Rural living with nearby city conveniences in Royalton
Set 35 miles northeast of Buffalo, Royalton is a small town made up of several close-knit communities, including the hamlet of Gasport and the village of Middleport. “You’re out in the country, that’s the big difference you’re going to find there,” says Salvatore Anello, a real estate salesperson with Howard Hanna and nearly 10 years of experience.
The town’s charm lies in its mix of country living and community spirit. Green spaces, including Royalton Ravine County Park, offer tree-lined trails, fishing spots and youth sports, while seasonal events, such as the Duck Derby, bring residents together. Farms showcase the area’s agricultural roots, and village roads are lined by single-family homes and small businesses. Lockport, 6 miles away, offers convenient access to city amenities while Royalton maintains its laid-back, rural character.
Minimal Traditional, ranch-style homes and historic farmhouses
Royalton’s housing spans from the mid-19th century to the present, though most listings date back to the past 50 years. Along the town’s country roads, mid-to-late 20th-century ranch-style homes and historic farmhouses sit on spacious lots, offering privacy, pastoral views and the occasional outbuilding like a workshop or detached garage. Many of these older properties feature rustic touches, such as wide porches, shiplap siding and exposed wooden beams.
In the hamlets and villages, homes have a more close-knit, suburban feel. Minimal Traditional houses sit close together along tree- and sidewalk-lined streets with modest lawns and short driveways. Gasport offers a similar atmosphere, but with a greater variety of styles, including Craftsman- and Colonial-inspired designs.
Home prices typically range from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on size, age and features. A few smaller or fixer-upper properties fall below that range, while new construction and larger estates occasionally sell for more.
Exploring academic interests at Royalton-Hartland High
Royalton is part of multiple school districts, including Royalton-Hartland Central School District, which is rated B-minus overall by Niche. Kids may start at the B-minus-rated Royalton-Hartland Elementary before moving to the C-plus-rated Royalton-Hartland Middle. At the B-minus-rated Royalton-Hartland High, teens can explore their interests in areas of study such as forensic science, architectural drafting and digital photography.
Escaping into nature at Royalton Ravine County Park
Royalton’s parks highlight the town’s natural beauty and outdoorsy spirit. Royalton Ravine County Park is a rustic escape with wooded trails that wind past scenic landmarks, including a gentle waterfall and the ruins of the 19th-century Belva Lockwood Homestead. The park also features an 18-hole disc golf course, baseball diamonds and a fishing pond stocked with largemouth bass. Nearby, the dog-friendly Royalton Veterans Park provides a playground, picnic areas and courts for basketball and volleyball. The Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area is home to over 100 bird species, including the rusty blackbird and cedar waxwing.
The Erie Canalway Trail also runs through town, a popular cycling route. The 360-mile trail connects Buffalo to New York City as part of the 750-mile Empire State Trail system.
Farm-fresh groceries and Western New York cuisine
In Gasport, residents may start their day at the Sunrise Cafe, known for its country-style brunch favorites, such as Texas French toast with cherries and ham steak. Chop’s Shop Pizzeria is the go-to spot for a New York–style slice with sweet sauce or to settle in with a beer and catch a Bills game. Nearby, the Canalside Inn serves up Western New York specialties, including beef on weck — slow-roasted, thin-sliced roast beef piled high on a kummelweck roll.
Middleport’s Main Street is lined with a handful of shops and eateries. Alternative Grounds Caffe pours gourmet coffee, while Xroo satisfies sweet tooths with sponge candy and Belgian chocolate. A Dollar General covers everyday essentials. The surrounding countryside is dotted with farms such as Newroyal Orchards, which offers apple and cherry picking, and Schwab’s Farm Market, known for fresh produce, deli goods and baked favorites like strawberry rhubarb pie and molasses cookies.
Lockport provides more shopping and dining options, including a Tops. “In Lockport, you’ve got people going to the store with mud on their boots,” Anello says. “If you have to go into Buffalo … that’s where you’re going to start to get that high-end, bougie feel.”
Holidays and the Duck Derby in Middleport
Middleport celebrates Memorial Day with a parade down Main Street and a flag ceremony. On the following day, the Duck Derby is a fun tradition where hundreds of rubber duckies are released into the Erie Canal and race toward the finish line, with proceeds benefiting charity. In December, there’s a tree lighting ceremony with hot cocoa and a Christmas concert from the Middleport Community Choir.
State Route 77, Lockport buses and the nearest hospital and airport
While Royalton’s villages/hamlets are generally sidewalk-lined and bike-friendly, residents drive to get around town. State Route 77 passes through town, providing connecting access to Buffalo. There isn’t any public transportation here, but Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority buses stop in Lockport. The privately owned Royalton Airport is in town, Lockport Memorial Hospital is 11 miles away and Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a 24-mile drive.
