Center Hill, Buffalo, WV

Center Hill Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Center Hill is a historic, residential neighborhood located on Buffalo's East Side, bounded roughly by William Street to the north, Best Street to the south, Jefferson Avenue to the west, and the Kensington Expressway to the east. The neighborhood's name derives from its position on one of the city's highest points, offering scenic views of downtown Buffalo. Developed primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Center Hill was once a thriving, predominantly African American community known for its vibrant cultural life and strong middle-class presence, anchored by institutions like the historic Michigan Street Baptist Church.

Today, Center Hill is a neighborhood of deep historical significance and ongoing transition. It is part of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) impact area, placing it adjacent to one of the city's largest economic engines. This proximity brings both opportunities for investment and challenges related to gentrification and displacement. The community maintains a strong sense of identity and resilience, with active neighborhood associations and preservation groups working to honor its past while shaping a sustainable future.

Housing & Real Estate

Center Hill's housing stock is primarily composed of classic Buffalo one-and-a-half and two-story wood-frame houses, many featuring Victorian and early 20th-century architectural details like gabled roofs and wide front porches. There are also larger, stately brick homes along certain streets, reflecting the area's former affluence. A significant portion of the housing is rental property, though there is a strong push from community organizations to promote and support homeownership as a means of neighborhood stabilization.

Real estate prices in Center Hill are among the most affordable in the city, often significantly below Buffalo's median, attracting first-time homebuyers and investors. Recent trends show increased interest due to its proximity to the Medical Campus and downtown. This has led to some renovation and rehabilitation projects, though the market remains a mix of well-maintained homes, properties in need of repair, and vacant lots. The community is actively engaged in discussions about equitable development to ensure long-term residents benefit from new investment.

Schools & Education

Center Hill is served by the Buffalo Public Schools district. The neighborhood is zoned for several nearby schools, including BUILD Academy, a community-oriented Pre-K through 8 school located on Fougeron Street. High school students may attend nearby institutions like Hutchinson Central Technical High School or other city-wide magnet schools, requiring application. The quality of public schools in the area is a point of community focus, with involvement from local organizations aiming to support educational outcomes.

Higher education and specialized institutions are close at hand. The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, which borders the neighborhood, is home to the University at Buffalo's Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and other research and educational facilities. Trocaire College's Russell J. Salvatore School of Hospitality & Business Administration is also located on the Medical Campus, providing vocational and degree pathways. These institutions represent potential educational and employment resources for residents.

Parks & Recreation

The neighborhood's primary green space is the historic Masten Park, a large recreational complex that is home to the Johnnie B. Wiley Amateur Athletic Sports Pavilion (a former stadium) and several athletic fields. The park serves as a crucial community hub for sports, gatherings, and outdoor activities. However, like many parks in the city, it has faced challenges with maintenance and investment, though community groups frequently organize clean-ups and events there.

While Center Hill itself is densely residential, its location provides good access to other recreational facilities. The nearby Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor offers cultural and historical "recreation" through its self-guided tours of significant sites. Furthermore, the proximity to downtown Buffalo means the waterfront, Canalside, and other city-wide attractions are only a short drive or bus ride away, expanding recreational options for residents.

Local Dining & Shopping

Center Hill is a neighborhood where local, legacy businesses hold significant importance. The commercial heart beats along Jefferson Avenue and Masten Avenue, featuring cornerstone establishments like the historic Big Ditch on Jefferson, a long-standing convenience store. For dining, residents often rely on a mix of beloved local carry-outs and soul food spots, such as Betty's, known for its Southern-style cooking and community role. These businesses are more than just amenities; they are vital community institutions.

For broader grocery shopping and retail, residents typically travel to nearby areas. The Tops Friendly Markets on Jefferson Avenue is a key full-service grocery option for the East Side. The continued need for enhanced fresh food access and broader retail is a recognized community priority. The growth of the Medical Campus has spurred some new commercial activity on its fringes, which may gradually increase options for Center Hill residents in the coming years.

Who Lives Here

Center Hill is home to a deeply rooted, predominantly African American population, with many families having lived in the neighborhood for generations. There is a strong sense of community pride and historical consciousness among long-term residents, who actively work to preserve the neighborhood's heritage. The population also includes a growing number of students, medical professionals, and young artists or entrepreneurs drawn by the affordable housing prices and central location relative to the Medical Campus and downtown.

The community vibe is one of resilience and transition. It is a neighborhood where block clubs and neighborhood associations are actively engaged in issues from housing to public safety. Newer residents are often drawn by the potential for revitalization and the authentic urban character, while established residents are focused on equitable development. The result is a dynamic, sometimes challenging, but deeply authentic Buffalo community at a crossroads, balancing its profound past with an uncertain but hopeful future.</

Center Hill Market Data

Top Real Estate Agents in Center Hill, Buffalo

Nearby Neighborhoods in Buffalo, WV

← Back to all Buffalo, WV real estate agents

← Back to all West Virginia real estate agents