Tonawanda, N.Y., has the distinction of becoming the first town in the United States to exceed a population of 100,000 people -- it's always fun to live in a city that lays claim to a "first."
The town of Tonawanda is a northern suburb of Buffalo, N.Y., and contains the historic Village of Kenmore. Together, Kenmore and Tonawanda are often referred to by locals as Ken-Ton. Tonawanda owes its initial growth spurt to the construction of the Erie Canal in 1825. The town has taken full advantage ever since, with a strong industrial base and ability to attract business. The Erie Canal is on the north side of the town, and the Niagara River forms the western border. There is highway access with Interstate 190 running along the western edge of the town. You can easily get to Buffalo, only 10 miles south, and up to Niagara Falls, only 15 miles to the north.
Moving to Tonawanda
Looking for an apartment to rent in Tonawanda presents no major obstacles, except perhaps during winter. While there are plenty of options in winter, you may get stuck moving during one of the area's notorious snow dumps.
Just be sure to have the appropriate down payments: generally the first month's rent and a security deposit. If you are renting from one of the complexes, you will probably have a credit check run for you. With private deals, you may be able to negotiate a bit on things like utilities and pet rent.
Be sure to discuss snow removal costs and who will pay for them! You don't want to be stuck with heaps of snow on your driveway when you need to get to work!
Neighborhoods of Tonawanda
Tonawanda is rather large at about 20 square miles. This means there are plenty of rental apartments or rental homes available.
Brighton: A neighborhood in the northeast part of town, this area is dominated by Brighton Park and its golf course, driving range, indoor dome and pool.
Green Acres: Green Acres is in the northeast corner of Tonawanda. It is a very residential area with easy access to Interstate 290 and Niagara Falls Boulevard.
Kenmore: Since 1899, Kenmore has been its own little village in the larger town. Recently it was named as one of the "Top 10 Great Neighborhoods in the United States" by the American Planning Association. Kenmore is home to some great local restaurants, including Amici Ristorante and the Delaware Pub and Grill.
Lincoln Park: Located in the southeast corner of the town, this area surrounds Lincoln Park and is within walking distance of stores. The area has several options for townhomes and condos for rent. The Lincoln Park Market is right nearby if you need to pick up a few things after work.
Kenilworth: Kenilworth lies between Kenmore and Lincoln Park with the same neighborhood feel of tree-lined streets, parks and easy access to everything.
Old Town: The Old Town neighborhood borders the city of Buffalo. Housing is light there, as it also borders the industrial area and the Niagara River.
Parkview: This neighborhood is in the northeast corner and is never far from water with Tonawanda Creek and Elliott Creek running through it. It is also home to Ellicott Creek Park. Living in Parkview puts you close to a local favorite restaurant, The Grapevine.
Sheridan Parkside: This area, around Sheridan Park over to Interstate 190 and the industrial side of town, is heavy on older single-family homes. There is easy access to the park, the golf course and Interstate 190. This neighborhood is home to The Village Market, a quick stop for groceries.
Wilton Argonne: This popular neighborhood is bordered loosely by Colvin Boulevard, Kenmore Avenue and Englewood Avenue.
Living in Tonawanda
Day-to-day in Tonawanda is all about living the good life. Likely, you've heard about the winter weather in the Buffalo area, but the residents in these parts don't let it get to them.
While you have your pick of golf courses on those lovely warm days, you may think that there is a very long stretch of the year when your golf clubs collect dust. Tonawanda has seen to it that your game doesn't get rusty by operating the Paddock Chevrolet Golf Dome at Brighton Park. What other town in the United States runs an indoor golf facility? All winter long, while the storms outside are raging, you can practice at the indoor driving range, practice bunkers, putting and chipping greens, and even even let the kids play a round or two of miniature golf.
Many people on their way to or from Niagara Falls stop in Tonawanda to see the "Blue Jet." Located at the Walter M. Kenney Field just off of Interstate 290, the town displays a Korean War-era Grumman F9F-6P Cougar jet. It has been on loan from the federal government since 1959 and really is something to see!
If your apartment search brings you to the Buffalo area, Tonawanda should be at the top of your list!
