Farmland, industry and small-town charm in Newstead
Set 26 miles northeast of Buffalo's urban sprawl, Newstead is a rural respite of pastoral fields, rolling hills, and the picturesque village of Akron. Many residents commute to Buffalo or work in Akron's manufacturing industry with employers such as Ford Gum and Strippit. "We have a combination of farmland and major businesses," says Lisa Kaminski, deputy town clerk of Newstead. "It's mostly corn that's grown, but chickens as well." While the town's outskirts offer rustic seclusion, the village is lively with a bustling Main Street, community parks and a packed event calendar. "[You're] away from the business of the city, yet you're close enough to get to the city easily," Kaminski says.
Spacious, homes in Newstead and close-knit village living in Akron
In Newstead, homebuyers can choose between spacious rural properties and close-knit village living. Most homes are from the early to mid-20th century, but construction spans from the early 19th century through the present day.
Along the town's country roads, farmhouses, Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes are set on secluded acreage. "Each home has a very unique style," Kaminski says. "If you have a view, it's going to be mostly cornfields." Some of these properties include outbuildings, like workshops or stables, while others feature backyard ponds or fire pits. In the village, Craftsman-inspired homes are set closer together along sidewalk-lined streets. These single-family homes are typically compact, with rustic details such as wood siding, detached garages and covered porches. "It's all septic in the town of Newstead, and sewer in the village," Kaminski says.
Prices typically range from $200,000 to $600,000, depending on size and features. A few smaller homes and fixer-uppers fall below that range, while larger properties occasionally sell for more. A handful of late 20th-century manufactured homes are also available in communities like the 55-plus Quarry Hill Estates. Their prices range from about $10,000 to $110,000. The median sale price is $135,000, lower than the national median of $420,000.
Picnics at Russell Park, wildlife, and a waterfall
Newstead blends small-town recreation with outdoor adventure. "We have Akron Falls Park, which is an Erie County Park," Kaminski says. "It has lots of shelters that people often rent for picnics or parties." Spanning over 280 acres, Akron Falls Park is lush with mature pine trees and is home to birds like cliff swallows and American sparrows. The park's dirt-packed trails run along Murder Creek, which features a 40-foot waterfall. Pocket-sized Russell Park is a popular spot to enjoy lunch after grabbing a bite along Main Street, while Newstead Veterans Park offers a playground and sports field. There are also several golf clubs in the area, including Arrowhead Golf Club, with a public 18-hole course.
Brunch at Candy Apple Cafe, boutique shopping and Akron Acres
Akron is the town's commercial center. For brunch, Candy Apple Cafe serves up comfort plates with a country twist, like Texas French toast and potato pancakes served with applesauce. Next door, Pixley Shur Fine Food Mart has been the village grocer for over 85 years. Main Street is the central thoroughfare, with boutique stores like Aunt Patty's Flower Shop and Martin's Mercantile. Family-owned Yogi's Brick Oven Bistro is the spot to unwind with a cold one. Beyond the village, Bubbaloo's is a seasonal ice cream stand with over two dozen flavors, including brownie batter and toasted coconut. "It's kind of a hot dog/hamburger stand as well," Kaminski says. "It's very popular throughout the summer." Several farms are nearby, too, like Akron Acres with a petting zoo and a country store.
Dual-enrollment and championship field hockey at Akron High
Newstead is part of several school districts, including the Akron Central School District, which Niche rates B-plus overall. Kids can start at B-plus-rated Akron Elementary before moving to A-minus-rated Akron Middle. At the B-rated Akron High, teens may take dual-enrollment courses for credit at Hilbert College. Home of the Tigers, the field hockey team won the 2025 Niagara-Orleans League Championship after an undefeated season.
Summer Cruise Nights and holidays at Russell Park
Community events are held in Akron, like the Summer Cruise Nights series, where car enthusiasts show off their antique vehicles on Main Street. Residents also look forward to holiday celebrations, like the Fourth of July fireworks display and the Light Up Akron parade in December. For New Year's Eve, there's a ball drop ceremony at Russell Park. "It's actually a very nice display for a small town," Kaminski says. "There's usually hot cocoa available because it tends to be quite cold and icy at night."
Walkable village, Clarence Pathways and Interstate 90
Akron is sidewalk-lined and walkable, but residents drive to get around town. State Routes 5 and Interstate 90 provide direct routes to Buffalo. Clarence Pathways, a 20-mile bike trail system, connects the town with Clarence, 6 miles away. Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital is 14 miles away, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a 16-mile drive.
