$259,401Average Value$196Average Price per Sq Ft65Homes For Sale
A historic canalside city with increasing industrial presence and proximity to Buffalo
The Tonawandas are known to locals as the Twin Cities of Western New York. However, this moniker is not strictly accurate. “There is a strong sense of community in both cities,” says John Cook, Realtor with Signature Real Estate Services and lifelong area resident. “So in that sense, they’re the same. But North Tonawanda really outdoes Tonawanda when it comes to the downtown district, I think. We’ve spent much more revitalizing there than they have on the other side of the canal.” First settled as a lumber industry hub in the early 1800s, North Tonawanda retains many historic buildings downtown, creating a canal-side experience unique from its sister city, which demolished many of its historic structures during the 1970s. Despite waning from its peak, this city of over 30,000 is still home to a significant industrial presence.
But even as the world turns its eyes on North Tonawanda, the city retains a particular brand of neighborliness that defines it as quintessentially Western New York. “My mother moved to North Tonawanda after my father passed away, and she was amazed that just a move of just a couple of miles made the difference in people coming up to her at the grocery store to ask her how she was doing,” Cook says.
There are some spectacular views of the Niagara River at Fishermans Park.
Gateway Harbor connects the village of North Tonawanda and Tonawanda.
Very sought after homes in North Tonawanda can sell for 24% above list price in 7 days.
Due to quiet streets, the bike score in North Tonawanda is 48 out of 100.
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Historic riverside homes are common, and winters are milder in North Tonawanda
Prospective buyers will find homes built anywhere from the late 1800s to 2010, with most historic cottages and American Foursquares concentrated closer to the Niagara River and the canal. Craftsman cottages and midcentury ranch-style homes are more common in the northern parts of the city, as are larger Colonial Revival homes. Nearly all houses in North Tonawanda have front and backyards and paved driveways leading to detached garages, helpful in the winter months. Single-family homes can range in price from around $150,000 to $550,000, depending on square footage and the status of renovations.
While the Buffalo region is infamous for its snowy winters, residents of North Tonawanda tend to have it easier than their neighbors south along Interstate 290. “Everyone hears about our lake effect snow, but you can draw lines from Lake Erie across the Buffalo area, which make up the zone where the deep snow falls,” Cook says. “I picked North Tonawanda because weather-pattern-wise, we never really get more than a couple of feet. If people from the south towns are sick of the snow and want to avoid it, all they have to do is move 10 or 15 miles north to here.”
The North Tonawanda housing market is competitive, average homes sell 11% over list price.
North Tonawanda is pretty car dependent with a walk score of 39 out of 100.
Most homes in North Tonawanda offer driveways or garages.
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All six public schools in North Tonawanda receive strong marks
Students here attend the North Tonawanda City School District, which scores an overall B-minus from Niche. There are three elementary schools within the district, each of which serves children from kindergarten through grade three. North Tonawanda Intermediate handles education for grades four through six. Students then proceed to North Tonawanda Middle and North Tonawanda High. Catholic schools like Cardinal O’Hara High, located across the Erie Canal, provide private faith-based alternatives for young men and women.
Drake School is an elementary school in North Tonawanda with about 250 students.
Cardinal O'Hara High School is is a private, Roman Catholic high school in Tonawanda.
Edward Town Middle School is a great school in Niagara.
Spruce School in North Tonawanda serves grades K to 3.
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The annual Canal Fest of the Tonawandas draws visitors from across the state
The city’s most significant event is the Canal Fest of the Tonawandas, which is also among the largest in New York State “Tonawanda and North Tonawanda get together to organize a festival on both sides of the canal,” Cook says. “There are car shows, motorcycle shows, live music by local bands – it really is a point of pride for both cities.” Every July, over 300,000 visitors descend upon the Tonawandas for an eight-day celebration. The gravitational pull of Buffalo’s famous sports culture also reaches across the canal. Ticket-holding residents are likely to venture south to Highmark Stadium for Bills tailgates on Sundays, while others will crowd into bars like District 37 Kitchen and Taphouse to watch games with neighbors. Sabres ice hockey at KeyBank Center is also popular.
