Have you ever wondered where the safest spots in our lovely city are? Recently, the website Niche took a look at FBI and U.S. Census data to compile a list of the safest suburbs in the Buffalo area for 2018. Some of the key indicators they used included statistics for crimes like robbery, assault, and murder, as well as rates of firearm and drug-related deaths, among others. Did your neighborhood come out on top? Here are the top 10 safest places in the Buffalo area:

  1. Niagara Falls

Mike Mahaffie/Flickr Niagara Falls may be one of the larger cities near Buffalo, but it also happens to be the 10th safest suburb in the area. Niche stated that Niagara Falls received an overall grade of a B-, with residents enjoying the many outdoor activities at their fingertips and exciting attractions in the area. It’s hard not to feel at peace when you have a gorgeous oasis like Niagara Falls right in your backyard! Niagara Falls, NY, USA

  1. Lackawanna

Aneurysm9/Flickr Coming in at the 9th spot on the list, Lackawanna received an overall grade of a B. Home to roughly 18,000 residents, the suburb sits out along the waterfront and gives residents quick access to places like Our Lady of Victory Basilica, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, and other scenic attractions. Lackawanna, NY, USA

  1. Lockport

OZinOH/Flickr One of our favorite places to visit when we’re looking to take a quick drive north of Buffalo, Lockport is home to 20,000 residents who live in the 8th safest suburb in the area. Lockport received a B grade for both its overall grade and its public schools, with lots of families moving to this area to take advantage of the great school system. Lockport, NY 14094, USA

  1. North Tonawanda

gardener41/Flickr North Tonawanda received an overall B grade, as well as a B- grade for both its public schools and crime & safety rates. People who live in North Tonawanda praise the suburb for its location, being only a quick drive away from all the other wonderful towns and attractions that are out in this area of New York. North Tonawanda, NY 14120, USA

  1. Kenmore

Wikimedia Commons A noteworthy suburb on this list, Kenmore received an overall A grade! Kenmore’s public school rates earned the village an A-, while its crime and safety rates earned a B-. Most of the people who are lucky enough to call Kenmore home will tell you that this village has a very strong small-town feel, with most people knowing each other’s names and neighbors always willing to lend a helping hand. You’re sure to feel safe here. Kenmore, NY 14217, USA

  1. Tonawanda

Martin Cathrae/Flickr Another suburb that’s praised for having a great school system, Tonawanda received an overall grade of B+ from Niche. A great area for buying a house and raising families, those who are interested in moving to this safe area will also be glad to know there are plenty of affordable apartments here as well. Tonawanda, NY 14150, USA

  1. Depew

Fototaker SF/Google Depew is home to only 15,000 people and is a place where things generally stay nice and quiet. The suburb has everything residents need right in town and the area offers peaceful walks through the woods at places like the Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. Depew received an A- for its outdoor activities and a B+ when it came to the area’s public schools. Depew, NY, USA

  1. West Seneca

Ryan Hallock/Flickr With a population of over 40,000 residents, West Seneca is one of the larger suburbs that surround Buffalo. In town, you’ll find lots of great mom & pop eateries that’ll sweep you off of your feet. The town features beautiful outdoor spaces like Burchfield Nature & Art Center that you’ll love having to explore. When it came to West Seneca’s crime and safety rates, the town received a B. West Seneca, NY, USA

  1. Lancaster

Doug Kerr/Flickr This small-town area offers quick access to big-city attractions, but Lancaster residents love enjoying their peace and quiet that falls just beyond the city skyline. It’s a family-friendly area, with great places to eat and shop around town, as well as plenty of sidewalks that make for perfect places to take safe and quiet strolls down the street. Lancaster, NY, USA

  1. East Aurora

Adam Boyd/Google Yes, it’s true - East Aurora was the suburb to take home the title of Buffalo’s safest area to call home! A true gem of Erie County, East Aurora is known for being a wonderful and welcoming community that you won’t regret moving to. With a population of just 6,000 residents and only a 20-minute drive from Buffalo, you’ll love getting to enjoy the best of both small-town and big-city life while living in East Aurora. East Aurora, NY 14052, USA

Looking to enjoy the suburbs a little further? Then make sure you read about how This Small Town Pub Near Buffalo Has Some Of The Best Food In The Northeast!

