$149,625Average Value$122Average Price per Sq Ft18Homes For Sale
Generations have grown up here
Just 6 miles from Downtown Buffalo, Kensington-Bailey is anchored by its generational history. Known locally as Ken-Bailey, this northeastern Buffalo neighborhood keeps its resilience despite its challenges. It is a walkable and bikeable area where restaurants, corner stores, local shops and professional services line Bailey Avenue and Kensington Avenue, the neighborhood's busiest thoroughfares. "Homeownership in Kensington is changing," says Nicholas Giambra, Associate Broker at Keller Williams Realty. "For a long time, it was a market that didn't have access to resources. Now, people are buying homes, doing roofs and driveways, and fixing their kitchens, and the market can support those capital improvements."
This aerial of Kensington shows the structure of residential areas with medium sized front and backyards.
Long standing 20th century homes
Although over 600 homes were destroyed for the expressway's construction decades ago, Kensington-Bailey still stands. "The homes bear witness to the neighborhood's increasing stability," Giambra says. Flushed out on long, rectangular lots, Foursquare, shotgun, national cottage and Colonial-style homes line the sparse, tree-shaded streets. Many residences have small front porches and small fenced-in backyards, typically with long driveways leading to an outdoor shed in the back. Sidewalks traverse this walkable community, and prices usually range from $90,000 for a fixer-upper to $185,000.
The neighborhood has suffered from being split by the Kensington Expressway in the 1960s.
The neighborhood was separated into northern and southern halves
The construction of the Kensington Expressway in the 1950s physically divided the neighborhood. While intended to improve transportation, this infrastructure project had detrimental effects on the area, leading to the displacement of residents and loss of businesses and disrupting the social fabric of the Black communities on the east side of Buffalo. The repercussions of this urban planning decision are still felt today. Over 70 years later, the city may reconcile some of the harm done through the Reconnecting Communities Program. The federally funded program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. A total of $55 million will go toward the expressway's transformation. Project designs include a pedestrian path connecting to MLK Park, making up for the community's need for more green spaces.
Schools and colleges close by
Young learners may be a part of the Buffalo City School District. School options close to home, PS 156 Frederick Law Olmsted is highly rated with an A-minus and serves fifth through 12th grade. PS 080 Highgate Heights educates kindergarten through 8th grade and ranked with a C-minus along with PS 82 - Early Childhood Center. PS 301 Burgard High School is located in Leroy and prepares for the modern workforce. Private options include St. Joseph University School on Main Street and Universal School of Buffalo on Genesee Street. Within 2 miles is Daemen University, the University at Buffalo (South Campus) and Villa Maria College.
Walking distance to shopping
Though a shadow of what it once was, boutiques, salons, barbers, and laundromats keep foot traffic going in Kensington-Bailey. Imperial Food Market is where residents head for fresh meats and everyday essentials. Big-box shopping is 5 miles at Walden Galleria and 2 from University Plaza, with Tops Friendly Market. Tucked in Kensington's southwest corner, Caribbean Experience dishes Jamaican favorites like jerk chicken over rice and peas accompanied by grooving music. A few blocks west on Kensington Avenue into LaSalle is some of the area's best Southern soul food. The smothered pork chops at Phat Catz are a must-try, and this spot is a local favorite where Fridays are for fish fry.
There are plenty of food options on Bailey Avenue in Kensington wether you are in the mood for comfort food or something else.
Bailey and Kensington Avenue is the busiest intersection in the neighborhood.
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Community pool time and nearby parks
The Kensington Pool and Splash Pad is a summer staple down the street from Dewey Playground. The Roosevelt Playground is a neighborhood greenspace dotted with picnic tables, well-used sports courts, and a playground for the little ones. Within a 5-mile radius are several spots to spend the afternoon, including McCarthy Park, coming alive with youth sports leagues. Then there's the Grover Cleveland Golf Course stretching over 5,500 yards and Delaware Park. It offers complete immersion in the city's art and cultural scene. Locals head to Amherst State Park and Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve for a peaceful walk or bike ride.
