More than your average tavern -- Harris Hill got its name after one Asa Harris, who was a colonel in the Revolutionary War. His tavern served as a stop on the famous Underground Railroad, which helped escaped slaves evade capture during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The hill isn't very big. It's really just a small rise, but the tavern did monumental work. Since those early days, it has grown to be home to just over 5,500 people. Still in the unincorporated part of the Clarence, New York, area, it's also part of the greater Buffalo metro region. The forests and meadows here were called Tanumnagao by Native Americans, which means "place full of hickory bark." Now there are homes, businesses, roadways, stores and eateries mixed in among the trees. That makes it convenient for commuters, as well as those wanting to occasionally do something in a bigger city. Lake-effect snow aside, it is a relatively easy drive all the way to downtown Buffalo. Harris Hill is a charming little hamlet for the most part, with a nice mix of housing and recreational opportunities for residents.
Moving to Harris Hill
For some time, the overall availability of rental housing in the Buffalo metro area has been running above the national average. Although slightly lower in the eastern suburbs, the number of rental homes in Harris Hill that are on the market at any given time should be sufficient to give you at least some choices to fit your needs. That said, don't be complacent when it's time to start your search. The more in advance of your move you can get the ball rolling, the more things are in your favor. Go in for your move holding most of the cards when you take the right steps to get prepared.
Get Yourself Ready
One of the best ways you can prepare for your move and be successful in your search is to make a list of the available properties and work through it methodically. Don't become complacent just because there are a lot of places on the market -- instead, use that fact to help you land the best deal. Go in with a good credit check and be prepared to fork over first month's rent, last month's rent and a deposit. If you can get a rental apartment without needing these at all, that's great, but it's important to be ready.
Harris Hill Neighborhoods
Lying just north of Interstate 90 and the New York State Thruway and to the east of Highway 78, the community is located in a prime zone for persons needing to get around the region in an automobile. On the other side of the coin, the hamlet is made up of green space, tract-style housing developments and retail shopping. There are sufficient services here to ensure that you don't ever have to get on the road if you don't want to hit the highways.
Brookfield: The northeastern part of the community near Brookfield Golf Club is an area of nice single family homes, some of which are on large lots. As you near Highway 78 to the west, there is a shopping mall. Rental homes in Harris Hills can be found in this desirable area.
Southeast: A big rock quarry forms the southern boundary here. Harris Hills Park is in this part of town, and the northern side of the park is a good place to start a rental house search.
Downtown: There is more of a downtown core here than might be expected for a smaller suburb. You'll find retail stores, restaurants, commercial and office buildings and nearby apartment complexes here. This is the best part of town for finding studio apartments.
Living in Harris Hills
The biggest downside might be the big snowfall amounts -- but hey, getting a full shot of all four seasons can be fun, right? Sports fans are close to professional clubs, like the NFL Buffalo Bills and the NHL Sabres. Cultural attractions, like the Shea Performing Arts Center and Kleinhans Music Hall, offer great shows. The Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park is an outstanding place to see naval history on full display. Get your mall on and shop for the latest gear right in Harris Hill and grab a bite to eat as well. Get just a little bit out of town and explore Niagara Falls and Southern Canada. In the summertime, great cooling off spots, like Woodlawn Beach State Park on the shores of Lake Erie, are nearby.