Niagara Falls

Home to Niagara Falls and Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, South End makes for an idyllic spot to try one’s luck. Residents of this Niagara Falls, New York, neighborhood relish the wealth of entertainment options, home prices well below the national average, and proximity to Buffalo and Canada. Buffalo is 20 miles south via Interstate 190 and Niagara Falls, Ontario, awaits over the Rainbow Bridge on Falls Avenue. “I think Niagara Falls is really having a resurgence,” says Ryan McNab, a licensed real estate salesperson with Howard Hanna and longtime area resident. “A lot of people are moving here because of the affordability. We are seeing a lot of people come here from Canada because of the proximity and because the property values in the Toronto area are incredibly high. If they can live here and work there, or retire here, it works out well for them financially.” Those looking to move to South End will primarily find homes built from the early-to-mid-1900s. They come in a range of styles, including Colonial Revivals, ranch homes and Dutch Colonials. Properties typically rest along sidewalk-lined streets with compact manicured lawns. “I love the architecture of the old homes here,” McNab says. “The architecture and the four seasons are my favorite things about living here.” The average list price hovers around $100,000. A cozy three-bedroom could be found for $80,000, while a more spacious five-bedroom sells for $110,000. “The market is still really good here. Obviously, a lot depends on the condition of a home but if the pricing is correct things will sell within a couple of weeks,” McNab says. “We get a lot of calls from people looking for good investment opportunities and from people looking for affordable housing and moving here from elsewhere.” Public school students may attend Harry F. Abate Elementary, Gaskill Preparatory School for seventh and eighth grade and Niagara Falls High. The elementary and middle schools score C-minus Niche grades, while the high school earns a B-minus. Home of the Wolverines, the high school boasts a championship-winning boys’ basketball team. Locals can get their weekly grocery shopping done at Tops Friendly Market on Portage Road and those who participate in occasional retail therapy appreciate that Niagara Outlet of Niagara Falls is less than 5 miles away on Military Road. From Michael Kors to Coach, the indoor mall offers more than 120 designer brands at reduced prices. For dining out, Anchor Bar, on Buffalo Avenue, is the go-to spot for Buffalo Wings. After all, the restaurant’s original location in downtown Buffalo is where they were first created in 1964. Hyde Park Café, on Hyde Park Boulevard, is a local favorite for Southern comfort foods, such as chicken and waffles or shrimp and grits. One of the world’s most visited parks is on Prospect Street in South End. Niagara Falls State Park, the nation's oldest park, hosts 9 million visitors annually and is free to the public. In addition to three thunderous waterfalls that are the park’s star attractions, residents will find 15 miles of hiking trails, fishing and nightly firework displays. Other popular pastimes include outings at Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino on 4th Street. In addition to 80 gaming tables and 2,500 slot machines, patrons can expect complimentary beverages while they play. The casino’s 2,400-seat theater has hosted internationally known acts, ranging from Aretha Franklin to Jay Leno. “The casino is certainly drawing people to the area,” McNab says. “Beyond entertainment, it provides a lot of job opportunities.”

The world-famous Niagara Falls to the west and one of New York’s most beautiful green spaces to the east – this is a snapshot of life for the locals of the Hyde Park neighborhood. Residents come to the area for the chance to own accessibly priced homes and to work in the area’s rising industries, including power plants partially operated by hydroelectricity. The location of Hyde Park is appealing for anyone looking to avoid the bustle and price point of neighboring Buffalo, without missing out on any excitement. “We’re big enough to have our own football team, but not big enough to have a lot of traffic or that you have to have a killer mortgage,” says Caleb Canazzi, a real estate broker with Blue Eagle Realty Corp who has been selling in the Buffalo area for 5 years. Hyde Park is full of historic properties that were built between the 1920s and 1950s. Ranch homes and two-story Colonial Revivals are two of the most popular styles in the neighborhood, with many residences sporting columned porches and pitched roofs. Houses are built on neat, well-organized streets bordered by tall maple and oak trees that shade both the sidewalks and main roads. Many properties are also equipped with large front and backyards, detached garages and wide personal driveways. Most homes are priced between $100,000 and $200,000, but several historic residences sell for under $100,000. “Affordability is probably the number one reason I hear for people wanting to move here,” Canazzi says. “When you compare it to the rest of the United States, it’s a lot more reasonable, and on top of that, gas and electricity are pretty cheap because you have hydroelectric facilities nearby. It’s quite affordable compared to anywhere else in Western New York.” Hyde Park was named “The Jewel of Niagara Falls” by former Niagara Falls Councilman Sam Fruscione and holds the title of the largest city park in New York outside of Manhattan. Residents living next to the park benefit from on-site athletic amenities like a skate park, the Hyde Park Golf Course, Sal Maglie Stadium, Niagara Falls Ice Pavilion and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The park also hosts one of the largest bocce leagues in New York. Visitors looking to relax can walk through the park’s beloved rose garden, feed ducks and geese at the aptly named Duck Island or catch trout at Hyde Park Lake. Every summer, locals gather for the Hyde Park Summer Bash to spend a day fishing, picnicking and enjoying the park’s many features. Local kids attend the Niagara Falls City School District. Students start at Hyde Park School for kindergarten through sixth grade and Gaskill Preparatory School for seventh and eighth grade, which both score a C-minus on Niche and are within walking distance of the Hyde Park neighborhood. Niagara Falls High School earns a B and boasts several award-winning student activities. This includes a television production program that oversees a local cable-access channel and theatre and music performances that feature both current students and alumni. Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls off Interstate 190 is 3 miles away from the Hyde Park neighborhood and offers an array of retail stores like Nike, Old Navy and Burlington Coat Factory. The complex also has multiple grocery stores, including Sam’s Club, Walmart, and Wegmen’s. Just off Hyde Park Boulevard, Hyde Park Café has been serving up made-from-scratch breakfast and lunch specials for a decade, earning the diner a loyal base of regulars. Further up the same street, Stadium Grill is a locally owned neighborhood bar where locals can catch a sports game while enjoying cold beer and hot wings. Anyone stopping along Porter Road can pick up a sweet treat at The Niagara Chocolate Company, which has been making gourmet chocolate bars and candy in Buffalo since 1956. Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) offers bus and metro rail systems throughout Western New York, including a direct bus route between Niagara Falls and Buffalo. NFTA also has trolley systems that travel directly to downtown Niagara Falls and nearby Niagara Falls International Airport. The neighborhood is close to Interstate 190 and U.S. Route 62, making travel easy for the many locals who rely on cars.

