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Black Rock

Black Rock

$145,899 Average Value
$168 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

A neighborhood of resurgence in western New York

On the banks of the Niagara River, the desirable neighborhood of Black Rock sprawls eastward from the shoreline in North Buffalo. "It's an old neighborhood and very walkable," says Robert Blake, an associate broker and team leader for the Blake Team at HUNT Real Estate. "There's been a lot of recent influx of money into the infrastructure, so it's been a resurgence of that general area. Its affordable pricing is one of the driving factors." That monetary boost has come from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act and its Reconnecting Communities Program. Homes here aren’t on the waterfront due to Interstate 190 winding its way along the river, but those who live there aren’t far from hitting the waves or simply enjoying the shoreline surroundings.
This highway cuts off Black Rock from the Niagara River, so while being close to water no homes are actually right on the waterfront.
This highway cuts off Black Rock from the Niagara River, so while being close to water no homes are actually right on the waterfront.
Sportmens Tavern in Black Rock shows live performances up to 13 times a week.
Sportmens Tavern in Black Rock shows live performances up to 13 times a week.
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Popular properties and coveted homes

A number of recently-sold homes in Black Rock have spent 10 days or less on the market, and inventory is consistently low as properties sell fast. Typically, prices range between $100,000 and $200,000, though on the high end can reach up to $300,000 and typically hover around the $200,000 mark. "The quality of the neighborhood for the price point is where it becomes the most attractive," Blake says. "There's housing stock within reach for people where they don't want to make too big a compromise. Once they discover it, they get excited about it." Homes here are mainly built in the stick and shingle styles, most between the 1880s and 1920s, and some other properties are brick. Wide porches, gabled roofs, balconies and bay windows are some of the most common accents along the tree-lined streets.
This shingle style home has multiple units and a carriage house in the backyard.
This shingle style home has multiple units and a carriage house in the backyard.
Black Rock has a walking score of 70 out of 100.
Black Rock has a walking score of 70 out of 100.
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Schools outside of Black Rock

P.S. 94 West Hertel Academy is where students in Black Rock can begin school, located just west of the neighborhood. Commuting to class is necessary, as there's no schools within Black Rock's boundaries. West Hertel Academy scores a C grade with Niche and enrolls pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. P.S. 305 McKinley High School receives West Hertel's graduates, rating at a B-minus and ranking in the top 200 high schools for athletes statewide. Sports offered here include bowling, cross country and golf.
West Hertel Elementary School in Military has a student teacher ratio of 12:1.
West Hertel Elementary School in Military has a student teacher ratio of 12:1.
McKinley High School offers extended learning time for students who seek additional support in core subjects.
McKinley High School offers extended learning time for students who seek additional support in core subjects.
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Parks on the water

Tow Path Park is the only green space located within Black Rock. Situated on the banks of the Niagara River, just upstream of the Black Rock Lock where maritime lovers can watch ships pass through, it’s known as a pocket park. Visitors can cast a line into the water, settle in for a picnic or embark on the Riverwalk Trail, which unfolds over about nine miles. At Black Rock Canal Park, visitors can fish, walk the trail, enjoy the outdoors with their furry friends at Black Rock Canal Dog Park or hit the waves in boats.
Tow Path Park in Black Rock is currently under renovation with a playground being installed.
Tow Path Park in Black Rock is currently under renovation with a playground being installed.
Black Rock was the second most important industrial area in Buffalo because of the water access.
Black Rock was the second most important industrial area in Buffalo because of the water access.
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Thoroughfares filled with eateries

Amherst Street, branching in a northeastern direction from Black Rock, is one of the primary stops for local retail and food. Along Amherst are establishments like Hot Mama’s Canteen, The Dapper Goose and Raha’s Coffee House, while music can be found at Sportsmen’s Tavern and breakfast dishes are served at Nick’s Place. Poize Restaurant and The Hoagie Stop are along Hertel Avenue within Black Rock, but the extensive thoroughfare goes all the way to Main Street to the east and is lined with an extensive number of shops and restaurants. Other local stops within Black Rock include Faso’s and Sun Cuisines, while Niagara Deli & Pizzeria and Fowler’s Chocolates are among the specialty shops here and there are Wegmans and TOPS Friendly Markets locations for groceries.
Sportmens Tavern in Black Rock shows live performances up to 13 times a week.
Sportmens Tavern in Black Rock shows live performances up to 13 times a week.
The interior of this restaurant in Black Rock recreates a living room feeling of a cozy and modest home.
The interior of this restaurant in Black Rock recreates a living room feeling of a cozy and modest home.
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Attractions in and close to the river

The rushing waters of the Niagara River flow alongside Black Rock, headed northward to their waterfall destination at Niagara Falls State Park. Unity Island lies just off the coast of the neighborhood, having recently undergone projects to restore its wildlife and natural surroundings, and also features the recently-renamed Freedom Park and Bird Island Pier. Locally, the Brocky the Pig sculpture marks a Black Rock community garden on Guernsey Street, and other area establishments include Artisan Kitchens and Baths, Black Rock Books, Allentown Music and K2 Brothers Brewing at Hatches & Hops.
The Westside Rowing Club uses the river along Black Rock for their training.
The Westside Rowing Club uses the river along Black Rock for their training.
The dog park in Black Rock has some great views of the Niagara River.
The dog park in Black Rock has some great views of the Niagara River.
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Motoring along the shoreline

Interstate 190 is the biggest landmark thoroughfare in Black Rock, lining the coast and separating the residential area from the water. "I-190 runs along the waterfront," Blake says. "It goes north-to-south, and along with 90 and 290 is part of a big loop that connects to the outlying suburbs and back in. It's a '15-minute city' in that people can get just about anywhere in 15 minutes." Parts of I-190 are also known as the Niagara Thruway and it runs all the way up to the Canadian border, meaning those who live in the area aren’t far from taking in the incredible sights of the waterfall.
Black Rock has some great fishing spots along the Niagara River.
Black Rock has some great fishing spots along the Niagara River.
Unity Island lies off the coast of Black Rock and has a park on the north and south end.
Unity Island lies off the coast of Black Rock and has a park on the north and south end.
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Adam Cheek
Written By
Adam Cheek
Stefan Ludwig
Photography Contributed By
Stefan Ludwig
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Daniel Willingham

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Frank Zellner, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Buffalo Niagara International

24 min drive

Bus

Hertel Ave & Pacific St

Bus

1709 Niagara St

Bus

Hertel Ave & Tonawanda St

Bus

Hertel Ave & Guernsey St

Bus

1675 Niagara St

Bus

Hertel Ave & Marina Vista Apartments

Bus

Niagara St & Garfield St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Black Rock US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Black Rock Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$341,885
Median Sale Price
$335,942
Median Single Family Sale Price
$330,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$397,900
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$597,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Last 12 months Home Sales
20
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-27%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$168

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
707
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1900
Months of Supply
0.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,417
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,119
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Frank Zellner, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
3,784
Median Age
35
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.3%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$26,540
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$44,527

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.3%
College Graduates
18.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.3%
% Population in Labor Force
48.5%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
188''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

68 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

68 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

45 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Black Rock