Just south of Buffalo lies a historic community of 27,000 people called
Orchard Park which some might call the Town of Many Names.

Originally settled by Quakers in 1803, Orchard Park's first life as a municipality actually was as part of nearby Hamburg, breaking off as a sovereign community in 1850. Renamed "Town of Ellicott," the newly independent community took its name from Joseph Ellicott of the Holland Land Company, who was instrumental in establishing the early real estate market there, bringing hundreds, if not thousands, to the area. Within months, the name was changed curiously to the "Town of East Hamburg," and only acquired its contemporary moniker of Orchard Park less than 75 years ago.

Designated as one of the historic villages of "The Southtowns," Orchard Park survived a massive fire in the early 1900's to emerge with many important historic landmarks thankfully intact. These include an old Quaker meeting house, a log structure reported to be the first church structure erected in Erie County, as well as the library developed by Philanthropist Harry Yates. The still functioning library, just three years shy of its centennial celebration.

Yates saw what other such as well-known Quaker Jacob Lindley described as an "uncultivated part of nature's garden" in Orchard Park. The rolling hills and mature trees lent themselves to a pastoral, tranquil alternative to the larger metropolitan areas, as it still does today. However, with the benefit of modern transportation, commuters are only minutes form the advantages
a larger city like Buffalo has to offer while still maintaining residence in more serene surroundings.

This is not to suggest that Orchard Park is averse to progress; on the contrary, the town's economic development team is proactive about bringing attractive businesses to the area, providing more rewarding employment options for residents closer to home. With median home prices nearly $90,000 less than the state average, the prospect of getting more real estate for the money is more than a flight of fancy.  Currently (May,  2008) there are 123 single
family homes on the market to choose from with 59 of these
homes in our "Luxury Market" of $300,000 and over.  If condo or townhome living is for you there are 17 available as of May, 2008.

For those with an urge to travel, Orchard Park enjoys easy access to three major airports, all within sixty miles, as well as two commercial train depots within a dozen miles. One need not wander far from home in Orchard Park, however, to enjoy recreation within verdant natural surroundings, with several public parks and forested areas within the town's limits.

For a relatively small community, Orchard Park also boasts its share of educational amenities. With ten public grade schools, nine public or private colleges and universities and a handful of private schools in town, parents have many options to meet their children's needs.

Many people talk about getting away to a more peaceful way of
life. The town of Orchard Park may just be the place you've been
dreaming about. Come and let me show you around!

Terri Kern, Associate Broker
Stovroff & Taylor Realtors
Western New York Real Estate
Direct Phone:  716-622-2251
www.GetFreeCMA.com