Welcome to Grant-Ferry

The Grant-Ferry Commercial district is one of the most venerable in all of Western New York. Famed for its ready availability of all life's necessities—usually at a bargain price—Grant-Ferry is the commercial and social center of Buffalo's Upper West Side.

After decades of sprawl-induced decline, the district is poised to reclaim its standing as one of the most dynamic commercial environments in Buffalo. Drawing on a remarkably diverse community, it is quickly emerging as Buffalo's World Marketplace.

Location

The Grant-Ferry commercial district runs along Grant Street from Buffalo State south to Hampshire Street and on West Ferry Street from Hampshire west to Herkimer Street. The district is easily accessed via major east-to-west streets such as Forest Avenue, West Delavan, Lafayette and West Ferry Street, as well as being conveniently located between Niagara Street and Elmwood Avenue in the Elmwood Village. Grant Street is also served by the NFTA's Number 3 bus route, the city's busiest, and is an exit off the Scajaquada Parkway (Rt. 198).

Though focused on accommodating pedestrians safely and comfortably, there is nonetheless, ample parking available for those coming from outside the immediate neighborhood.

Diversity

There are few areas in Western New York that can vie with Buffalo's upper west side when it comes to cultural and ethnic diversity. Once known for large populations of Italian immigrants, today's upper west side is enriched by newcomers from Puerto Rico, as well as significant immigration from Eastern Europe, Northern Africa, and Southeast Asia to name just a few. As a result, Grant-Ferry is now fast becoming home to ethnic markets of many flavors and a population that embraces and celebrates diversity in all its facets.

Revitalization

Like many traditional neighborhood commercial districts in Buffalo, Grant-Ferry was dramatically impacted by suburban sprawl and the ensuing population loss, disinvestment and debilitating blight. Today, however, Grant-Ferry is experiencing the beginning of a rebirth that is unprecedented in Buffalo. With little municipal or government support, urban pioneers of all ethnicities, economic levels and social backgrounds are adopting Grant-Ferry and helping it define the upper west side as an urban environment where people want to be. New restaurants, ethnic markets and shops are complementing iconic existing businesses to reflect the energy and optimism so long missing from our city.