Jeffries, Buffalo, WV

Jeffries Neighborhood Overview

Overview

Jeffries, also historically known as the Jeffries Housing Projects, is a neighborhood on Buffalo's East Side, bounded roughly by William Street to the north, Jefferson Avenue to the west, Best Street to the south, and the Kensington Expressway (NY 33) to the east. Its name originates from the large, now-demolished public housing complex that long defined the area. The neighborhood's history is deeply intertwined with Buffalo's African American community, serving as a cultural and residential hub during the Great Migration and throughout the 20th century.

Today, Jeffries is a neighborhood in a significant state of transition and redevelopment. The demolition of the original housing projects, which began in the 2010s, marked the end of an era and opened the door for a large-scale, mixed-income redevelopment plan. The character of Jeffries is currently a blend of vacant lots awaiting new construction, newly built affordable and market-rate housing, and longstanding single-family homes, reflecting both its challenging past and its aspirational future as a revitalized community.

Housing & Real Estate

The housing stock in Jeffries is predominantly composed of two distinct types: the original, modest single- and two-family homes that line its side streets, and the newly constructed units of the "Jefferson Avenue Development." This massive, multi-phase project is replacing the old projects with a mix of affordable apartments, market-rate rentals, and for-sale townhomes. The architectural style of the new builds is modern, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and community-oriented design, featuring porches and shared green spaces.

Price ranges are heavily influenced by affordability programs tied to the redevelopment. Many units are income-restricted, offering below-market rates for qualifying residents, while the new market-rate townhomes and apartments are priced accessibly compared to many other Buffalo neighborhoods. The trend is decisively toward new construction and increased homeownership opportunities, aiming to create a stable, mixed-income community rather than a concentration of poverty.

Schools & Education

Jeffries is served by the Buffalo Public Schools district. The neighborhood is zoned for several nearby schools, including BUILD Academy, a community-based Pre-K through 8 school located just west on Fougeron Street. High school students typically attend nearby McKinley High School, known for its vocational and technical programs, or may apply to the city's various magnet and charter schools through the district's choice system.

The quality of education within the district varies, and many families explore the range of options available. The redevelopment efforts in Jeffries include a focus on community wellness and support services, which often extend to educational advocacy and after-school programming. Proximity to the University at Buffalo's Downtown Campus and Erie Community College also provides higher education and continuing education opportunities for residents.

Parks & Recreation

The primary dedicated green space within Jeffries is the newly created "Jefferson Avenue Park," a central component of the redevelopment. This park is designed as a community anchor, featuring playgrounds, picnic areas, and open lawns for gatherings. It represents a significant investment in quality public space for a neighborhood historically lacking such amenities.

For broader recreational facilities, residents have easy access to the nearby Johnnie B. Wiley Amateur Athletic Sports Pavilion, a major venue for track and field, football, and community events. The Masten District Pool is also a short distance away. The neighborhood's grid layout and new infrastructure encourage walking, though the bordering Kensington Expressway remains a significant barrier to connectivity with neighborhoods to the east.

Local Dining & Shopping

Jeffries sits adjacent to the historic Jefferson Avenue commercial corridor, a once-thriving Black business district. While many storefronts have faced challenges, there are enduring staples and new ventures. Essential services and dining include corner stores, barbershops, and soul food restaurants that have served the community for generations. The recently opened "Jefferson Avenue Market" aims to provide fresh, healthy grocery options in an area previously classified as a food desert.

For more comprehensive shopping, residents often travel to the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue or the Walmart on Broadway. The redevelopment plans explicitly include commercial and retail space at ground levels of new buildings, with the goal of attracting cafes, pharmacies, and service businesses to meet daily needs within the neighborhood itself, reducing reliance on outside areas.

Who Lives Here

The population of Jeffries is overwhelmingly African American, with deep generational ties to the East Side. It is a community of families, seniors who witnessed the area's evolution, and individuals committed to its revitalization. There is a strong sense of resilience and community identity, fostered by churches and local organizations that have been pillars for decades, such as the nearby Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology.

Today, Jeffries is also attracting a new wave of residents drawn by the modern, affordable housing options and the opportunity to be part of a consciously rebuilt community. This includes young professionals, healthcare workers from the nearby Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, and essential service workers. The neighborhood vibe is one of cautious optimism, balancing pride in its rich cultural history with a forward-looking perspective on inclusive growth and stability.

Jeffries Market Data

Top Real Estate Agents in Jeffries, Buffalo

Nearby Neighborhoods in Buffalo, WV

← Back to all Buffalo, WV real estate agents

← Back to all West Virginia real estate agents