Winthrop Partners

Small town vibe with easy access to the city

A nice suburban neighborhood south of the city and notoriously known as the home of the Bills. Filled with beautiful houses and friendly residents that exude a small-town vibe, Orchard Park is a perfect place to settle down in any stage of your life.

Distance from downtown: 15 miles

Population: Population: 29,797 with 23.3% of the population over 65 years of age

Places to visit:

• Highmark Stadium: Built in 1973, this 75,000 seat stadium is home to the AFC East Division Champions. Currently the 4th oldest stadium in the NFL, a new stadium is currently being built on the other side of Abbott and is set to be complete in 2026.
• Eternal Flame Falls: Located in Chestnut Ridge Park and a 45 minute trek into the Shale Creek Preserve, you’ll find a small waterfall. Its unique natural gas leak from behind the shale stone lights a steady flame beneath the waterfall.
• National Buffalo Wing Festival: A whopping 50,000 visitors, lured from all over the US and 44 foreign countries, pack into Highmark Stadium to sell and sample Buffalo’s trademark delicacy, Buffalo Wings. This 2-day festival includes live music, a mullet contest, and wing eating championship, to name a few.

One of Buffalo’s best kept secrets

Distance from downtown: 5 minutes

Population: Population: 20,990

Located in the central part of Buffalo with Buffalo State College and Delaware Park on its borders, Elmwood Village’s walkable downtown has an artsy vibe and maintains a delicate balance of small local shops, local bars, sweet treats, and delectable food. Whether you’re just visiting or settling down in your retirement years, this is a place worth considering.

Places to visit:

• The Elmwood Avenue Festival of the Arts: Taking place the weekend before Labor Day, the festival features local artists, crafts people, musicians, and community groups.
• SPoT Coffee: Serving craft coffee for over 20 years, the Elmwood Village location is just one of 17 franchised shops around NY and a must stop when in town.

Easy to get around, lots to do, melds a younger and older population

Named after an early settler named Jonas Williams, Williamsville has a suburban feel with close proximity to downtown. Shop the small businesses scattered around, hike paved paths through the preserve, or take a day playing a relaxing round of golf.

Distance from downtown: 11 miles

Population: Population: 5,423 with 23.8% of the population over 65 years of age

Places to visit:

• Glen Falls: Take a short walk through the park, or stay in your car to view the 27 ft. tall roaring cascade connected to Ellicott Creek. If you have time, walk the paved winding trails, interconnected ponds, and stop for a picnic to take in the beautiful landscape. If you’re not done exploring, walk through a wooded area on the northern end to Amherst State Park.