Buffalo isn’t usually the city people think of when they consider moving to New York. There are a few misconceptions about its offerings that make some people balk at living there. However, downtown Buffalo has a lot going for it.
So what can you expect when living in Buffalo? How about amazing hiking trails with views you’ll want to Instagram or performances by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra at the gorgeous Kleinhans Music Hall. There’s so much to do and see in the Queen City, and you can discover something new no matter how long you call it home. So, without further ado, here are our ten reasons Buffalo is an ideal place to live.
1. There’s So Much Potential
The community in Buffalo is dedicated to making its home a better place with a slew of initiatives:
- GO Bike Buffalo
- Clean Air Coalition
- Buffalo First
Locals are proud of their city and active in its progress toward more diversity, a sustainable economy, and an environment everyone can enjoy. Honestly, this kind of momentum is difficult to find and contributes to the wonderful atmosphere that makes Buffalo appealing. After all, what’s more encouraging than residents working together with a shared love of their home?
2. The Parks are Designed by the Team Who Created Central Park
You read that right — the many public green spaces that flourish in Buffalo were designed by the legendary Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. These gentlemen were famous for their work as landscape architects, with the former even being invited to design the grounds for the first World’s Fair hosted by the U.S.
What does that mean for residents? It means access to beautiful scenery and carefully thought out pathways to ensure you get the most out of your park visit. Whether you enjoy going for jogs, taking your dog for a walk, or just sitting on a bench and watching the world go by, you’ll love the public park system.
3. You Can Experience All Four Seasons
In Buffalo, all four seasons are clearly marked by the weather, which is more than can be said of the Southwest. There’s nothing quite like being able to see everything nature has to offer all in one place: blooming greenery; warm, lazy summer nights; brilliant foliage and chilly mornings; soft snow and evenings spent cozying up with a hot cup of tea.
Living in Buffalo allows you to participate in seasonal activities and festivals, which can be especially fun for the kids. If you’re someone who looks forward to the changing seasons, you’ll love this city.
4. It’s an Architecture Enthusiast’s Dream
Buffalo’s been around for over 200 years, which means it boasts two centuries of architecture. While many areas have been modernized for more comfortable living, there are still many gorgeous landmarks that exhibit architecture from bygone eras or designs from famous architects. For example, it’s home to the Darwin D. Martin House, created by Frank Lloyd Wright, an innovative American architect who was lauded for his unique designs.
Fans of Art Deco are sure to appreciate Buffalo City Hall, which would look right at home in the New York City skyline. If you prefer a little haunt in your houses, you may prefer the H.H. Richardson complex, which has a distinctly gothic feel.
5. It’s Perfect for Bike Commuting
Are you trying to go green by biking to work? Then Buffalo is for you. GO Bike Buffalo has worked to educated commuters, students, and parents on the benefits of bike riding, as well as how to do so safely.
The Queen City also has a vibrant community of people who love biking as a pastime or means of exercise. For example, hundreds of people participate in the Sunday Night Ride as a way to share their love of biking while traversing the city together.
6. There’s a Vibrant Sports Community
Many places are proud of their sports teams, but Buffalo takes it to the next level; its lacrosse team, the Bandits, has some the highest turnout numbers of the National Lacrosse League. There’s also a lot of love for the hockey team, the Sabres, who have a waiting list for season tickets.
Of course, in the U.S., the biggest sport is football. Buffalo Bills fans are known for their enthusiasm and love for tailgating.
7. It’s Incredibly Diverse
Buffalo is a melting pot and is proud to celebrate its many cultures with numerous festivals and parades. Every year, the city highlights and hosts the following:
- Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade
- Buffalo Italian Festival
- Buffalo Greek Fest
There’s also a yearly celebration of Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. and the vibrant African-American community. Additionally, Buffalo has an annual Pride Parade as well as two St. Patrick’s Day parades. No matter your background or where you hail from, everyone is welcome to celebrate the diverse cultures in Buffalo.
8. It’s the Perfect Size
Small towns are great for the sense of community, but they aren’t known for offering much in the way of entertainment. Large cities are bastions of culture but can feel impersonal and easy to get lost in. Buffalo falls in the middle, offering the best of both worlds.
With its medium size, Buffalo offers many city-type experiences, such as art galleries, without the downsides, such as heavy traffic. In fact, the Queen City is easy to navigate and is just large enough to keep you exploring for a few years.
9. The Food is Incredible
Another bonus of having a culturally diverse community is having amazing and unique restaurants to visit. Buffalo has many different dining options, from food trucks to local mom-and-pops to more formal restaurants. You can sample authentic cuisines, such as Greek, Chinese, Polish, Irish, Indian, and Lebanese, as well as American staples such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken wings.
10. You Can Always Get a Good Drink
With such a long history, you can bet that Buffalo has some great places to get a pint or a glass of wine. In fact, there are a number of breweries and distilleries where you can snag a drink as well as a tour. If you want something truly unique and local, the Resurgence Brewing Company sells the Sponge Candy Stout, a beer inspired by the local candy.
Are you excited to move to Buffalo? If you’re settling in the Queen City, you’re going to need a comfortable place to live. No complex offers the same level of convenience and care as one managed by Ellicott Development.
We manage a variety of buildings, from modern to historical to high rises. Each offers a variety of amenities to accommodate a range of lifestyles; you can exercise at on-site gyms, relax in refreshing pools, and enjoy the company of your neighbors at community gatherings. Complexes are also strategically located close to entertainment, shopping, and restaurants. For more information or to inquire about available apartments, give us a call at 716-854-0060 or contact us online.
