Parkside, Buffalo NY

Located in the northeastern corner of Buffalo NY, Parkside is a beautiful neighborhood with a rich mixture of history, charm, and modernity. Known for its historic homes and proximity to parks and cultural activities, Parkside has become one of Buffalo's most sought-after places to live.

Parkside’s Location And Architecture

Buffalo’s Parkside neighborhood is home to some of the most beautiful and historic homes in Buffalo. Aptly named for running along side Buffalo’s crowned jewel, Delaware Park, Parkside is a community with treelined streets and beautiful gardens.

Frederick Law Olmsted's Vision

The design of Parkside can be traced back to the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. His vision was to create a community that exists with the largest park in Buffalo that I mentioned before, Delaware Park, which he also just happen to have designed.

As a result, the Parkside community, much like the name implies, exudes an almost seamless transition from park to neighborhood. Residents can all easily walk to the 350 acre park and enjoy all it has to offer.

Architectural Styles

One of the most captivating aspects of Buffalo’s Parkside neighborhood is its diverse range of architectural styles. From American Foursquares to Colonial Revivals, the homes here serve as a veritable guidebook to late 19th and early 20th-century American architecture.

In the words of the Parkside Community Association, “The Parkside area contains superb examples of such diverse architectural styles such as the American Four Square, Victorian, Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and the Arts & Craft bungalow. The 1880 through 1930 building period includes designs by prominent local architects E.B. Green and William Sydney Wicks.”

Notably, the neighborhood features Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House which is described as one of the famous architects most important residential designs. When walking around Parkside, you’ll notice that many of the homes have plaques on them indicating the year they were built. It’s common to see date in the very early 1900’s or even the late 1800’s.

Preservation Efforts

When visiting, you’ll surely stop by Parkside’s most famous home, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin’s House, but consider wandering around the other streets as well. With homes from architects such as H.H. Richardson, E.B. Green, William Sydney Wicks, and August Esenwein, in addition to Frank Lloyd Wright, any architecture lover will thoroughly enjoy the whole neighborhood.

Given its historical significance, there are ongoing efforts to preserve the unique character of Parkside. The Parkside Community Association, for example, actively works to maintain the architectural integrity of the area, ensuring that renovations and new constructions are in line with the neighborhood's historic value.

Things to Do in and Around Parkside

Delaware Park

As I mentioned above, the best part about Buffalo’s Parkside neighborhood is the 350 acre Delaware Park. This park serves as a community gathering spot, offering various recreational activities such as walking trails, picnicking areas, and a golf course.

It’s the largest park in the City of Buffalo and is loved by all of the city residents. Parkside wraps around a large portion of Delaware Park, making it th ebest neighborhood to take advantage of all the park has to offer.

Buffalo Zoo

Located at the edge of Parkside and within the reach of Delaware Park, the Buffalo Zoo opened in 1875 and is one of America's oldest zoos. It offers an engaging experience for families and visitors. It’s home to over 1,200 animals, provides a variety of educational programs, and is easily accessible to everyone in the city.

Art and Culture

Art enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to Buffalo’s newly founded Museum District, located just on the other side of Delaware Park. Home to Buffalo AKG Art Museum, the gallery is known for its collection of modern and contemporary art, and it frequently hosts exhibitions from around the world.

The Buffalo History Museum and the Burchfield Penny Art Center are each a few steps from AKG and located on the edges of Delaware Park as well.

Local Eateries and Shops

One doesn't have to venture far from Parkside to experience Buffalo's fantasic food scene. A variety of local restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars are located directly within the Parkside neighborhood. Parkside Avenue, which runs directly between the Parkside neighborhood and Delaware Park, offers culinary delights that range from classic American to international fare.

Why Parkside is an Ideal Place to Live

Sense of Community

Parkside has a tight-knit community vibe that is both welcoming and inclusive. Community events, often organized by the aforementioned Parkside Community Association, range from seasonal festivals to gardening clubs, knitting together the social fabric of the area.

It’s got that smaller town feel where everyone knows their neighbors which helps create a truly beautiful neighborhood in terms of both lifestyle and curb appeal.

Quality of Life

The amenities in and around Parkside offer a quality of life that is hard to match, whether from another Buffalo neighborhood or any other great community in the United States. From excellent schools to abundant green spaces, the area caters to families, professionals, and retirees alike.