Founded in 1804, Aurora Town is known for its trendy small-town vibe, so much so that Hallmark films here, hoping to perfectly capture the quintessential American hometown. And it lives up to this image; many residents and business owners have known each other for decades and while most streets are quiet, there’s always something going on in The Village. On the rare chance there isn’t, downtown Buffalo and the neighboring Buffalo River are 22 miles away, providing locals with city amenities and riverfront recreation.
Knox Farm State Park is the former country estate of Buffalo's renowned Knox Family.
The green iron bridge underpass with Roycroft lettering in East Aurora.
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Jazz nights at the historic Roycroft Inn
Along Main Street, the town’s everlasting art community and colorful history are palpable. "It's just filled with historic buildings, like The Aurora Theatre, which is over a century-old," says Maureen Flavin, a Realtor with Howard Hanna Brokerage, who has 32 years of experience in Buffalo. "It also has this artsy vibe that is unique to Aurora." The father of the American Arts and Crafts Movement, Elbert Hubbard, had a big creative influence on this community by building the Roycroft Inn, now offering weekly wine tastings and jazz nights. Another historical landmark is just a few blocks down. Millard Filmore’s home, the only house built by a US president with his own hands, is open to the public. Aurora Town is filled to the brim with attractions unique to the area and families, dressed up, can be seen entering the theatre on Main Street. Many events occur in June, such as the East Aurora Music Festival and The Roycroft Summer Festival; the latter is held at the local ice rink.
Aurora is a classic early 20th-century movie theater that still runs daily movies.
Inside the Copper Shop Gallery in East Aurora.
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A Hallmark-approved Main Street USA
Dotted between local shops on Main Street are bakeries, restaurants and breweries. Parents with strollers can be seen walking to Elm Street Bakery before perusing one of many family-owned five-and-dime stores and boutiques. Four Honeybees Cottage and Vidler’s are less than a mile away, providing retro gifts and candy. There’s Griffon Gastro Pub and Wallenwein’s, an Aurora staple since 1882, serving fish fry in a dimly lit tavern off Oakwood Avenue. Bar-Bill cooks up iconic Buffalo Wings and 42 North features a farm-to-table menu and locally crafted brews, just a mile down the road. When the sun sets and the gas light glows behind Elm Street Bakery, The General Riley House Speakeasy is open to those looking for cocktails, beer or a glass of wine. For pantry necessities, locals head over to TOPS Friendly Market, East Aurora Cooperative Market and Country Cupboard Natural Foods. East Aurora Flea & Farmers Market, located in East Aurora Antique Mall on Big Tree Road, is a popular spot for local produce, honey and artisanal goods.
Elm Street Bakery is an artisanal bakery and restaurant in East Aurora, NY.
Bar-Bill is a destination gastro bar famous for its wings and beef on weck.
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Homes as unique as Aurora
Little Free Libraries and tree-lined sidewalks can be found around every corner of residential side streets. 1950s semi-detached row homes are the signature architectural style in this neighborhood, except for a few Cape Cod style homes. Some properties are updated with in-ground pools and the occasional manicured garden. For renters, Maple Terrace Apartments are walkable to Main Street. Homes farther away from Main Street towards Billington Heights sit on larger lots, surrounded by farmland, ponds and densely wooded backyards, and offer more privacy than homes near The Village of East Aurora. For all of Aurora, homes under 2,000 square feet hit the market for around $340,000, while anything with four bedrooms or more is usually sold for $450,00 to $500,000.
A row of modern homes in East Aurora, NY.
Greek revival style house from the early 19th century in East Aurora, NY.
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East Aurora Boys and Girls Club afterschool activities
East Aurora Union Free School District provides afterschool activities for kids between seven and 18 in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club. Parkdale Elementary School is 4 miles away and earns an A-minus Niche Score. East Aurora Middle School is a 15-mile walk from The Village of East Aurora and East Aurora High School, home to a successful performing arts program featuring popular musicals like Mamma Mia, shares an A Niche Score with the middle school.
Parkdale Elementary School is a highly rated, public school located in East Aurora, NY.
East Aurora Middle School has 506 students in grades 5-8.
East Aurora High School is a highly-rated public school in East Aurora, NY.
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Neighbors come out for Aurora Player's Theatre at Hamlin Park
Aurora Town residents find solace among community gardens, open fields and parks of all sizes. Warren Park off Main Street has two pickleball courts, picnic areas and a toddler-safe playground and nearby Hamlin Park is home to Aurora Player’s Theatre which attracts residents of all ages out with lawn chairs. Nearby, Cazenovia Creek runs adjacent to The Village, offering wooded fishing spots for bluegill and largemouth bass. "It's in the Snow Band," Flavin says. "So Buffalo might be shining with sun and then there's a blizzard in Aurora where your wipers can't move fast enough."
Cars are not allowed to enter Hamlin Park except for drop-off of equipment.
Hamlin Park is one of the oldest parks in the area, acquired in 1899.
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Photography Contributed By
Ricardo Picon
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
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Privacy, greenery, a winter wonderland, you name it, this beautifully redone house, exudes serenity. From the long winding driveway to the hiking and walking paths, you have found your secret hideaway. The cedar house has a great open floor plan. The updated chef's kitchen is fully applianced, has a large island, quartz countertops, a pantry and loads of white cabintery. Beautiful hardwood floors
Welcome to 1955 Mill Road, a striking contemporary home set on 1.6 acres in the highly desirable East Aurora School District. Inside, you will find approximately 2,000 square feet of beautifully utilized living space. A spacious loft currently used as a children's playroom could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom, adding even more flexibility to the home's layout. The main living area
Unique one-of-a-kind, custom home blending timeless Arts & Crafts and Prairie-style influences. Nestled on a serene 1.2-acre lot just outside and within easy walking distance to the village of East Aurora, this spacious 3,200 sq. ft. residence offers the perfect balance of charm, privacy, and modern comfort. This six bedroom, 3.5 bath home has been completely remodeled and expanded. Enter through
Privacy, greenery, a winter wonderland, you name it, this beautifully redone house, exudes serenity. From the long winding driveway to the hiking and walking paths, you have found your secret hideaway. The cedar house has a great open floor plan. The updated chef's kitchen is fully applianced, has a large island, quartz countertops, a pantry and loads of white cabintery. Beautiful hardwood floors
Welcome to 1955 Mill Road, a striking contemporary home set on 1.6 acres in the highly desirable East Aurora School District. Inside, you will find approximately 2,000 square feet of beautifully utilized living space. A spacious loft currently used as a children's playroom could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom, adding even more flexibility to the home's layout. The main living area
Unique one-of-a-kind, custom home blending timeless Arts & Crafts and Prairie-style influences. Nestled on a serene 1.2-acre lot just outside and within easy walking distance to the village of East Aurora, this spacious 3,200 sq. ft. residence offers the perfect balance of charm, privacy, and modern comfort. This six bedroom, 3.5 bath home has been completely remodeled and expanded. Enter through
Two bedroom, two bath single family home in Orchard Park schools! Situated on a quiet lot, home features a two car garage, central air, living room with gas fireplace, and primary suite with private bath that leads to a porch. Water and internet are included with rent. If you want to rent but don’t want to be surrounded by lots of neighbors this home is for you! No smokers or pets please,
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