First Ward, Buffalo NY
Is First Ward a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Buffalo, NY - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe1166
Medium1331
Low1528
Other3905
34 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape13
Child involved11
Assault0
Other12
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports an alarm activation at a church on Bailey Avenue, with possible motion detected in the basement. | Bailey Ave, Buffalo, NY 14211 | Break-In |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a welfare check was requested for a female who left the hospital. She was described as a 911 patient and hospital staff wanted to confirm she is okay. She was last seen wearing a black shirt and shorts. | Grider St, Buffalo, NY 14215 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatchers received a complaint about someone walking up and down Washington Street with a chainsaw. Officers checked the area and determined that National Grid workers near Kinzie, including behind a nearby building, were using a chainsaw to clear a downed branch. | Washington St, Buffalo, NY 14203 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic indicates a possible traffic stop at or near the intersection of Lake and Minnesota Avenue in Buffalo, New York. | Minnesota Ave, Buffalo, NY | Traffic |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers respond to a possible domestic dispute at a residence on Fillmore Avenue after a caller reported that a man said his ex-partner was back by the house. | Fillmore Ave, Buffalo, NY 14214 | Domestic Dispute |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, police units are transporting a female to ECMC near Grider Street. | Grider St, Buffalo, NY 14215 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency occurred near the library at Broadway and Washington in Buffalo. Fire Engine 1 found a patient on the grassy knoll and requested the team to respond. | Washington St & Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14203 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical incident occurred near Broadway and Washington in Buffalo. An engine crew found a patient on the grassy knoll next to the library and requested ambulance response. | Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, radio traffic appears to cover several incidents, including a family disturbance where a woman reportedly became combative and wanted to go to the hospital, and separate medical calls. One patient was found near a library by Broadway and Washington, and at least one female was transported to a hospital. | Grider St, Buffalo, NY 14215 | Domestic Dispute |
| Jul 16, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency involving a 48-year-old male with difficulty breathing was reported near Ellicott and Broadway. The caller was unclear about the exact location, and the patient was possibly wearing a blue shirt. Responders are searching the area. | Ellicott St & Broadway, Buffalo, NY 14203 | Medical Emergency |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$141,986
Vacancy Rate
14.0%
Vacancy Rate
14%
Nearby neighborhoods
Overview
First Ward is a suburban neighborhood in Buffalo, NY, known for its affordable housing and historic character. Nearly half of its homes are small apartment buildings, many built before 1940.
The neighborhood has a high vacancy rate and a large share of residents living alone, reflecting unique housing and lifestyle patterns.
Affordable HousingHistoric HomesPolish Heritage
Quick Facts
| Average Rent | $1,544 |
|---|---|
| Residents Living Alone | 55.8% |
Housing market and real estate character
First Ward's housing is dominated by small apartment buildings and historic homes, with a mix of owners and renters.
| Small Apartment Buildings (2-4 units) | 47.4% |
|---|---|
| Historic Homes Built Before 1940 | 74.5% |
What buyers will notice right away
High concentration of pre-1940 homes offers unique architectural appeal.
Elevated vacancy rate may indicate weak demand or new construction.
Families & Lifestyle
The neighborhood has a high proportion of single-person households and low average income.
Diverse Occupations — 33.7% in executive/professional roles; 33.2% in sales/service; 26.6% in manufacturing/labor.
| Residents Living Alone | 55.8% |
|---|---|
| Per Capita Income | Lower than 96.3% of U.S. neighborhoods |
Demographics
| Executive, Management, Professional Occupations | 33.7% |
|---|---|
| Per Capita Income | |
| Top Ancestries | ["Irish (24.3%)","German (17.0%)","Italian (15.6%)","Polish (9.4%)","Puerto Rican (8.5%)"] |
| Top Languages | ["English (95.7%)","Polish (23.9%)","Italian"] |
Commute
Most residents have very short commutes, with many driving alone or walking to work.
First Ward residents benefit from short commutes and diverse transportation modes, including walking and carpooling.
Short Commutes — 52.8% commute under 15 minutes.
Diverse Transport — Carpooling and walking are common alongside driving alone.
| Drive Alone Rate | 63.5 |
|---|---|
| Carpool Rate | 13.4 |
| Walk to Work Rate | 5.1 |
| Main Commute Time | Under 15 minutes |
Homes for sale near 14204
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
$325,000
2 bd | 2 ba | 1,422 sqft
14204 Heritage Landing Blvd Unit 712
Punta Gorda, FL, 33955
$335,000
2 bd | 2 ba | 1,366 sqft
14204 Heritage Landing Blvd #714
Punta Gorda, FL, 33955
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in First Ward?
$141,986, less expensive than 94.2% of New York neighborhoods.
What languages are commonly spoken?
English is most common, with a significant 23.9% speaking Polish at home.