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Best suburbs in Buffalo

Written by:
April 25, 2024
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Best suburbs in Buffalo

The GI Bill of Rights, Ike's interstate system, suburban development, and the growing affordability of cars allowed the suburbs to flourish throughout the mid-20th century. During this era, a new American Dream was established: one with single-family homes, white picket fences, and lush green lawns.

Today, however, the traditional suburb may no longer cater to what 79% of Americans want: walkability. Younger people are especially attracted to neighborhoods where stores, restaurants, and other amenities are a short walk away, according to a National Association of Realtors survey released in 2023. But a good location comes with a cost.

A Redfin analysis showed homes in 2019 in walkable areas sold for almost 25% more than homes without the same walkability, equivalent to nearly $78,000 more in the national average. Some suburbs offer the amenities of city life, whether through easy transit to big cities (such as Wilmette, Illinois, with easy proximity to Chicago), or college-town amenities such as those found in Claremont, California.

What individual families and people look for in a suburb will vary, of course, with some prioritizing quiet and extra space, even if that means driving more often.

Stacker used data from Niche to examine the best suburbs in Buffalo. Niche ranked suburbs across the U.S. based on several factors, including diversity, the cost of living, the share of the population with college degrees, and the quality of schools and housing.

Read on to see the highest-ranked suburbs in Buffalo.

Happy young family sitting in a park.
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Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko // Shutterstock

#5. Harris Hill, New York

- Population: 6,107
- Median home value: $280,400
- Median rental price: $1,624

- Top schools nearby: Williamsville East High School (grade A+), Transit Middle School (grade A), Country Parkway Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Nichols School (grade A+), Buffalo Seminary (grade A+), The Park School of Buffalo (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: C−
--- Cost of living grade: C+
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
Happy family in backyard with dog.
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Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock

#4. Clarence Center, New York

- Population: 3,264
- Median home value: $418,200
- Median rental price: $1,375

- Top schools nearby: Sheridan Hill Elementary School (grade A), Ledgeview Elementary School (grade A), Clarence Middle School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: The Park School of Buffalo (grade A+), Christian Central Academy (grade A), St. Mary's High School (grade B+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: C−
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: B+
Back view of a little girl on fathers shoulders and mom walking alongside.
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F8 studio // Shutterstock

#3. Kenmore, New York

- Population: 15,155
- Median home value: $178,700
- Median rental price: $953

- Top schools nearby: Western New York Maritime Charter School (grade B+), Buffalo Academy of Science (grade B+), Research Laboratory High School-Bioinformatic (grade B)
- Top private schools nearby: Nichols School (grade A+), Buffalo Seminary (grade A+), The Park School of Buffalo (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A
--- Weather grade: C−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Little boy running with his dog on a leash.
4 / 5
FamVeld // Shutterstock

#2. Williamsville, New York

- Population: 5,411
- Median home value: $234,900
- Median rental price: $1,257

- Top schools nearby: Williamsville East High School (grade A+), Transit Middle School (grade A), Country Parkway Elementary School (grade A)
- Top private schools nearby: Nichols School (grade A+), Buffalo Seminary (grade A+), The Park School of Buffalo (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: C−
--- Cost of living grade: B−
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−
Senior couple on walk with a dog.
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PeopleImages.com - Yuri A // Shutterstock

#1. Eggertsville, New York

- Population: 15,076
- Median home value: $197,000
- Median rental price: $877

- Top schools nearby: Amherst Central High School (grade A−), Sweet Home Senior High School (grade A−), Amherst Middle School (grade A−)
- Top private schools nearby: Nichols School (grade A+), Buffalo Seminary (grade A+), The Park School of Buffalo (grade A+)

- Overall Niche grade: A+
--- Weather grade: C−
--- Cost of living grade: B
--- Outdoor activities grade: A−

This story features data reporting and writing by Emma Rubin and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 67 metros.

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