- Buffalo offers affordable housing, making it an excellent destination for young professionals as well as new families.
- There are many examples of historic architecture in Buffalo, providing a rich cultural atmosphere.
- You can find a wide variety of cuisines in Buffalo, including the classic Buffalo wings.
New York City often steals the spotlight when we think about urban areas in New York State, but Buffalo is coming into its own. With a population of over 250,000, it’s considered a small city. What does that mean? It means Buffalo has many of the benefits offered by a bustling city yet is small enough to have close-knit communities. For example, residents are dedicated to the local football team (the Bills) and hold officially sponsored tailgate parties when there’s a home game.
Of course, that’s just a fraction of what the affectionately named “Queen City” has to offer. If you’re thinking of relocating, you may wonder: What is living in Buffalo, NY, really like? As proud Buffalonians, we’re happy to show you.
Short Commutes
In many places, people have to live in one city and work in another. Here in Buffalo, there’s plenty of real estate, which means you can find housing conveniently close to your workplace. In fact, the average commute is a little over 20 minutes. That means more time spent at home or doing things you love and less time wasted in traffic.
Additionally, Buffalo is very bike- and walk-friendly, especially in the Downtown district. Many employees who work in this area frequently walk to lunch, as it’s faster than driving.
Affordable Housing
One of the biggest draws for Millenials is affordable housing. The median rent payment is around $1,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, while the median house price is about $150,000. For young adults looking to purchase their first home, there’s plenty of opportunities. On the other hand, there are also many mixed-use properties in the Downtown area, allowing individuals to live in the thick of things.
In addition to affordable housing, Buffalo has a low cost of living overall, which lets residents thoroughly enjoy their earnings at the many entertainment and food establishments throughout the city. In addition to the many opportunities for fun Downtown, residents can find plenty to do in the revitalized Canalside district.
Historic Architecture
Understandably, history isn’t important to everyone, but those who love old buildings and locations with rich backgrounds are sure to love Queen City. Once an industry and shipping powerhouse, Buffalo was the pinnacle of architecture in its heyday. Many of those buildings still stand, and there are even tours to see the most famous.
There’s also much to be said about state and local efforts to preserve Buffalo’s architectural history. In other areas of the country, century-old buildings are torn down to make way for new construction. In Buffalo, structures are renovated and retrofitted to offer a unique balance between modern convenience and historical value. In fact, businesses are incentivized to occupy renovated spaces over new offices.
As a result, you can work in a building that’s over 150 years old, then go for a pint at a tavern that’s been open since the 1860s. For many residents, this pride in the city’s roots is what makes Buffalo so unique.
Green Spaces
Even though Buffalo is considered an urban area, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. For example, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens house exotic plants within a 100-year-old, beautifully constructed dome.
Parks
Did you know Central Park’s designers, Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted, created many of Buffalo’s public green spaces? As a result, residents can experience natural beauty without leaving city limits. Though some parks were lost over time, several remain open to visitors:
- South Park
- Riverside Park
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
- Front Park
- Delaware Park
- Day’s Park
- Cazenovia Park
- Symphony Circle
- Soldier’s Circle
- Lincoln Parkway
- Ferry Circle
Nature Preserve
Fans of hiking will appreciate the Tifft Nature Preserve, which is home to many types of wildlife and flora. With miles of trails, city residents can spend entire weekends exploring this gorgeous attraction.
Amazing Food
Food is one of the things that makes a location unique. As the home of many immigrants over the decades, Buffalo has a wide variety of cuisine to offer:
- Polish
- Italian
- Irish
- Greek
As more people move to the Queen City, we expect to see even more options — for example, one of the most popular restaurants serves traditional Vietnamese fare. There’s also a growing food truck community in Larkinville, where you can sample offerings from various mobile eateries every Tuesday.
For individuals who prefer to cook at home, there are also farmers’ markets. With over 16 markets hosted throughout the week on various street corners, every Buffalonian can access fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables.
Buffalo Classics
So what food do you absolutely need to try in Buffalo? You’re probably not surprised to hear that Buffalo wings (which were invented here) are at the top of the list. You may have had this appetizer in other states, but no one makes it like we do.
The Queen City also has a variety of other quintessentially American fare to offer:
- Sponge candy
- Fish fry
- Beef on weck
If you want a new twist on something familiar, there’s also spaghetti parm, a dish created by covering spaghetti and meatballs with parmesan cheese. Locals and tourists alike love this quirky food.
Taverns, Distilleries, and Pubs
Buffalo has many local breweries and distilleries, some of which have run for decades. There are also many pubs and taverns, including Ulrich’s Tavern on Ellicott Street, our oldest continually serving bar. Many establishments offer dishes you can’t find anywhere else and work hard to create a friendly atmosphere. No matter your drink of choice, you’re sure to find your new favorite bar.
Are you interested in living in downtown Buffalo, NY? Then you’ll need to find the right living space.
Fortunately, Ellicott Development has many apartments to choose from. We offer properties with modern amenities, convenient locations, and helpful staff. As both the owner and property manager, we keep complexes updated and comfortable for residents. To learn more or see available units, give us a call at 716-854-0060 or contact us online.
Featured Image: Richard Cavalleri/Shutterstock