Tourists from around the world pass through the Little Italy neighborhood of Niagara Falls, New York, because of its proximity to the natural wonder and the Canadian border. But for those who stay, the biggest attraction is the notably low housing prices. The average list price in this blue-collar neighborhood is $100,000 compared to over $400,000 nationwide. “Affordability is what causes a lot of people to migrate here. We have a lot of people who move here from New York City who are just completely priced out,” says Noah Munoz, a licensed real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Realty, who has been selling homes in the area for seven years. “Convenience and location are huge as well. It’s maybe five minutes from Niagara Falls and the Canadian border." While the neighborhood is named Little Italy, the population has become much more diverse in recent years. “At one time, it was mainly Italian immigrants who lived here, but now it’s becoming a melting pot,” Munoz says. “There are a lot of people from Bangladesh, India and China. There are still a lot of great Italian restaurants but every year more and more are selling.” Those looking to move to Little Italy will primarily find homes built from the early-to-mid 1900s. They come in a range of styles, including Craftsman, Dutch Colonials and ranch homes. Properties typically rest along sidewalk-lined streets with compact lots shadowed by mature maple and elm trees that are common to the area. A cozy three-bedroom, one-bath could be found for $75,000 while a more spacious, four-bedroom, 3-bath sells in the mid-$100,000s. “We were in a recession here for many years. At the moment we’re in a stable market,” Munoz says. “If things are priced right, they should sell within two weeks, if not it could take a month or more.” Public school students may attend schools such as Harry F. Abate Elementary, Gaskill Preparatory School for seventh and eighth grade and Niagara Falls High. The elementary and middle schools score C-minus Niche grades, while the high school earns a B-minus. Home of the Wolverines, the high school boasts a championship-winning boys’ basketball team. Locals will find a wealth of regionally and nationally known retailers along Pine Avenue, such as Save A Lot discount grocery store and Walgreens. For dining out, Fortuna’s, on 19th Street, has been a local favorite for upscale Italian fare since 1945. Frankie’s Donuts and Pizza is the go-to spot for a carb fix. Patrons of this Portage Road eatery can expect freshly made doughnuts and pizza with a slightly sweet aftertaste served up in an old-school diner atmosphere. One of the world’s most visited parks is in Little Italy’s backyard. Niagara Falls State Park, the nation’s oldest park, hosts 9 million visitors annually and is free to the public. In addition, to three thunderous waterfalls that are the park’s star attractions, residents will find 15 miles of hiking trails, fishing, and nightly firework displays. The park is less than 5 miles from Little Italy on Prospect Street via Pine Avenue. Close to a national treasure and the Canadian border, Little Italy truly offers international appeal.

