Navigating Buffalo, New York: A Comprehensive Guide to Zip Codes

Introduction

Buffalo, the Queen City of the Great Lakes, boasts a rich tapestry of neighborhoods and communities, each with its own distinct character and identity. Understanding the city's zip codes is essential for navigating its diverse landscape and accessing its many amenities. This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Buffalo zip codes, from their historical origins to their current geographic distribution.

Historical Context

Buffalo's zip codes have evolved over time to reflect the city's growth and development. In 1963, the United States Postal Service (USPS) introduced the ZIP (Zone Improvement Plan) code system to streamline mail delivery. Buffalo was assigned a range of zip codes based on its population and geographic size.

Current Zip Code Distribution

Today, Buffalo is divided into 21 zip codes, ranging from 14201 to 14261. These zip codes are used for all mailing addresses within the city limits. The distribution of zip codes closely follows the city's major thoroughfares and neighborhood boundaries.

Central Buffalo

The downtown area is served by zip codes 14202, 14203, and 14204. These areas are home to the city's financial and cultural hubs, as well as the University at Buffalo's downtown campus.

South Buffalo

The southern region of the city, including the Lackawanna and South Park neighborhoods, is covered by zip codes 14208, 14209, and 14218. This area is known for its industrial heritage and diverse population.

East Buffalo

The eastern portion of the city, encompassing the University Heights and Kensington neighborhoods, is served by zip codes 14214, 14215, and 14216. These areas are home to the University of Buffalo's main campus and a vibrant student community.

North Buffalo

The northern suburbs, including the Amherst and Williamsville neighborhoods, are located within zip codes 14221, 14222, 14225, 14226, and 14228. These areas are known for their upscale homes, excellent schools, and thriving retail districts.

West Buffalo

The western portion of the city, including the Black Rock and Riverside neighborhoods, is served by zip codes 14207, 14210, 14213, and 14217. This area is home to a diverse population and a mix of industrial and residential properties.

Demographics and Statistics

• The most populous zip code in Buffalo is 14220, with a population of 65,296.
• The least populous zip code is 14201, with a population of 12,309.
• The median income for all Buffalo zip codes is $37,500.
• The highest median income is in zip code 14223, at $78,222.
• The lowest median income is in zip code 14211, at $23,095.

Table 1: Buffalo Zip Code Statistics

Neighborhood Profiles

Each zip code in Buffalo offers a unique blend of amenities, housing options, and community characteristics. Here is a brief overview of some notable neighborhoods within each zip code:

14201: Downtown Buffalo (Financial district, City Hall, First Niagara Center)
14202: Allentown (Buffalo State College, Delaware Park, Shea's Performing Arts Center)
14203: Elmwood Village (Trendy boutiques, restaurants, and bars)
14204: Five Points (Historic Victorian homes, University of Buffalo South Campus)
14207: Black Rock (Industrial area, historic canal district)
14208: Lackawanna (Steel mills, casino, waterfront access)
14209: South Park (Working-class neighborhood, Erie Basin Marina)
14210: Riverside (Industrial area, Buffalo River)
14211: Lovejoy (Low-income neighborhood, Martin Luther King Jr. Park)
14213: Niagara Street (Diverse population, commercial corridor)
14214: University Heights (University of Buffalo North Campus, Elmwood Avenue)
14215: Kensington (Arts and culture district, Anderson School)
14216: Parkside (Middle-class neighborhood, Delaware Park)
14217: Riverside Park (Working-class neighborhood, Buffalo River)
14218: Blasdell (Suburban neighborhood, Roosevelt Field)
14220: Amherst (Suburban town, University at Buffalo Amherst Campus)
14221: Williamsville (Suburban village, village green)
14222: Clarence (Suburban town, Clarence Town Park)
14223: Clarence Center (Suburban village, Clarence Center Town Park)
14225: Getzville (Suburban town, Getzville Plaza)
14226: Snyder (Suburban town, Sheridan Drive)
14228: Williamsville (Suburban village, Williamsville Community Center)

Table 2: Neighborhood Profiles