Mike Mahaffie/Flickr

Niagara Falls may be one of the larger cities near Buffalo, but it also happens to be the 10th safest suburb in the area. Niche stated that Niagara Falls received an overall grade of a B-, with residents enjoying the many outdoor activities at their fingertips and exciting attractions in the area. It’s hard not to feel at peace when you have a gorgeous oasis like Niagara Falls right in your backyard!

Niagara Falls, NY, USA

Aneurysm9/Flickr

Coming in at the 9th spot on the list, Lackawanna received an overall grade of a B. Home to roughly 18,000 residents, the suburb sits out along the waterfront and gives residents quick access to places like Our Lady of Victory Basilica, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, and other scenic attractions.

Lackawanna, NY, USA

OZinOH/Flickr

One of our favorite places to visit when we’re looking to take a quick drive north of Buffalo, Lockport is home to 20,000 residents who live in the 8th safest suburb in the area. Lockport received a B grade for both its overall grade and its public schools, with lots of families moving to this area to take advantage of the great school system.

Lockport, NY 14094, USA

gardener41/Flickr

North Tonawanda received an overall B grade, as well as a B- grade for both its public schools and crime & safety rates. People who live in North Tonawanda praise the suburb for its location, being only a quick drive away from all the other wonderful towns and attractions that are out in this area of New York.

North Tonawanda, NY 14120, USA

Wikimedia Commons

A noteworthy suburb on this list, Kenmore received an overall A grade! Kenmore’s public school rates earned the village an A-, while its crime and safety rates earned a B-. Most of the people who are lucky enough to call Kenmore home will tell you that this village has a very strong small-town feel, with most people knowing each other’s names and neighbors always willing to lend a helping hand. You’re sure to feel safe here.

Kenmore, NY 14217, USA

Martin Cathrae/Flickr

Another suburb that’s praised for having a great school system, Tonawanda received an overall grade of B+ from Niche. A great area for buying a house and raising families, those who are interested in moving to this safe area will also be glad to know there are plenty of affordable apartments here as well.

Tonawanda, NY 14150, USA

Fototaker SF/Google

Depew is home to only 15,000 people and is a place where things generally stay nice and quiet. The suburb has everything residents need right in town and the area offers peaceful walks through the woods at places like the Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. Depew received an A- for its outdoor activities and a B+ when it came to the area’s public schools.

Depew, NY, USA

Ryan Hallock/Flickr

With a population of over 40,000 residents, West Seneca is one of the larger suburbs that surround Buffalo. In town, you’ll find lots of great mom & pop eateries that’ll sweep you off of your feet. The town features beautiful outdoor spaces like Burchfield Nature & Art Center that you’ll love having to explore. When it came to West Seneca’s crime and safety rates, the town received a B.

West Seneca, NY, USA

Doug Kerr/Flickr

This small-town area offers quick access to big-city attractions, but Lancaster residents love enjoying their peace and quiet that falls just beyond the city skyline. It’s a family-friendly area, with great places to eat and shop around town, as well as plenty of sidewalks that make for perfect places to take safe and quiet strolls down the street.

Lancaster, NY, USA

Adam Boyd/Google

Yes, it’s true - East Aurora was the suburb to take home the title of Buffalo’s safest area to call home! A true gem of Erie County, East Aurora is known for being a wonderful and welcoming community that you won’t regret moving to. With a population of just 6,000 residents and only a 20-minute drive from Buffalo, you’ll love getting to enjoy the best of both small-town and big-city life while living in East Aurora.

East Aurora, NY 14052, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Places In And Around Buffalo December 30, 2022 William Suphan What are the best state parks around Buffalo? The best state parks around Buffalo include:

Amherst State Park. With lovely meadows, beautiful hiking trails, and the rushing Ellicott Creek, this is a great palace to spend a day. Knox Farm State Park. Once belonging to the Knox family of Buffalo, this park has farmlands, woods, wetlands, and more. Letchworth State Park. Often called the Grand Canyon of the East, this gorgeous park has mesmerizing cliffs. Devil’s Hole State Park. The waters in this park are a bright turquoise/jade color and are surrounded by lush green trees.

