$258,035Average Value$211Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
A historic canalside city with increasing industrial presence and proximity to Buffalo
The Tonawandas are known to locals as the Twin Cities of Western New York. However, this moniker is not strictly accurate. “There is a strong sense of community in both cities,” says John Cook, Realtor with Signature Real Estate Services and lifelong area resident. “So in that sense, they’re the same. But North Tonawanda really outdoes Tonawanda when it comes to the downtown district, I think. We’ve spent much more revitalizing there than they have on the other side of the canal.” First settled as a lumber industry hub in the early 1800s, North Tonawanda retains many historic buildings downtown, creating a canal-side experience unique from its sister city, which demolished many of its historic structures during the 1970s. Despite waning from its peak, this city of over 30,000 is still home to a significant industrial presence.
But even as the world turns its eyes on North Tonawanda, the city retains a particular brand of neighborliness that defines it as quintessentially Western New York. “My mother moved to North Tonawanda after my father passed away, and she was amazed that just a move of just a couple of miles made the difference in people coming up to her at the grocery store to ask her how she was doing,” Cook says.
There are some spectacular views of the Niagara River at Fishermans Park.
Gateway Harbor connects the village of North Tonawanda and Tonawanda.
Very sought after homes in North Tonawanda can sell for 24% above list price in 7 days.
Due to quiet streets, the bike score in North Tonawanda is 48 out of 100.
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Historic riverside homes are common, and winters are milder in North Tonawanda
Prospective buyers will find homes built anywhere from the late 1800s to 2010, with most historic cottages and American Foursquares concentrated closer to the Niagara River and the canal. Craftsman cottages and midcentury ranch-style homes are more common in the northern parts of the city, as are larger Colonial Revival homes. Nearly all houses in North Tonawanda have front and backyards and paved driveways leading to detached garages, helpful in the winter months. Single-family homes can range in price from around $150,000 to $550,000, depending on square footage and the status of renovations.
While the Buffalo region is infamous for its snowy winters, residents of North Tonawanda tend to have it easier than their neighbors south along Interstate 290. “Everyone hears about our lake effect snow, but you can draw lines from Lake Erie across the Buffalo area, which make up the zone where the deep snow falls,” Cook says. “I picked North Tonawanda because weather-pattern-wise, we never really get more than a couple of feet. If people from the south towns are sick of the snow and want to avoid it, all they have to do is move 10 or 15 miles north to here.”
The North Tonawanda housing market is competitive, average homes sell 11% over list price.
North Tonawanda is pretty car dependent with a walk score of 39 out of 100.
Most homes in North Tonawanda offer driveways or garages.
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All six public schools in North Tonawanda receive strong marks
Students here attend the North Tonawanda City School District, which scores an overall B-minus from Niche. There are three elementary schools within the district, each of which serves children from kindergarten through grade three. North Tonawanda Intermediate handles education for grades four through six. Students then proceed to North Tonawanda Middle and North Tonawanda High. Catholic schools like Cardinal O’Hara High, located across the Erie Canal, provide private faith-based alternatives for young men and women.
Drake School is an elementary school in North Tonawanda with about 250 students.
Cardinal O'Hara High School is is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Tonawanda.
Edward Town Middle School is a great school in Niagara.
Spruce School in North Tonawanda serves grades K to 3.
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The annual Canal Fest of the Tonawandas draws visitors from across the state
The city’s most significant event is the Canal Fest of the Tonawandas, which is also among the largest in New York State “Tonawanda and North Tonawanda get together to organize a festival on both sides of the canal,” Cook says. “There are car shows, motorcycle shows, live music by local bands – it really is a point of pride for both cities.” Every July, over 300,000 visitors descend upon the Tonawandas for an eight-day celebration. The gravitational pull of Buffalo’s famous sports culture also reaches across the canal. Ticket-holding residents are likely to venture south to Highmark Stadium for Bills tailgates on Sundays, while others will crowd into bars like District 37 Kitchen and Taphouse to watch games with neighbors. Sabres ice hockey at KeyBank Center is also popular.
Canal Fest in North Tonawandas celebrates many historic crafts.
Canal Fest in North Tonawandas has vendors and stages on both sides of the harbor.
The race with self made boats is one of the main events of Canal Fest in North Tonawandas.
An historic boat that was built in Buffalo visited the Canal Fest in North Tonawandas al
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Shopping along Niagara Falls Boulevard or canal-side dining downtown
Grocery stores like Tops Friendly Markets and big-box retailers such as Walmart Supercenter, both located on Niagara Falls Boulevard on the outskirts of the city, make picking up daily necessities a simple task. Boulevard Mall, also along this road, is home to over 100 stores and casual eateries. However, local businesses clustered around the canal help to make North Tonawanda stand out. Residents stop into Coffee and Stone to get their morning caffeine fix, browse the stock at The Treasure Market antique store or catch live stage performances at the Riviera Theatre on Webster Street. Webster and Main Streets are also havens for waterside restaurants like The Dockside Bar and Grill and Prescott’s Provisions. “Both of the Tonawandas are very into boating,” Cook says. “There are lots of restaurants designed to accommodate boats, which will be docked two- or three-wide sometimes, so it's expected that you’ll be walking across other peoples’ boats to get to your table.”