Homeowners in the East Side neighborhood can see the skyline of Toronto from the landmark that is Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls State Park is where residents can go to see this scenic point of view. East Side is also close to Hyde Park, where locals go to participate in the park’s bocce league. It is the center for social gatherings for those who live within the city of Niagara Falls. East Side brings its residents closer to nature. Those living within the East Side mostly live in American Foursquare homes built in the early 1900s. Because the neighborhood is mostly urban, residents have access to sidewalks. An American Foursquare in need of a bit of renovation can cost about $150,000. The median listing price for a home in East Side is $149,900. Students living in East Side can attend Harry F. Abate Elementary and Gaskill Preparatory, with both schools receiving a C-minus rating on Niche. From there, they can attend Niagara Falls High School, which has a B rating and in 2023, partnered with Stanford University and Pipedreamers to offer students an introduction to computer science course. Established in 1885, Niagara Falls State Park is the oldest state park in the United States. Cave of the Winds is located on Goat Island and is where visitors can use the wooden walkways to have an up-close encounter with Bridal Veil Falls, the smallest of the three waterfalls that make up Niagara Falls. If locals want to get a picturesque view of Niagara Falls, they will have to visit the Rainbow Bridge, which requires a passport. Beyond the Falls, the state park also features hiking trails like the Great Gorge Scenic Overlook Hike, a one-hour round-trip hike that is ideal for those looking for an easy but scenic trail. Hyde Park on Pine Avenue is known by locals as the “Jewel of Niagara Falls.” Its public golf course features two 9-hole courses and one 18-hole course and offers golfers a scenic and challenging playthrough. After a round, they can dine at Kelly’s on the Green. On Wednesday and Thursday nights, locals are seen participating in the park’s bocce league. During the warmer months, residents can have a picnic at one of the pavilions. It is a popular destination for large social gatherings. Zaika Indian Cuisine serves a mixture of traditional North and South Indian dishes, buffet-style. Popular choices include Chicken Tikka Masala and Kurma. Savor, located on Old Falls Street, is known for its New American fare. Ran by the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, patrons will see culinary students prepare their dinner in the open kitchen. Menu items include Shrimp Scampi and the Espresso Chili Rubbed Burger, made with maple bacon jam. Residents can shop at Tops for their groceries.

North End neighborhood is on a peak bounded by the blue waters of Niagara to the west. “A lot of people from Canada have second homes here. You can walk over the bridge to get there. It only takes 10 minutes,” says Realtor Maritza Tortora of Red Door Real Estate. The neighborhood is near several state parks, including ArtPark in the city of Lewiston. It’s also close to Niagara University and many students and professors make their home here. Some consider the area up-and-coming, so developers are naturally keen to invest. Tortora is one of those developers, currently focused on rehabbing properties in the area. Houses in North End are mostly ‘30s builds. Eclectic two-story properties with farmhouse, Colonial, Tudor and ranch-style details are common here and facades are bright. The streets are filled with leaf confetti during the crispest months and sidewalks connect neighbors. Due to their relative affordability, homes also move fast. “Everything has slowed down because of the interest rates but homes in North End can sell in less than a week,” Tortora adds. A five-bedroom home with opportunities for updates recently sold for $85,000, a four-bedroom American Foursquare sold for $136,000 and a three-bedroom brick property for $191,500. The median home price in this neighborhood is around $170,000. North End has seen neglect over the years, which has led to a dampening of spirit along Main Street where many storefronts are now boarded. Revitalization initiatives have been proposed and carefully thought through, but they have not been successful due to financial constraints and paused partnerships. Individual investors, like Tortora, see the hope for the area. Niagara Guys and The Griffon Gastropub are frequented by locals. The pub has a rustic exterior with its hipped roof, wood paneling and barrels at the entranceway. The menu includes a wide variety of American classics — including a fried grilled cheese made with Wisconsin white cheddar cheese curds. Niagara Guys is known for their fresh handmade pizza, including their heart-shaped pizza for special occasions. For retail options, Tortora says locals head to Pine Avenue where there are box chains like Walgreens and Family Dollar, and a few locally-owned shops like Kings & Queens fashion store. Tops Friendly Market, 23 miles away along Interstate 190, is one of the best grocery stores nearby as it’s stocked with a wide range of produce and packaged goods. Main Street connects to Lewiston Road taking residents toward the Lewiston community within a few short miles. Lewiston’s 108-acre ArtPark is just six miles away and has been a cultural institution since the ‘70s. The park's main stage theater has hosted big names like Bon Iver, Chicago and more. Its grounds house numerous art exhibits, including the Murmuration sculpture representing flocks of birds flying through the sky, and the Percussion Garden, providing a playful way to explore sound within a natural landscape. Neighbors can also walk to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and hit all the tourist destinations. Neighbors on Lewiston Road can see the DeVeaux Woods State Park from their front porch, known for its scenic meadow, trails through old-growth forests, athletic fields and more. One of the state park’s trails leads to Whirlpool Park, which offers a two-tiered hiking opportunity along the Niagara River, taking locals from the base of the gorge to a height from which they can witness the whirlpool. It also has a playground and picnic tables for the kids and cozy gatherings. Students of North End are served by the Niagara Falls City School District. They may attend Maple Avenue School for elementary, LaSalle Preparatory School and Niagara Falls High School. The elementary school earns a C-rating from Niche, the preparatory school a C-plus and the high school scores a B rating. The high school offers 12 advanced placement courses taught by board-certified teachers that allow students to study at the college level. For everyday amenities, cars are important here. Trolleys and buses also connect residents to the surrounding Niagara region. The nearest airport is Buffalo Niagara International, 30 miles away along I-190.