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Grand Island, NY

Grand Island, NY

Grand Island is an island town in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town's population was 21,389 representing an increase of 5.00% from the 2010 census figure. The town's name is derived from the French name La Grande Île; Grand Island is the largest island in the Niagara River and the third largest in New York state. The phrase La Grande Île appears on the town seal.

Grand Island has been home to the Attawandaron Nation and the acquisition of both French and English colonial pursuits. In 1945, Grand Island was part of a plan to make a new World Peace Capital on the international border between Southern Ontario, Canada, and Western New York. The plan proposed placing the United Nations headquarters on adjacent Navy Island (Ontario), which was considered an ideal location because it lay on the boundary between two peaceful countries. An artist's rendering of the World Peace Capital showed the property with bridges spanning both countries (between Grand Island in the United States and the Canadian mainland). The proposal was turned down in favor of the current U.N. headquarters in New York City.

The town of Grand Island is in the northwestern corner of Erie County, and on the Canada–US border, although there is no river crossing to Canada. It is northwest of Buffalo, south of Niagara Falls, and is traversed by Interstate 190 and New York State Route 324.

In the early historical period of the island, French explorers found members of the Neutral Nation of Native Americans, also known as the Attawandaron, living on the island. By 1651, the nearby Seneca Nation had chased off or killed the Neutrals, having also absorbed some of the survivors. The Seneca then used the island for hunting and fishing. In 1764, as part of the Treaty of Cession after the French and Indian War, the island became part of the British colonies in North America.

In 1815, New York State purchased Grand Island and other small islands in the Niagara River from the Iroquois Nation for $1,000 in hand, and annually a perpetuity of $500 every June. The treaty was signed by Governor Daniel D. Tompkins, Peter B. Porter, Chief Red Jacket, Falling Boards, Twenty Canoes, Sharp Shins, Man Killer, and others. The Senecas reserved the right to hunt fish and fowl on the islands. The town of Grand Island was organized in 1852 from part of the town of Tonawanda.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has an area of 33.3 square miles (86.2 km²), of which 28.3 square miles (73.2 km²) is land and 5.0 square miles (13.0 km²), or 15.08%, is water. The Niagara River splits into two parts at the south end of the island and rejoins at the northwest end, about 3 miles (5 km) upstream (east) of Niagara Falls.

The town lies adjacent to the border between Canada and the United States. As there is no direct bridge or ferry connection from the island to Canada, there are no customs or immigration services. Paired bridges connect the south end of the island to the town of Tonawanda, and another pair of bridges connects the northern end to the city of Niagara Falls in Niagara County. The two sets of bridges carry Interstate 190, a branch of the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90). In addition, New York State Route 324 (Grand Island Boulevard) is conjoined with I-190 at the southern bridges and reaches its western terminus in the northern part of Grand Island.

Health and wellness are essential aspects of life in Grand Island. The town provides access to various healthcare services, including the Grand Island Family Practice and other medical facilities. For those seeking an active lifestyle, Grand Island offers abundant natural beauty. Aire Ancient Baths is known for its historic ambiance and thermal baths inspired by ancient Roman, Greek, and Ottoman traditions. Great Jones Spa offers a relaxing atmosphere with water lounges, saunas, and a variety of treatments. Bliss Spa is known for its playful and modern approach to spa treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. Shibui Spa is located in the Greenwich Hotel, it offers a serene setting with Japanese-inspired treatments. The Mandarin Oriental Spa offers a holistic approach to wellness with stunning views of Central Park.

Top Sites in Grand Island, NY are the Western New York Welcome Center, Beaver Island Golf Course, and Grand Island Fun Center.

Population: 21, 389 (2020). ZIP Code: 14072. Area codes: 716 and 624. Elevation: 591 ft (180 m). Area: 33.29 sq mi (86.23 km²).

FAQs

What is the average income in Grand Island, NY?

The average annual household income in Grand Island is $109,829, while the median household income sits at $97,128 per year. There are 9,061 housing units in Grand Island, and the median year in which these properties were built is 1975. Of the 8,800 occupied housing units in Grand Island, 79.49% are owner-occupied, while 20.51% have renters living in them. Meanwhile, properties bought with mortgages account for 60.76% of the units, and the median value of a home with a mortgage is $221,500. In general, housing costs reach $1,208 per month in Grand Island.

What is the crime rate in Grand Island, NY?

With a crime rate for both violent and property crime combined of 7 per 1,000 residents, the crime rate in Grand Island is one of the lower rates in America among communities of all sizes (lower than 62% of America's communities). One's chance of becoming a victim of crime in Grand Island is one in 140. Compared to communities within New York, Grand Island‘s crime rate is lower than nearly 57% of the state's cities and towns.

Is Grand Island, NY a good place to live?

Grand Island is a suburb of Buffalo with a population of 21,416. Grand Island is in Erie County. Living in Grand Island offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Grand Island, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Grand Island and residents tend to lean conservative.

Sources

Town of Grand Island

Wikipedia

Point2Homes

Neighborhood Scout

Niche

Grand Island Family Practice

Aire Ancient Baths

Great Jones Spa

Bliss Spa

Shibui Spa

The Mandarin Oriental Spa

Western New York Welcome Center

Beaver Island Golf Course

Grand Island Fun Center

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.