10 Areas to Avoid in Buffalo, NY [TOURIST SAFETY GUIDE]

Buffalo, NY, offers a charming blend of cultural attractions and historic landmarks that delight any visitor. Still, like many cities, there are areas to avoid in Buffalo that travelers should be conscious of. Having navigated the city as a tourist, I’ve gathered insights to keep your experience positive and safe.

Safety is a top priority for any trip, and being informed is key to a stress-free visit. No one wants to wander into a neighborhood that disrupts an otherwise enjoyable travel itinerary. Through careful observation and local advice, certain districts raise flags for the unacquainted traveler.

In compiling this essential guide, I aim to steer you clear of potential trouble spots. Discover the best of Buffalo during your visit, ensuring it’s filled with pleasant memories, not unwanted surprises. Let’s ensure your time in the Queen City is remembered for its highlights, not its shadowy corners.

 

Top Areas to Avoid in Buffalo, New York

1. Governor Neighborhood

The Governor neighborhood, often missed in the rundown of must-see destinations in Buffalo, holds a rich historical charm but is frequently listed among the high-risk areas in Buffalo, NY. Tourists are urged to exercise caution due to a crime rate that surpasses the city’s average. Nevertheless, for those looking to explore the culinary side of the area, there are exquisite dining options in Buffalo that should not be missed.

Safety concerns are especially relevant after dark. It’s recommended that visitors keep abreast of the local news and stick to well-lit, crowded streets when delving into the varied neighborhoods of Buffalo.

 

2. Home Avenue

Home Avenue often echoes the cautionary whispers associated with the Governor neighborhood in Buffalo. Though nestled within the city’s mosaic of communities, Home Avenue has unfortunately gained attention as one of the Buffalo neighborhoods with high crime. Visitors to Home Avenue are encouraged to be particularly cautious, especially after dark, echoing the guidance given for the Governor neighborhood.

Safety-conscious travelers are urged to stay vigilant and are recommended to plan their itinerary through more frequented and well-lit parts of the city. While Home Avenue may be off the beaten path for tourists, awareness and discretion can make a difference when navigating Buffalo’s less-trodden streets.

 

3. Masten Park

Masten Park, while steeped in cultural history, is another area in Buffalo that’s flagged for safety concerns, especially at night, ranking it among the high-crime neighborhoods in Buffalo. Visitors are advised to exercise caution, as the park’s environs report higher crime incidences, like the Governor neighborhood and Home Avenue.

Despite its challenges, Masten Park can still hold interest for those seeking a deeper understanding of Buffalo’s urbanscape. It’s recommended, though, to explore during daylight and stay within groups for added security, adhering to the same precautions as the city’s other wary areas.

 

4. Broadway-Fillmore

Broadway-Fillmore, while rich in cultural history, is also recognized as one of the Buffalo high-crime neighborhoods, urging visitors to navigate with caution. Known for its past vibrancy and current revitalization efforts, it’s wise for visitors to tread carefully here. Its streets tell stories of a bygone era, but safety should be a priority when exploring this neighborhood.

Travelers should plan visits during the day and remain on main thoroughfares to avoid any potential risks. Like other places marked by concern in the city, Broadway-Fillmore demands attentiveness and prudence to fully appreciate its unique character without undue worry.

 

5. Schiller Park

Schiller Park, with its quaint charm, is a Buffalo neighborhood to stay cautious in, particularly as an area to avoid at night. Despite its serenity during daylight, it carries safety concerns after dusk. Its green spaces are a nod to Buffalo’s once-thriving community spirit, yet they contrast with current cautionary tales.

Venture through its paths with a friend in tow, especially during peak daylight hours for a safer experience. Schiller Park is a testament to Buffalo’s resilience, but its beauty is best enjoyed with a vigilant eye.

 

6. Lovejoy

Lovejoy, a neighborhood in Buffalo with historical roots, is also amongst the areas to avoid at night due to safety concerns. Known for its tightly-knit community, it faces challenges that often accompany urban areas. Daytime explorations are generally safer, letting visitors perceive Lovejoy’s genuine local atmosphere while minimizing risk.

When in Lovejoy, it’s best to stick to well-lit, populated areas and travel with a companion to enhance security. While the past echoes in its aging structures, being aware of your surroundings allows for the safer enjoyment of this distinctive part of Buffalo.

 

7. Perry

Perry is a Buffalo district that merits a visitor’s careful judgment, particularly as the evening encroaches. The area manifests a duality – daybreak’s promise can fade into night’s unpredictability. To enjoy its urban canvas without falling into the category of risky neighborhoods in Buffalo, crossing through during daylight is advisable, embracing the vibrancy while conscious of potential vagaries.