Canal Fest in North Tonawandas celebrates many historic crafts.
Canal Fest in North Tonawandas has vendors and stages on both sides of the harbor.
The race with self made boats is one of the main events of Canal Fest in North Tonawandas.
An historic boat that was built in Buffalo visited the Canal Fest in North Tonawandas al
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Shopping along Niagara Falls Boulevard or canal-side dining downtown
Grocery stores like Tops Friendly Markets and big-box retailers such as Walmart Supercenter, both located on Niagara Falls Boulevard on the outskirts of the city, make picking up daily necessities a simple task. Boulevard Mall, also along this road, is home to over 100 stores and casual eateries. However, local businesses clustered around the canal help to make North Tonawanda stand out. Residents stop into Coffee and Stone to get their morning caffeine fix, browse the stock at The Treasure Market antique store or catch live stage performances at the Riviera Theatre on Webster Street. Webster and Main Streets are also havens for waterside restaurants like The Dockside Bar and Grill and Prescott’s Provisions. “Both of the Tonawandas are very into boating,” Cook says. “There are lots of restaurants designed to accommodate boats, which will be docked two- or three-wide sometimes, so it's expected that you’ll be walking across other peoples’ boats to get to your table.”
Black Sheep near North Tonawanda has an incredible collection of fun home decorations.
There are also a lot of locally owned shops like Black Sheep in and around North Tonawanda.
Hello Sweets in the Village of North Tonawanda has everything your sweet tooth could wish for.
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Food Truck Thursdays at Gateway Harbor Park
Gateway Harbor Park, located across the Erie Canal, is a popular spot for kayaking, fishing and biking along the Erie Canal Trail. It is also the site of Food Truck Thursdays, a city-sponsored event that brings dozens of food trucks and live bands to the canal every week throughout summer and early autumn. Pine Woods Park, closer to the center of the city, features picnic shelters, walking paths and a well-equipped playground. North Tonawanda National Little League plays home games at the fields on Stephen J Sikora Drive. Youth soccer players can play year-round on the indoor fields at Sportsplex on Ridge Road. However, hockey players will need to travel 4 miles north to Hockey Outlet in Nashville or 3 miles south to Brighton Arena in Tonawanda for practices and games.
Twin Cities Memorial Highway connects North Tonawanda to the rest of Western New York
Twin Cities Memorial Highway is a major thoroughfare for North Tonawanda. It connects the city south to Interstate 290, the most direct route to downtown Buffalo and Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Following NY Route 265 north along the banks of the Niagara River is the quickest way to Niagara Falls, which is popular for sightseeing and day trips across the border to Canada. Bus lines managed by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority run along Main Street, bringing passengers across the canal to Buffalo in around 90 minutes.
Crime rates in the city fall well below the national average
According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, violent crime in Tonawanda occurs at a rate of 36 incidents per 100,000 residents, falling far below the national average. Property crime also falls below the average, occurring at a rate of 86 incidents per 100,000 individuals.