Discover more about the best state parks around Buffalo. What are the best lakes near Buffalo? The best lakes near Buffalo include:

Darien Lake. This serene and beautiful lake has views of the nearby amusement park and is great to paddle around in. Lake Erie. There is so much to see and do at Lake Erie and nothing’s better than a summer day at one of the beaches. Rushford Lake. This lake is popular for fishing and boating, and at night, locals gather to stargaze. Findley Lakes. This picturesque lake is wonderful for swimming and boating and is near the charming town of Mina.

Learn more about the best lakes near Buffalo. What are the friendliest small towns near Buffalo? The friendliest small towns near Buffalo include:

Medina. With only 6,000 people, this small town has gorgeous brick buildings on its Main Street and so many great shops and restaurants. Akron. Akron is surrounded by natural beauty, especially in Akron Falls park with a lovely 40-foot waterfall. Williamsville. This little town has friendly people who love to stroll along Ellicott Creek and enjoy a nice summer day. Clarence. This town is lovely during autumn when visitors come from all over to enjoy the Great Pumpkin Farm.

Find out more about the friendliest small towns near Buffalo. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Places In And Around Buffalo

December 30, 2022

William Suphan

What are the best state parks around Buffalo? The best state parks around Buffalo include:

Amherst State Park. With lovely meadows, beautiful hiking trails, and the rushing Ellicott Creek, this is a great palace to spend a day. Knox Farm State Park. Once belonging to the Knox family of Buffalo, this park has farmlands, woods, wetlands, and more. Letchworth State Park. Often called the Grand Canyon of the East, this gorgeous park has mesmerizing cliffs. Devil’s Hole State Park. The waters in this park are a bright turquoise/jade color and are surrounded by lush green trees.

Discover more about the best state parks around Buffalo. What are the best lakes near Buffalo? The best lakes near Buffalo include:

Darien Lake. This serene and beautiful lake has views of the nearby amusement park and is great to paddle around in. Lake Erie. There is so much to see and do at Lake Erie and nothing’s better than a summer day at one of the beaches. Rushford Lake. This lake is popular for fishing and boating, and at night, locals gather to stargaze. Findley Lakes. This picturesque lake is wonderful for swimming and boating and is near the charming town of Mina.

Learn more about the best lakes near Buffalo. What are the friendliest small towns near Buffalo? The friendliest small towns near Buffalo include:

Medina. With only 6,000 people, this small town has gorgeous brick buildings on its Main Street and so many great shops and restaurants. Akron. Akron is surrounded by natural beauty, especially in Akron Falls park with a lovely 40-foot waterfall. Williamsville. This little town has friendly people who love to stroll along Ellicott Creek and enjoy a nice summer day. Clarence. This town is lovely during autumn when visitors come from all over to enjoy the Great Pumpkin Farm.

Find out more about the friendliest small towns near Buffalo. 

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The best state parks around Buffalo include:

  • Amherst State Park. With lovely meadows, beautiful hiking trails, and the rushing Ellicott Creek, this is a great palace to spend a day.
  • Knox Farm State Park. Once belonging to the Knox family of Buffalo, this park has farmlands, woods, wetlands, and more.
  • Letchworth State Park. Often called the Grand Canyon of the East, this gorgeous park has mesmerizing cliffs.
  • Devil’s Hole State Park. The waters in this park are a bright turquoise/jade color and are surrounded by lush green trees.

Discover more about the best state parks around Buffalo.

What are the best lakes near Buffalo?

The best lakes near Buffalo include:

  • Darien Lake. This serene and beautiful lake has views of the nearby amusement park and is great to paddle around in.
  • Lake Erie. There is so much to see and do at Lake Erie and nothing’s better than a summer day at one of the beaches.
  • Rushford Lake. This lake is popular for fishing and boating, and at night, locals gather to stargaze.
  • Findley Lakes. This picturesque lake is wonderful for swimming and boating and is near the charming town of Mina.

Learn more about the best lakes near Buffalo.

What are the friendliest small towns near Buffalo?

The friendliest small towns near Buffalo include:

  • Medina. With only 6,000 people, this small town has gorgeous brick buildings on its Main Street and so many great shops and restaurants.
  • Akron. Akron is surrounded by natural beauty, especially in Akron Falls park with a lovely 40-foot waterfall.
  • Williamsville. This little town has friendly people who love to stroll along Ellicott Creek and enjoy a nice summer day.
  • Clarence. This town is lovely during autumn when visitors come from all over to enjoy the Great Pumpkin Farm.

Find out more about the friendliest small towns near Buffalo.