Community Guide
Tonawanda
Niagara River trails, Erie Canal history and established neighborhoods just north of Buffalo.
Tonawanda is really two places. The Town of Tonawanda, just north of Buffalo, counted 72,636 residents at the 2020 Census and includes the Village of Kenmore. The separate City of Tonawanda, 15,129 residents in 2020, sits at the northern edge of Erie County where the Erie Canal (Tonawanda Creek) meets the Niagara River, across the canal from North Tonawanda.
Both offer established neighborhoods, easy access to Buffalo and the I-290 and I-190, and some of the best riverfront parks and trails in the region.
Why people love Tonawanda
- Niagara River parks and the Riverwalk trail
- Ellicott Creek Park and bike path
- Erie Canal history in the City of Tonawanda
- Minutes from Buffalo via I-290 and I-190
See homes in Tonawanda
Browse current listings, or ask Kunji what is coming to market – the best homes here often sell before they are widely advertised.
Tonawanda Guide
Tonawanda at a Glance
- CountyErie County
- PopulationTown of Tonawanda: 72,636, including the Village of Kenmore. City of Tonawanda: 15,129 (2020 U.S. Census)
- School districtsTown: mostly Kenmore-Tonawanda (Ken-Ton), with parts in Sweet Home. City: Tonawanda City School District. Verify by address.
- Getting aroundI-290, I-190 and Niagara Falls Boulevard; about 15-20 minutes to downtown Buffalo
Town or city? Know the difference
The Town of Tonawanda and the City of Tonawanda are separate municipalities with separate taxes, services and school districts. The town wraps around the Village of Kenmore and borders Buffalo and Amherst. The city is a smaller riverfront community to the north, across the Erie Canal from North Tonawanda in Niagara County.
Before you fall for a listing, confirm which one the address is in. Mailing addresses often say “Tonawanda” or “Buffalo” for homes in either.
Parks and the river
Isle View Park, a 39-acre Erie County park on the Niagara River, is part of the Riverwalk trail system and has boat launches and paved trails. Ellicott Creek Park, a 165-acre county park open year-round, connects to the 7.2-mile Ellicott Creek Bike Path. The town also runs Brighton Park and Golf Course.
Canal history
The City of Tonawanda grew up with the Erie Canal, which reached Tonawanda Creek in 1825. The canal waterfront between the two Tonawandas is still the heart of summer events, including Canal Fest every July.
Buying here: what to know
Much of the housing is post-war: capes, ranches and colonials, plus older doubles closer to the river and the city line. Ask your inspector about sewer laterals, basements and original electrical in older homes.
Riverfront and creek-side properties can sit in FEMA flood zones. Read the flood questions on the seller’s Property Condition Disclosure Statement and check the FEMA map for the address.
Sources
- Tonawanda (town), New York (2020 Census)
- Tonawanda (city), New York (2020 Census)
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts – Tonawanda town
- Ellicott Creek Park
- Erie County – Isle View Park
- Britannica – Tonawanda-North Tonawanda
Facts checked October 2026. Details change – confirm anything important (school district, taxes, flood zone) for a specific address before you buy.
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