Black Sheep near North Tonawanda has an incredible collection of fun home decorations.
There are also a lot of locally owned shops like Black Sheep in and around North Tonawanda.
Hello Sweets in the Village of North Tonawanda has everything your sweet tooth could wish for.
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Food Truck Thursdays at Gateway Harbor Park
Gateway Harbor Park, located across the Erie Canal, is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing and biking along the Erie Canal Trail. It is also the site of Food Truck Thursdays, a city-sponsored event that brings dozens of food trucks and live bands to the canal every week throughout summer and early autumn. Pine Woods Park, closer to the center of the city, features picnic shelters, walking paths and a well-equipped playground. North Tonawanda National Little League plays home games at the fields on Stephen J Sikora Drive. Youth soccer players can play year-round on the indoor fields at Sportsplex on Ridge Road. However, hockey players will need to travel 4 miles north to Hockey Outlet in Nashville or 3 miles south to Brighton Arena in Tonawanda for practices and games.
Twin Cities Memorial Highway connects North Tonawanda to the rest of Western New York
Twin Cities Memorial Highway is a major thoroughfare for North Tonawanda. It connects the city south to Interstate 290, the most direct route to downtown Buffalo and Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Following NY Route 265 north along the banks of the Niagara River is the quickest way to Niagara Falls, which is popular for sightseeing and day trips across the border to Canada. Bus lines managed by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority run along Main Street, bringing passengers across the canal to Buffalo in around 90 minutes.
Crime rates in the city fall well below the national average
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, violent crime in Tonawanda occurs at a rate of 36 incidents per 100,000 residents, falling far below the national average. Property crime also falls below the average, occurring at a rate of 86 incidents per 100,000 individuals.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Stefan Ludwig
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Daniel Terhune,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in North Tonawanda, NY sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in North Tonawanda, NY over the last 12 months is $390,000, down 40% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Situated on a desirable corner lot, this beautifully updated home features 4 spacious bedrooms and 1.5 modern bathrooms, offering comfort and convenience for any lifestyle. Step inside and you'll be greeted by a bright and inviting interior, thanks to custom-built windows throughout the entire first floor that flood the home with natural light. The list of upgrades is extensive, but here are just
Welcome to 412 Belmont Ct E, a spacious 3 bedroom, 2 full bath Ranch with great curb appeal. The roomy foyer leads to a sunlit living room with large picture windows, formal dining room and large eat-in kitchen. Kitchen has loads of cupboard space and stainless steel appliances. From the kitchen, step into the family room complete with wood burning stove and sliding glass door leading to the
Welcome to this charming 4 bedroom, 2 full-bathroom, Cape Cod-style home, full of character and nestled on a spacious corner lot. Inside, you'll find a functional floor plan featuring a bright living room with wood fireplace and plenty of natural light, formal dining room with French doors leading out onto the back deck, kitchen with ample cabinet space, and hardwood floors throughout much of the
Situated on a desirable corner lot, this beautifully updated home features 4 spacious bedrooms and 1.5 modern bathrooms, offering comfort and convenience for any lifestyle. Step inside and you'll be greeted by a bright and inviting interior, thanks to custom-built windows throughout the entire first floor that flood the home with natural light. The list of upgrades is extensive, but here are just
Lovingly owned by the same owner for 69 years, this well-maintained ranch is full of charm and potential. Located on a peaceful neighborhood street, it features 3 bedrooms, a spacious living room, and a separate family room with a working fireplace—ideal for relaxing or entertaining.The large, partially finished basement offers great storage and flexibility for additional living space.
Welcome to 412 Belmont Ct E, a spacious 3 bedroom, 2 full bath Ranch with great curb appeal. The roomy foyer leads to a sunlit living room with large picture windows, formal dining room and large eat-in kitchen. Kitchen has loads of cupboard space and stainless steel appliances. From the kitchen, step into the family room complete with wood burning stove and sliding glass door leading to the
Experience waterfront luxury living at 600 River in our spacious two-story townhouses or one, two, and three bedroom apartments designed to maximize panoramic views of the Niagara River. Upscale features of our residences include spacious master ensuites, modern kitchens with custom hardwood cabinetry, high-end GE stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, custom wine bars, and more. 9'
Enjoy this smoke free apartment with in building laundry with the convenience having it in your own space. This unit is near public transportation with all the convenience of being by some local shops and restaurants. Includes stove and refrigerator and is move in ready. Enjoy the availability of off street parking. Rent Spree available for applications. Water and snow plowing is included.
Beautiful waterfront property in the heart of North Tonawanda . We are nestled on the historic Erie Canal, the Remington Lofts on the Canal offer unique apartments for rent in North Tonawanda, NY. This award-winning property has 1 and 2 bedroom combinations, both one level and duplex. These stunning lofts have Custom tile showers, high-end appliances, and an industrial feel make this location
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