Allentown, Buffalo

Allentown is one of Buffalo's oldest neighborhoods, just north of downtown, with historic homes, Allen Street's bars and restaurants, and the Allentown Art Festival every June.

What the housing looks like

Tightly packed 1800s homes, row houses, doubles and mixed-use buildings with apartments over storefronts. It's a protected historic district, which affects what you can change on the outside.

Who it suits

People who want to walk to everything, and investors who want rentals near downtown and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, which keeps rental demand steady.

What we check

Historic preservation rules before you plan exterior work.
Parking, which is tight.
Mixed-use zoning and legal unit counts for buildings with storefronts.
Older systems and lead paint.

Written by James Wangelin and Marcy Wangelin, associate real estate brokers with eXp Realty. Updated October 2026.

Questions we get

Common questions

Is Allentown a good place to buy a rental?

It can be. It's close to downtown and the Medical Campus, which keeps demand up. Prices reflect that, so run the numbers carefully.

Can I renovate the outside of a house in Allentown?

Allentown is a historic district, so exterior changes may need approval from the city's preservation board. Check before you plan the work.

Looking in Allentown?

Tell us what you're after and we'll send you what's out there.

Let's talk