newer inventory here,” says Morgan. The racetrack put East Aurora on the map, as it was the only completely enclosed mile-long racetrack in the world. Colonial Revival, National and Cape Cod are common housing styles in the area. Single-family homes range from $250,000 to $830,000. Condos range from $220,000 to $300,000. “Housing inventory is low and creates a higher demand; not everyone knows about this area,” says Morgan. “People come back here to raise their families.”
Highly rated schools in the East Aurora school district
The East Aurora Union Free School District serves the area. Niche gives the district an A rating and ranks it as one of the top five best school districts in the Buffalo area. Parkdale Elementary gets an A-minus. East Aurora Middle and East Aurora High both get an A. The high school offers a variety of extracurricular activities and clubs, such as creative writing, yearbook and band.
Shopping and dining near Main Street
Most homes stand along gridded streets lined with sidewalks and greenery. Houses have large lots, and some have space for in-ground pools. Residences closer to the Aurora Expressway may be along winding roadways and rely on wells and septic systems. Most of the town was built up in the 1800s to 1920s, says Morgan. There was a racetrack on the north side of town that served to put East Aurora on the map, as it was the only completely enclosed mile-long racetrack in the world at the time. The track ceased operations in 1918, but houses in that area of town weren’t built until the 1950s. “It’s funny that’s considered newer inventory here,” says Morgan. Colonial Revival, National and Cape Cod are common housing styles in the area. Single-family homes range from $250,000 to $830,000. Condos range from $220,000 to $300,000. “Housing inventory is low and creates a higher demand; not everyone knows about this area,” says Morgan. “People come back here to raise their families.”
Seasonal events and performances in East Aurora
The Greater East Aurora Chamber of Commerce hosts the Annual Carolcade in December. Main Street closes for the evening, and residents gather to sing holiday carols and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate. Aurora Players is a community theater near Hamlin Park that puts on plays and live performances throughout the year.
The Aurora Expressway leads to major cities
Using the Aurora Expressway, Buffalo is 22 miles away, and continuing along this route leads 40 miles to Niagara Falls. The expressway also leads 20 miles to Lake Erie. There are also several Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority bus stops throughout town to facilitate travel within the city. Mercy Hospital of Buffalo is 15 miles away, and the Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 22 miles away. Most houses of worship, such as The First Presbyterian Church of East Aurora, Revive Wesleyan and St. Matthias Episcopal Church, are near Main Street.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