Ambling through Perry with an alert disposition allows engagement with its enduring cityscape, dialing down risks. Always consider moving in groups and sticking to bustling corridors here. Its gritty charm emerges with caution, setting Perry as a prime example of Buffalo’s urban tapestry, yet it necessitates watchfulness.

 

8. Genesee Moselle

8. Genesee Moselle, mirroring Buffalo’s larger challenges, commands discernment during visits. Its streets, bathed in history, now suggest cautious navigation as daylight wanes. Within Buffalo’s neighborhoods, it’s a savvy choice to be aware of areas to avoid at night, and Genesee Moselle exemplifies why.

Heedful wanderings by day allow appreciation of its raw charm, fostering safer experiences amid urban revitalization. Knowledge of the locale tempers the unease that can arise after dusk.

In Genesee Moselle, prudence is a traveler’s ally, ensuring the area’s cultural fabric is explored without incident. Group excursions and sticking to the well-traveled pathways are recommended. The neighborhood’s complex narrative is best understood with a mindful approach, urging vigilance to enjoy its character.

 

9. Kaisertown

Kaisertown, reflecting Buffalo’s multifaceted persona, tempts the adventurous with its homespun appeal yet warrants circumspection as nightfall approaches, especially since it is one of the areas to avoid in Buffalo at night. Navigating its streets during the day offers a safer sojourn, revealing a neighborhood steeped in local lore and tight-knit community vibes. While Kaisertown’s days are filled with the hum of daily life, evenings can cast a shadow over its quaintness, suggesting a more watchful tread.

Visitors are best served by embracing Kaisertown in daylight, taking in the unvarnished slice of Buffalo within a vigilant framework. Traveling in groups and frequenting popular areas helps ensure a memorable, secure exploration. Kaisertown’s authenticity, while alluring, is best enjoyed with an astute mind.

 

10. Fruit Belt

The Fruit Belt, named for its once-thriving orchards, adds dimension to Buffalo’s urban landscape but merits vigilance, especially after sunset, becoming one of the areas near Niagara Falls where caution is advised. During daylight, its historic streets reveal a tapestry of community spirit and evolving renewal, though its transformation is ongoing. Venturing through the Fruit Belt is to walk through a neighborhood in flux, teetering between revitalization and the stark reminders of urban decline.

By day, the Fruit Belt’s colorful murals and local gardens invite interest, yet the prudent traveler remains aware of their surroundings. Group outings in familiar areas are advisable, allowing one to appreciate the enclave’s heritage while navigating safely. This combination of prudence and curiosity befits the Fruit Belt’s present chapter.

 

Conclusion

Navigating the cityscape of Buffalo means being mindful of which neighborhoods you tread, especially after the sun dips below the horizon. From the East Side to parts of the West Side, including Grant-Ferry and certain areas around the downtown district, vigilance is key, as these spots are often pinpointed for higher crime rates. Even the most seasoned travelers and locals agree that it’s wise to stay informed and stick to well-lit, populated paths when exploring the Queen City.

Ensuring a safe and enjoyable time in Buffalo is all about knowing where – and where not – to set foot. By keeping the mentioned areas to avoid in Buffalo in mind, you can focus on the city’s incredible food, vibrant culture, and welcoming atmosphere. Plan smart, stay aware, and Buffalo promises an experience as rich as its legendary wings are spicy!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should certain areas in Buffalo be avoided?

Certain areas may have higher rates of crime or maybe less developed, meaning they could be less safe or offer fewer amenities and services for visitors and residents. These areas might also lack investment and could appear rundown, which can be uncomfortable or intimidating for some people.

How can I find out which specific areas in Buffalo to avoid?

You can consult local crime statistics, read up-to-date travel advisories, engage with local community forums, or ask for advice from the Buffalo Police Department. Furthermore, it is a good idea to check recent reviews and discussions online, as these can provide insights into current conditions.

What precautions can I take if I need to visit an area in Buffalo that is considered unsafe?

If you must visit one of these areas, stay alert, keep valuables out of sight, travel during daylight hours, and stay in populated areas when possible. It’s also advisable to let someone know your whereabouts and expected return time.

Are there any safe alternatives to these areas in Buffalo for tourists?

Yes, Buffalo has several neighborhoods that are popular with tourists and are considered safer, such as Elmwood Village, Allentown, and North Buffalo near Hertel Avenue, where you can enjoy local attractions, dining, and shopping with a reduced risk of encountering crime.

Will the areas to avoid in Buffalo always stay the same, or can they change over time?

The safety of neighborhoods can change over time due to various factors such as economic development, community initiatives, and changes in policing. It is important to seek current information as areas, once considered less safe, can improve and become more welcoming to visitors and residents alike.