We’d argue that all towns around Buffalo are underrated – Western New York never seems to get the credit it deserves! Some places stand apart from the rest, and now feels like a great time to give them a special shout-out. Here are our picks for the 9 underrated towns around Buffalo that deserve a second look.
- Alden (40 minutes from Buffalo)
Legrosbill4 - Wikipedia
Aldinger Farms Inc. - Facebook Alden is a rural town near Clarence, once known for black water baths in the 1890s, which were thought to have healing powers. While the baths aren’t around anymore, you can still find plenty of hidden gems in Alden. From magical sunflower fields to several historical sites in the town, this underrated town is definitely worth checking out.
- East Aurora (25 minutes from Buffalo)
Doug Kerr - Flickr
Seyemon - Flickr East Aurora is located 25 minutes south of Buffalo and is home to Vidler’s 5 & 10 store, one of the oldest general stores in the area. East Aurora is also known for their Roycroft Campus, brick street, and world-famous wings!
- Lockport (40 minutes from Buffalo)
Bigbadbflo (talk) - Wikipedia.org
bobistraveling - Flickr Lockport is technically a “city,” but still deserving of a spot on this list! This area of Western New York is best known for the Erie Canal locks, but you can also find a unbeatable ice cream shop, underground caves, and plenty of local events!
- Orchard Park (20 minutes from Buffalo)
Caitlin7777 - Wikipedia.org
Kim Carpenter - Flickr Orchard Park is underrated in several ways, but their main claim to fame is the eternal flame, which can be found at Chestnut Ridge State Park! The town of Orchard Park also has great shopping, restaurants, and plenty of history to explore.
- Williamsville (20 minutes from Buffalo)
Adam Moss - Wikipedia.org
whereisemil - Flickr Williamsville is one of Buffalo’s north towns, home to Glen Falls and plenty of activities to take advantage of! The shopping alone is worth a visit to Main Street in Williamsville. One visit and you’ll see why we say this town is underrated!
- Hamburg (25 minutes from Buffalo)
Hamburg Palace Theatre - Facebook
Paradox Wolf - Flickr Hamburg is one of our favorite towns near Buffalo, and both the town and village are worth the 25 minute trek from the City of Buffalo. The Town of Hamburg is home to the Erie County Fair, while the village boasts several great restaurants, festivals, and markets.
- Niagara Falls (30 minutes from Buffalo)
Daniel Mayer - wikipedia.org
kim mills - Flickr Okay, we know Niagara Falls is a city but we couldn’t leave it off of our list! Niagara Falls is obviously best known for its namesake waterfalls, but the city also has a great public art scene, casinos, this incredible house, and tons of tourist attractions!
- Medina (55 minutes from Buffalo)
David Wilson - Flickr
Keith Ewing - Flickr Medina is possibly the most overlooked town near Buffalo. This town requires a bit of a drive, but once you see the history firsthand, you’ll understand why it’s worth the trip. From the trains and the churches to modern cafes, delicious restaurants, and lovely boutique hotels, you NEED to get here!
- Chautauqua (90 minutes from Buffalo)
arianravan - flickr
Mark Goebel - Flickr Chautauqua is more of a road trip town from the City of Buffalo, but there’s a reason this place is perfect for a summer day! This town is home to the Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua Lake, and so much more! While you’re there, be sure to check out the amazing vintage amusement park in neighboring Bemus Point!
We see you, Western New York! Tell us your favorite parts about these Buffalo-area underrated towns, and leave your nominations for more in the comments below.
Legrosbill4 - Wikipedia
Aldinger Farms Inc. - Facebook
Alden is a rural town near Clarence, once known for black water baths in the 1890s, which were thought to have healing powers. While the baths aren’t around anymore, you can still find plenty of hidden gems in Alden. From magical sunflower fields to several historical sites in the town, this underrated town is definitely worth checking out.
Doug Kerr - Flickr
Seyemon - Flickr
East Aurora is located 25 minutes south of Buffalo and is home to Vidler’s 5 & 10 store, one of the oldest general stores in the area. East Aurora is also known for their Roycroft Campus, brick street, and world-famous wings!
Bigbadbflo (talk) - Wikipedia.org
bobistraveling - Flickr
Lockport is technically a “city,” but still deserving of a spot on this list! This area of Western New York is best known for the Erie Canal locks, but you can also find a unbeatable ice cream shop, underground caves, and plenty of local events!
Caitlin7777 - Wikipedia.org
Kim Carpenter - Flickr
Orchard Park is underrated in several ways, but their main claim to fame is the eternal flame, which can be found at Chestnut Ridge State Park! The town of Orchard Park also has great shopping, restaurants, and plenty of history to explore.
Adam Moss - Wikipedia.org
whereisemil - Flickr
Williamsville is one of Buffalo’s north towns, home to Glen Falls and plenty of activities to take advantage of! The shopping alone is worth a visit to Main Street in Williamsville. One visit and you’ll see why we say this town is underrated!
Hamburg Palace Theatre - Facebook
Paradox Wolf - Flickr
Hamburg is one of our favorite towns near Buffalo, and both the town and village are worth the 25 minute trek from the City of Buffalo. The Town of Hamburg is home to the Erie County Fair, while the village boasts several great restaurants, festivals, and markets.
Daniel Mayer - wikipedia.org
kim mills - Flickr
Okay, we know Niagara Falls is a city but we couldn’t leave it off of our list! Niagara Falls is obviously best known for its namesake waterfalls, but the city also has a great public art scene, casinos, this incredible house, and tons of tourist attractions!
David Wilson - Flickr
Keith Ewing - Flickr
Medina is possibly the most overlooked town near Buffalo. This town requires a bit of a drive, but once you see the history firsthand, you’ll understand why it’s worth the trip. From the trains and the churches to modern cafes, delicious restaurants, and lovely boutique hotels, you NEED to get here!
arianravan - flickr
Mark Goebel - Flickr
Chautauqua is more of a road trip town from the City of Buffalo, but there’s a reason this place is perfect for a summer day! This town is home to the Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua Lake, and so much more! While you’re there, be sure to check out the amazing vintage amusement park in neighboring Bemus Point!
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