The capital improvements homebuyers are doing in Kensington is something that the market can support according to Brokers.
Revitalization efforts and community first
In January 2023, it was announced that the corner of Kensington and Bailey Avenue would be getting a new healthcare center in an effort to revitalize the community. Kensington-Bailey Historical Committee has been conducting a project recording the oral memories of long-time residents. The committee is composed of volunteers passionate about preserving the stories of locals who have seen the neighborhood's evolution. It is home to the Buffalo Muslim Community Center and, on Oakmont Avenue, Martha P. Mitchell Community Center, where neighbors help each other. They offer resources for residents, such as support for mothers and career training, from annual community events and brunches. Buffalonians always have holidays to celebrate something, especially on Juneteenth, Saint Patrick's Day and The Taste of Buffalo.
Getting around the city
Kensington-Bailey is near significant thoroughfares such as New York 5, The Kensington Expressway (State Route 33), Route 62 and Interstate 90. Public transit is abundant in the neighborhood and operated by NFTA, with several bus routes. The light rail stations are on Main Street. It is within a 5-mile radius of Buffalo Niagara International Airport, the Veteran's Hospital, and the Erie County Medical Center.
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
Jerry Thompson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Templeton Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Walking Paths
Shoshone Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Trails
Lang Weber Park
Soccer
Tennis
Playground
People's Park
Playground
Events
Amphitheater
Minnesota Linear Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Walking Paths
Orchard Playground
Basketball
Tennis
Playground
Transit
Airport
Buffalo Niagara International
12 min drive
Bus
456 Eggert Rd
Bus
Bailey Ave & Kensington Ave
Bus
Kensington Ave & Olympic Ave
Bus
437 Eggert Rd
Bus
Eggert Rd & Kensington Ave
Bus
Amherst St & Comstock Ave
Bus
Bailey Ave & Millicent Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Kensington-Bailey
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Kensington-Bailey Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kensington-Bailey, Buffalo sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Kensington-Bailey, Buffalo over the last 12 months is $150,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Turn-Key All-Brick Cape Cod – Move-In Ready! Welcome to this beautifully maintained, all-brick Cape Cod nestled on a quiet, neighborhood street—just minutes from shopping, dining, and all the amenities you need! Offering 1,281 sq ft, this 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home is the perfect blend of charm, comfort, and convenience. Step inside and you'll immediately feel at home. With spacious living
Welcome to 53 Bickford, a beautiful solid single family home in university district. The house is professionally renovated through out with a lot of updates. This home can be excellent for living or to add this in your business portfolio, a solid investment. The updates include brand new windows, new Luxury flooring through out, new bathroom which is beautifully tiled. The roof is in excellent
This is Beautiful , solid 3 bedrooms , 1 full bath Single family house located between East amherst st and Kensington ave , parallel and close to bailey ave. The new layer of shingles was recently done, most of the windows are new. Hardwood floor through out. Decent size bedrooms and Kitchen. The house has clean foundation and solid basement. Nice wide driveway , decent size backyard. It has a
Discover the charm of this cozy single-family home, where comfort meets convenience. With three bedrooms and a full bath, the home offers a welcoming layout designed for everyday living. A private yard invites outdoor enjoyment, while off-street parking adds ease. Set in a location close to daily essentials and main routes, 157 Davidson offers a simple yet inviting place to call home.
If you've been looking to rent an apartment but you haven't found one that feels like home--come to Kensington Village. Our apartments were built at a time when quality was the rule rather than the exception. Oak hardwood floors, spacious rooms, plaster walls, and brick exteriors reflect this quality. We really are a "village" unto ourselves, with vast acres of beautiful landscaped grounds. Some
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jerry Thompson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
7,311
Median Age
36
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$47,120
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,762
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.5%
College Graduates
16.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.6%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
86''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
81/ 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.
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.