Written By
Hugh Taylor
Photography Contributed By
Stefan Ludwig
Video By
Mary Desmond
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jacqueline Kline,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in North Tonawanda, NY sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in North Tonawanda, NY over the last 12 months is $270,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Quality 3 BR, 1 BATH Ranch conveniently located on Belmont Ct West, offers beautiful hardwood floors, spacious LR/DR combination, updated bath and spacious lot with fenced rear yard. Full, dry basement with separate laundry, offers additional space to make your own. Updates include new sump pump & drainage (Franks Basement Services 2022) & new sewer line (house to street 2025). Also, 1 car
Welcome to 876 Pioneer Drive, a charming Cape Cod-style home that blends character and comfort! This 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home features a bright and inviting living space highlighted by beautiful vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and skylights, filling the home with abundant natural light, unlike any other house in the neighborhood! Just off the kitchen, you’ll find a flexible bonus room that
Welcome to this charming and cozy 4 bedroom/1 bath ranch! Nestled in a quiet peaceful neighborhood within the North Tonawanda School district. This ranch style home offers the perfect blend of comfort and charm. The kitchen is well equipped offering ample counter space and appliances including a gas stove and stainless steel fridge. Outside you'll find a landscaped yard including various species
Endless possibilities await with this updated and conveniently located two-story home, zoned for both residential and commercial use. Features include spacious living room with wood-burning fireplace and built-ins. Updated kitchen offers stunning quartz countertops, ample cabinet space and newer stainless steel appliances. Large family room includes vaulted ceilings, luxury vinyl flooring, and a
Spectacular 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Vinyl Sided Cape Cod Colonial, Foyer Leads To Expansive Open Living Rm Dining Rm With Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Gas Fireplace Updated Windows Allowing An Abundance Of Natural Light, White Cabinets And Quartz Countertop With Ceramic Tile Backsplash Adorn The Kitchen Strategically Located To Front Dining Or Breakfast Rm With Center Table Island Combination. Colonial
Quality 3 BR, 1 BATH Ranch conveniently located on Belmont Ct West, offers beautiful hardwood floors, spacious LR/DR combination, updated bath and spacious lot with fenced rear yard. Full, dry basement with separate laundry, offers additional space to make your own. Updates include new sump pump & drainage (Franks Basement Services 2022) & new sewer line (house to street 2025). Also, 1 car
Welcome to 876 Pioneer Drive, a charming Cape Cod-style home that blends character and comfort! This 2 bedroom, 2 full bathroom home features a bright and inviting living space highlighted by beautiful vaulted ceilings, wooden beams and skylights, filling the home with abundant natural light, unlike any other house in the neighborhood! Just off the kitchen, you’ll find a flexible bonus room that
Welcome to your new home. This spacious and inviting 1,695 sq ft ranch is perfectly designed for comfortable single level living. This well -maintained home features 3 generously sized bedrooms and 1 full bath, along with the convenience of first-floor laundry. The oversized primary bedroom offers exceptional space and storage, complete with three closets to keep everything organized. You will
Step inside this truly unique 2-story gem, where craftsmanship and character abound! Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Highlights include a Brand-new tear off roof for longevity and peace of mind. Custom kitchen with butcher block counters, ample bar seating, and floating shelving. First-floor offers one bedroom and laundry, offering convenience and versatility. Natural wood work and stone
TUESDAYS OPEN HOUSE HAS BEEN CANCELED. Welcome to 361 Rumbold Ave! This property needs cosmetic updates, but presents a rare opportunity to create value in a 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch offering 1,228 sq ft, sitting on an impressive .60-acre lot — including three additional rear lots, giving you expanded space, flexibility, and future potential. Built in 1965 and proudly owned by the same family
Introducing 7196 Balla Drive, a 2317 square foot home offering a huge kitchen and family room that was enlarged when the home was built in 1995, AND a separate first-floor suite with living room, bedroom and full bath, perfect for in-law quarters or work-from-home office. You'll enter through a large open foyer that leads to the huge kitchen with cabinetry galore and a spacious dining area with
Almost 2000sqft of character in this tastefully remodeled home! Interior and exterior- nothing has been left untouched! Loaded with character and unique finishes, this property is a stand out. Enter into your front entry hall that leads to formal living and dining room. Crown molding has been added throughout along with new hardwood flooring. Kitchen is an open concept with granite countertops,
