First Ward is among Buffalo’s oldest neighborhoods
Within the backdrop of towering factories is The Old First Ward, one of Buffalo’s oldest neighborhoods—a city within a city where manufacturing and the outdoors coexist along Buffalo’s River Front. A mile from Downtown and 30 miles from Niagara Falls, First Ward pioneered the city as a leader in the wheat industry. History lives at Silo City, where grain elevators reach 120 feet; built in the early 1900s, it is known as “Elevator Alley” and has transformed into a multi-use space for art events. Silo City’s inception brought work opportunities, drawing Irish immigrants seeking refuge. This Irish heritage is still embraced and is shaped into First Ward locals know today, characterized by its long-standing pubs and riverside parks. “It’s a tight-knit, up-and-coming, hard-working community, attracting more people and attention due to Riverworks,” says Devonte Davis, a real estate agent with eXp Realty and creator of Buffalo Living 2.0, a YouTube channel giving an insight on all things Buffalo.
20th century homes close to neighbors
Built alongside Silo City, First Ward’s home reflects the early 20th century with Shotgun-style homes, duplexes and Victorians with inviting front porches, bay windows and roof dormers. Some are painted in green, blue and yellow, adding a touch of vibrancy to this industrial community. While the front yard space is few and far between, there are sidewalks, driveways and spacious backyards. Some bicentennial homes require a little TLC, starting at $50,000 to $195,000 for well-preserved residences. “Lots of renovations are happening to older homes,” Davis says.
Homes in First Ward often have porches or sunrooms in the front.
A lot of homes in First Ward have great views of historic industrial sites.
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The weekends come alive at Riverworks
After the brisk winter, with summer comes warmth and more time for kayaking and drinking beer with friends along the banks of the Buffalo River. Visitors and locals alike spend the weekend at Riverworks, hosting everything (almost) under the sun, from roller derby, rock climbing, boating, an arcade, ice skating and an amusement park. With the water comes recreation, Mutual Riverfront Park boasts views of the historic Elevator Alley, while Buffalo River Fest Park draws hundreds for the summer concert series. And when the kids need to burn some steam, Conway Park has big grassy fields with a playground and baseball diamonds. Just across from Silo City, Buffalo Harbor State Park is the city’s first state park, where neighbors come for live tunes, skateboarding, scenic bike rides and fishing for freshwater gar and minnow.
Riverworks is a restaurant and event location in First Ward with a recently added ferris wheel.
Buffalo Harbor State Park right next to First Ward has a beach, marina and a modern playground.
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Students can apply to specialized high schools
Kids may be a part of Buffalo Public Schools, the nearest school being Southside Elementary School or P.S. 93, with a C rating according to Niche, nurturing kindergarten through 8th grade. Students can apply to specialized high schools catering to prospective career pathways. Nearby is P.S. 206, South Park High School, with a B-minus and P.S. 304, Hutchinson Central Technical High School with an A-minus, according to Niche. The technical school hosts various after-school programs in cycling, French and guitar.
Get a taste of the neighborhood at Adolf’s Old First Ward Tavern
Tops Friendly Market is available to restock the fridge and The Downtown Country Market is held every Thursday on Main Street. Opening doors in 1934 and reopening in the mid-2010s, Adolf’s Old First Ward Tavern’s motto of “bringing the old neighborhood bar back to the old neighborhood” is an ode to the community’s rich Irish culture. Swannie House, opening in 1886 and Gene McCarthy’s, with a beer garden, are long-standing watering holes for more tastes of Ireland. Locals have a big appreciation for distilleries, and at Resurgence Brewing Company, guests enjoy a curated selection of IPAs, sours and seltzers on tap and signature handhelds. And then there’s Ballyhoo, known for its specialty sausage links. For shopping, Walden Galleria is 8 miles and across the street from Target.
Resurgence near First Ward has a bar and restaurant downstairs and an event space upstairs.
The waffle toppings at Wonder Coffeehouse in First Ward range from chicken to S'mores.
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The Old Neighborhood Parade celebrates Irish heritage
Out of two of Buffalo’s St. Patrick’s Day parades, one of them takes place right here in the First Ward. The oldest in the state and heralded The Old Neighborhood Parade, where thousands flock to experience traditional folk music and express pride for Irish culture. Then there’s The Old First Ward Arts & Heritage Festival, a celebration of the community’s talented artists and musicians. Under a mile from Downtown Buffalo, from iconic annual festivals such as, Taste of Buffalo and Juneteenth of Buffalo.
The First Ward was originally called the Irish First Ward because of its population around 1800.
This mural reflects the industrial sites around it that make the charm of the First Ward.
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Commutes along the Buffalo Skyway
Residents of First Ward benefit from convenient access to the Buffalo Skyway, a bridge hovering over the river and connecting to Downtown Buffalo, though prone to closures due to inclement weather. In the neighborhood, locals access the Erie Canal Harbor station to hop on the light rail operated by NFTA for quick commutes. And downtown, Interstate 190 cuts right through the city. The neighborhood is 3 miles from Mercy Hospital of Buffalo and 12 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
Bus lines in First Wards offer short rides to downtown.
There are great opportunities for bike rides in First Ward with many trails along the water.
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
Kamran Mazhar,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cathedral Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Buffalo Harbor State Park
Fishing
Trails
RV Hookup
Buffalo River Fest Park
Buffalo Naval Park
Father Conway Park
Mutual Riverfront Park
Seneca Bluffs Natural Habitat Park
Transit
Airport
Buffalo Niagara International
22 min drive
Bus
Hamburg And O'connell Ave
Bus
South Park Ave & Smith St
Bus
Louisiana St & Miami St
Bus
South Park Ave & Elk St
Bus
Smith St & Elk St
Bus
Louisiana St & South St
Bus
Ohio St & Pierce & Stevens St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
First Ward
US
Homicide
9
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in First Ward, Buffalo sell after 11 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in First Ward, Buffalo over the last 12 months is $158,750, up 183% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 183 Mackinaw this well kept multi unit has been owned by the owner for 55 years so you know it has been well cared for. Lets start with the upper unit which has 3 bedrooms and one full bath. Large living room that opens to the dining room. Nice size fully applianced eat in kitchen. Lower unit consist of 2 bedrooms and one full bath. Kitchen and baths in both units have been updated
Limited number of LUXE Apts. with Quartz Countertops, Kitchen Backsplash, Upgraded Appliances & Walk-In Shower! Buffalo's brand new, premier mixed-use lifestyle center is Barcalo Living & Commerce in Buffalo, New York. The historic BarcaLounger Mfg. Complex has been meticulously repurposed into modern, smoke-free, pet-friendly 1, 2, and 3 bedroom energy efficient residences; offering charming
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kamran Mazhar,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,372
Median Age
40
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$26,746
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$48,179
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
86.6%
College Graduates
20.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6%
% Population in Labor Force
51.8%
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®
64/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
53/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
36/ 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.
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.
