West Seneca

About West Seneca

Located in central Erie County, West Seneca is a New York town that offers a community-oriented lifestyle that’s popular with families, married couples and retirees alike. It’s a suburb of Buffalo and, together with Hamburg and Orchard Park, forms a cluster of suburban communities in the area, referred to as the inner Southtowns.

The land where West Seneca now stands belonged to Native Americans for many decades, and therefore wasn’t open to settlers until the middle of the 1800s. At that point, portions of the towns of Hamburg and Cheektowaga were consolidated to form a new town, which was then called Seneca. However, because a New York town named Seneca already existed, the name of the newer community was changed to West Seneca.

Living in West Seneca

In 2010, Businessweek named the community of West Seneca the best place in New York state to raise a family. Many factors have contributed to the town’s reputation as a family-friendly place to call home, including its numerous community events, parks and recreational facilities, and local attractions.

Throughout the town, you’ll find about 15 different parks. Park features include children’s playgrounds, open green space, walking trails and picnic shelters. Other recreational facilities include an aquatic center, a soccer complex, an indoor skating rink and a youth community center. The Southtowns Family YMCA Facility also offers recreational facilities, as well as programs for both children and adults. Other organized sports leagues and clubs include youth baseball, football, softball, hockey and cheerleading.

The Charles E. Burchfield Nature and Art Center is a popular West Seneca destination for locals and visitors alike, covering nearly 30 acres and featuring many gardens, an extensive playground, an outdoor amphitheater and several nature trails. The large complex also offers scenic views, thanks to its location on the edge of Buffalo Creek.

If you’re interested in exploring the larger city of Buffalo, you can easily reach the city center in less than 15 minutes. Additionally, the well-known Niagara Falls is only about 35 minutes from West Seneca.

In addition to these highlights, West Seneca hosts plenty of everyday amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, gyms and coffee shops. Among its many shopping centers is the Southgate Plaza, and the McKinley Mall and Walden Galleria are two other large shopping malls within a short drive.

West Seneca Schools

The public schools in West Seneca are under the jurisdiction of West Seneca Central School District. There are also several private schools in the area, many of which provide faith-based curricula.

Resources for Moving to West Seneca

As you prepare for your move to West Seneca, the following information will be helpful:

• Utilities: Major utilities providers in West Seneca include New York State Electric & Gas Corp. and the Erie County Water Authority.
• Garbage and Recycling: If you’re living in a single-family home, you can expect to receive two disposal cans, one for trash and one for recycling. The cans are used for weekly curbside collection.
• Transportation: The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority operates public bus routes throughout the area, including an express route between West Seneca and downtown Buffalo.

West Seneca Housing

If you’re planning to buy a home in West Seneca, you’ll find many affordable options to choose from. The median home price is considerably lower than the national average, and rent is also budget-friendly. There are also new construction communities, offering brand-new homes in planned neighborhoods.