Welcome to this charming and cozy 4 bedroom/1 bath ranch! Nestled in a quiet peaceful neighborhood within the North Tonawanda School district. This ranch style home offers the perfect blend of comfort and charm. The kitchen is well equipped offering ample counter space and appliances including a gas stove and stainless steel fridge. Outside you'll find a landscaped yard including various species
This spacious 4-bedroom, 1.5 bath home offers a versatile layout featuring an eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, family room, living room, and convenient first-floor laundry. Additional features include an enclosed front porch, basement, and a 2.5-car garage, providing plenty of space for storage, hobbies, or additional living areas. The home offers hardwood floors, built-in storage throughout,
Move-in ready 4-bedroom home in North Tonawanda featuring numerous updates and a flexible layout! The first-floor bedroom offers brand new carpet and fresh paint, making it ideal for a primary bedroom, guest room, or home office. Enjoy the convenience of first-floor laundry and a full bathroom on the main level. The kitchen has been freshly painted and features tile flooring and new baseboards,
Experience waterfront luxury living at 600 River in our spacious two-story townhouses or one, two, and three bedroom apartments designed to maximize panoramic views of the Niagara River. Upscale features of our residences include spacious master ensuites, modern kitchens with custom hardwood cabinetry, high-end GE stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, custom wine bars, and more. 9'
Large 1-Bedroom Apartment Available for Immediate Occupancy in North Tonawanda, Close to Farmers Market, Gratwick Park, shopping, dining, parks, and major routes. Located across the street from the historic home of Col Payne (the famous Civil War scout who lends his name to Payne Ave.) This well-maintained 1-bedroom apartment is located in a quiet, convenient area of North Tonawanda. The full
OPENING MAY/JUNE 2024! NEW LUXURY WAYERFRONT APARTMENTS110 Sweeney Street Luxury Waterfront Apartments are located in the heart of NT. Great waterfront location, 5 minutes to the Thruway, & just a few minutes walk to local shops & restaurants! NEW RESTAURANT called District 37 Kitchen & Taphouse is located right at your doorstep! North Tonawanda’s downtown district is
Large 1-Bedroom Apartment Available for April Occupancy in North Tonawanda, Close to Farmers Market, Gratwick Park, shopping, dining, parks, and major routes.Located across the street from the historic home of Col Payne (the famous Civil War scout who lends his name to Payne Ave.) This well-maintained 1-bedroom apartment is located in a quiet, convenient area of North Tonawanda. The full
Spacious & Renovated 2BR/1BA Apartment – Great Layout & Modern Updates This freshly updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers a bright and functional layout with large bedrooms, a spacious living room, and a separate dining area—ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The unit features brand-new stainless steel appliances, modern fixtures, and clean, contemporary finishes throughout. Natural
Our 1 bedroom apartment is located on a quiet residential street. It’s close to the number 1 farmer’s market in the country! Coin laundry facilities available on the premises. Large parking lot available for convenience. Please note there is no smoking or pets allowed. Please reach out with any questions!
Active Senior Living in Wheatfield WestTucked away in the quiet Niagara Falls and Buffalo suburb of Wheatfield, New York, Connect55+ Wheatfield West offers a welcoming community surrounded by peaceful scenery. Experience maintenance-free, amenity-filled living at this pet-friendly Connect55+ community designed specifically for active seniors. Nourish your mind, body, and soul with unique
Call today for our Pricing and Monthly Specials!!Looking for the comforts of the suburbs with nearby shopping and dining? Look no further than Sandra Lane Senior Apartments, located in a residential area of North Tonawanda! Please stop in to see what our community has to offer! We look forward to meeting you!
Welcome to Captain’s Quarters Residences at Shawnee, the newest premier townhomes offering 2-bedroom, 2-bath units located in North Tonawanda, New York. These luxury one-level townhomes have quartz countertops, fireplaces, private entrances, covered patios and an open concept floorplan. The middle units have one car garages, and the end units have 2 car garages. They range from 1300 sq ft to 1400
Spacious 2-Bed Wheatfield Home-Style Residence with Private Terrace — Safe, Low-Maintenance LivingWelcome to a beautifully remodeled, spacious 2 bedroom 1 bath Apartment (upper) in highly sought-after Wheatfield/North Tonawanda Corridor known for its excellent schools. This is more than an apartment- this 1,200 sq. ft upper unit offers the ample-space, coziness and warm feel of a
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