Nestled between two full recreational lakes – Buffalo Lake and Lake Pulaski – Buffalo is a city about 40 miles from Minneapolis. The city works diligently to maintain five regional parks and 19 parks. “It’s beautiful with all the lakes and parks and walking trails, but it’s our sense of community that really stands out,” says Realtor Ellie Ortmann of Keller Williams Integrity NW. Buffalo has a thriving downtown and many independent businesses. “We’re growing, which is great, but you can still go somewhere and know somebody,” Ortmann says.
Buffalo is surrounded picturesque lakes and waterways.
Downtown Buffalo has many quaint shops and cafes.
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Lake properties and new builds
The housing market in Buffalo is somewhat competitive, with nearly 40% of the homes selling above list price. The median sale price is $345,000 and houses spend about 15 days on the market. “It’s been limited inventory for the last couple of years, but we have a good combination of single-family homes and town houses,” Ortmann says. Although prospective buyers can still find the occasional split-level or ranch under $300,000, new construction is the norm. The Greenbriar Hills development offers over 100 acres of unique home sites with enhanced views of natural ponds and dedicated wildlife areas. The planned community features a winery and an orchard. New homes start around $390,000 and go up from there depending on the floorplan. “Lake Pulaski is known for its beautiful lake homes – they’re all very unique,” Ortmann says. There’s a mix of older and more contemporary homes, which range in price from $400,000 to over $1 million.
Upscale homes with dock access line Lake Pulaski.
An elegant craftsman-style home with upscale landscaping sits on the shores of Lake Pulaski.
The Greenbriar Hills development offers new homes with pond views and ample wildlife.
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Nearby public schools
Residents with children have a wide range of educational opportunities in Buffalo, which is home to four elementary schools. Northwinds Elementary School promises a special program in world culture that provides a look into how other children live in different parts of the world. The school has an A-minus grade from Niche, with 76% of students proficient in math and 72% in reading. Tatanka Elementary is a STEM magnet school where students are exposed to coding using iPads to program Spheros and Lego projects. Next up is likely Buffalo Community Middle School, which has a B-plus Niche grade, followed by Buffalo High School which has a B grade.
Tatanka Elementary School enrolls over 450 students in grades K-5 in a STEM-based curriculum.
Buffalo High School enrolls nearly 2,000 students in grades 9-12.
Buffalo Community Middle School has an overall Niche grade of 'B+'.
Northwinds Elementary School maintains an overall Niche grade of 'A-'.
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Abundance of outdoor spaces
Outdoor amenities are a big draw for Buffalo. “Lake Pulaski is a nice beach for boating and swimming, and on the 4th of July, they do a big boat pontoon parade and there are fireworks,” Ortmann says. West Pulaski Park features Andrews Park Splash Pad and a disc golf course. Buffalo Lake is a very productive lake for fishermen who can cast off from the fishing pier at Sturges Park and expect large populations of bass and Northern Pike. Boat rentals are available at the Parkshore Pavilion. The park itself is a showcase, with mature trees painting a beautiful backdrop as children play on the climbing structure, merry-go-round, swing sets and interactive musical instruments. Teenagers and adults can enjoy the basketball court, skatepark or outdoor fitness system.
Buffalo Heights Golf Course offers nine holes of play, practice course, and restaurant.
Sturges Park is a popular lakeside park in Buffalo.
Buffalo Lake is a popular spot in winter for ice fishing.
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Historic downtown
The city of Buffalo takes pride in its historic downtown business district, with quaint buildings lining the bricks of Division Street. “If you come out here yourself, there are just so many unique little places,” Ortmann says. Buffalo Books & Coffee is a warm and inviting space with original hardwood floors. The first floor of the store is lined with books like a cozy library and leads to a café in the back that features an outdoor patio with a lake view. “Evelyn’s Wine Bar is great. I love their flatbread, which pairs well with the red wines I’ve tasted,” Ortmann says. The Heights Bar & Grill at the Buffalo Heights Golf Course is the place to go for burgers. The outdoor seating overlooking the golf course is beautiful in the spring and summer when the trees and greens are lush.
Buffalo Books & Coffee is a local favorite for hand-selected books and a cozy atmosphere.
Division Street is home to a number of charming occasional shops and cozy cafes.
Pair your favorite wine with delectable, homemade flatbread at Evelyn's Wine Bar.
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Buffalo Days and more community events
The city of Buffalo is actively engaged in the community and brings residents together several times a year for events. “Buffalo Days starts in June with all sorts of activities through the week,” Ortmann says. The big carnival comes in Wednesday and then there are fireworks on Friday night. “It brings in residents from other communities to celebrate and showcase Buffalo,” Ortmann says. Concerts at the band shell in Sturges happen every Thursday night from late June through Labor Day. The city’s Arts & Craft Festival celebrated 40 years, with over 100 artisans showing their wares and sharing their talents.
Relax with live music at Hayes' Public House in downtown Buffalo,
The amphitheater at Sturges Park in Buffalo.
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Easy highway access
A few blocks away, Highway 55 has everything from big box stores and national food chains. The community is located about 40 miles from Minneapolis and about 50 miles from St. Paul.
Highways 55 and 25 run through the city, where places like Target and Wal-Mart offer big-box options.
Target serves Buffalo residents with big-box shopping.
Growing up in a Real Estate family, Brian and Ellie Lee are committed to the profession. They started Real Estate in 2013 and has grown her business exponentially each year. With her high involvement in the Otsego Lions Club and Three Rivers Community Foundation, she is very invested in our community and local charities. Her exceptional customer service, communication, strong work ethic, and knowledge of the business make for an unbeatable combination enabling her to help you reach your Real Estate goals.
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.
