If you are searching for the perfect home style, the residential architecture in Buffalo, NY, provides many options. Few people are aware of Buffalo’s rich architectural history, which is somewhat surprising considering that the New York Times likened this city to a perfect textbook to study modern American buildings.
Some of the landmark sites in this city stem from the early 20th century, which is a rarity in the US since most old buildings tend to be demolished to make way for new construction work. Given its rich architectural legacy, this short guide will describe residential architecture styles in Buffalo through its most representative and well-known pieces.
Hopefully, you will be able to sense what Buffalo looks and feels like and get ideas about how you can explore the architecture in this amazing city on your own.
What is there to know about residential architecture in Buffalo, NY?
What makes Buffalo stand out is that many of the highrise buildings that make up Buffalo’s city panorama were built in the first decades of the 20th century. Architecture aficionados will relish in the living monuments to the heyday of the Art Deco style. Even a weekend visit to Buffalo is enjoyable in the sense that you have a chance to walk through the city center and get transported to the roaring 20s and 30s just by looking at the wonderfully sculpted home facades – which is a pretty fantastic experience in our humble opinion.
For those who are captivated by Buffalo’s eclectic air, spending time soaking up the city’s vibe can help you decide in which part of Buffalo you would like to buy a property. Although most people associate Buffalo with Art Deco, other influences can be felt, especially in residential areas that are a bit further from the city center. So, let’s dive in and see what Buffalo’s got in store.
Ranch-style houses in Buffalo
A ranch-style house is typically an asymmetrical one-story building characterized by exterior wall cladding made of natural materials such as stucco, brick, wood, or a combination of the three. They were first built in the 1930s but reached their peak of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. This architectural style is particularly interesting because it is one of the most prominent and widespread Americana residential architecture styles.
Houses built in this style are usually perfect for families, not only because of their approachable and warm design but also because they are spacious. They typically have a garage, glass sliding doors that save space and through which you get out directly into the patio, and minimalist decoration in terms of furniture and garden landscape. If you feel like this type of house would be perfect for you and your kids, all you have to do is look for movers on wayfindermoving.com and find a reliable agent.
Modern, mid-century residential architecture in Buffalo, NY
However, the popularity of Americana ranch houses waned in the late 20th century, to be replaced by modern, mid-century architectural styles. Although its pinnacle was in the 1930s, Art Deco is one of the styles that fit into the definition of modern architecture because it is grounded in the modernist ethos that architecture should make use of glass, concrete, steel, metal, and other modern materials.
One of the most prominent buildings located in Buffalo that fully represent the American interpretation of this European style is the Prairie House by Frank Lloyd Wright. Interestingly, it relies on brick but retains the simplicity of form and elimination of elaborate decor, which is characteristic of modern residential architecture.
If you like the sound of the hustle and bustle enveloped in the modern vibe of Elmwood Village, then this neighborhood might be a place where you will find your perfect home style. Another upshot to living near Elmwood is that there is a nifty farmer’s market situated in this area of the city.
Buffalo is known for its out-of-the-ordinary front doors
When you walk down Buffalo’s streets, the first thing that catches the eye are the interesting doors of buildings and houses – particularly in Elmwood Village, the area around Delaware Park, and the West Side of Buffalo. But it is not just the doors that are exciting in these neighborhoods. Residential architecture in this part of Buffalo is also representative of Victorian influences in American architecture. All of this combined makes the city’s historic core a splendid and breathtaking area where you are most likely to find your perfect home.
It is worth noting that settling down here in Buffalo is affordable, especially when you compare the living cost index with both New York City and other states in the US. In fact, compared to NYC, living in Buffalo is noticeably more affordable and up to 5% less expensive than living in other big cities in the country.
The only exception to this is the price of public transportation. In contrast, living expenses such as groceries, home bills, real estate, and health care typically come at much lower prices than the national average. All in all, residential architecture in Buffalo, NY, presents an opportunity to find your perfect home style no matter the budget you may have.