Buffalo vs. Delano, MN: How to Choose Between Them

When buyers tell me they're moving west of Minneapolis, Buffalo and Delano land on the same shortlist more often than any other pair. Both are in Wright County. Both have a real downtown and a small-town pace. They still live very differently, and the right choice usually comes down to three things: your commute, your budget, and whether you want lakes or a river town.

I taught in Buffalo schools for 14 years and I live between the two, in Rockford. Here's how I walk buyers through the decision.

Buffalo vs. Delano at a glance

*Rolling 12 months through August 2026, NorthstarMLS.

The short answer

Buffalo gives you more house for the money, more services in town, and lake access. Delano costs more, sits closer to the Hennepin County line, and gets you onto US-12 toward the western suburbs and downtown. The better fit depends on how your week actually runs.

Commute: Hwy 55 vs. US-12

This is usually the tiebreaker.

From Buffalo, most commuters take Hwy 55 east through Rockford toward Plymouth, or Hwy 25 north toward I-94. The City of Buffalo puts downtown Minneapolis about 42 miles away.

From Delano, US-12 runs east through Independence and Maple Plain toward Wayzata and I-394. It's the more direct line to the western suburbs and downtown. 

My advice: before you write an offer, drive the route at the hour you'd actually commute. A Saturday test drive tells you nothing about a Tuesday in January at 5:30 pm.

Price: what the gap means

Over the last 12 months, the median sale price in Delano ran about $66,000 higher than in Buffalo ($435,000 vs. $369,000). That gap is real, but a median hides what's selling at each price point.

What I tell buyers: set your budget first, then see which town gives you the home you actually want at that number. Sometimes that's a newer home in Buffalo. Sometimes it's a smaller home in Delano because the commute matters more.

Market conditions right now

Both markets are moving at nearly the same speed. Buffalo homes sold in a median of 29 days and Delano in 30. Sellers in both towns landed around 97.6% to 97.7% of their original list price on average. That leaves room to negotiate, especially on homes that have sat.

The difference is supply. Delano had about 12% fewer homes for sale than a year earlier. Buffalo's inventory was flat. If you have your heart set on Delano, expect fewer choices at any given time and be ready to move when the right one shows up.

Lakes vs. river

Buffalo is built around water. Buffalo Lake and Lake Pulaski both sit inside city limits, with public parks, beaches, boat launches, and a walking trail along Buffalo Lake. If lake access matters to you, even without owning lakeshore, Buffalo is hard to beat.

Delano sits on the South Fork of the Crow River, with its downtown along the water. If you want lakeshore near Delano, you'll likely be looking outside city limits. [VERIFY: nearby lakes and typical lakeshore prices around Delano]

If you're considering lakeshore in Buffalo, read my guide to buying lake property near Buffalo first. The two main lakes are very different, and it matters before you buy.

Size and services

Buffalo is the Wright County seat, so the county government center is here, along with Buffalo Hospital and the bigger retail along Hwy 55 and Hwy 25. You can handle most errands without leaving town.

Delano is about a third of Buffalo's size. The downtown is walkable and compact. For bigger shopping trips, many residents head east on US-12.

Schools

Buffalo is served by Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools. Delano is served by Delano Public Schools. District lines don't always match city lines, so confirm the district for any specific address on the district's website or the Minnesota Department of Education's school finder. I'll point you to the data. The decision is yours.

Frequently asked questions

Is Buffalo or Delano cheaper? Buffalo. The median sale price was $369,000 in Buffalo vs. $435,000 in Delano over the 12 months through August 2026 (NorthstarMLS).

Which has the easier commute to Minneapolis? It depends where you work. Delano's US-12 route is more direct to the western suburbs and downtown. Buffalo's Hwy 55 route works well for Plymouth and the northwest suburbs. Test both at rush hour.

Does Buffalo or Delano have lakes? Buffalo has Buffalo Lake and Lake Pulaski inside city limits. Delano sits on the South Fork of the Crow River.

Are Buffalo and Delano in the same county? Yes. Both are in Wright County, Minnesota. Buffalo is the county seat.

Which town is bigger? Buffalo, with 18,168 residents at the 2020 census. Delano had 6,484.

Still deciding?

Most buyers I work with don't get stuck on the house. They get stuck on the town, because choosing wrong means living with a commute or a price you didn't plan for. My guide, Where to Live West of Minneapolis Without Guessing might be a great next step if you are not sure where to land. 

If you already know Buffalo and Delano are your two, reach out. I'll set up a tour of both on the same day so you can compare while it's fresh.

Sources: NorthstarMLS data via your Sept 2026 market update · Buffalo population and distance · Buffalo 2020 census population · Delano population, US-12, Crow River · Buffalo lakes and parks