Buffalo is located in western New York, just minutes from the Canadian border and nestled along the shores of Lake Erie. With a population of over 24,000 people, it’s the second-largest city in the state.
If you’re considering a move, it’s important to weigh what life in Buffalo really feels like. Looking at the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision based on your needs.
So, is Buffalo, NY, a good place to live? Let’s find out.
Pros of Living in Buffalo, NY
There are many reasons you should relocate to Buffalo. They include the following:
Affordable Cost of Living
Buffalo is significantly more affordable than many major U.S. cities. For instance, the median home price in Buffalo is around $215,000, while in cities like New York City or Boston, it can soar above $700,000.
Rent is equally reasonable, with average monthly rents sitting near $1,200, which is much lower than the $3,000+ averages in coastal metro areas.
In addition to housing, day-to-day living expenses like groceries and utilities in Buffalo tend to fall below the national average by about 7% to 10%.
With such a low cost of living, you have more freedom to enjoy life, whether that means dining out, traveling more often, or saving for the future.
Rich History and Architecture
Buffalo’s past is reflected in its streets, with historic buildings and unique architecture found throughout the city. You’ll find everything from Art Deco skyscrapers to restored Victorian homes that showcase the city’s legacy. Landmarks like Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House highlight Buffalo’s architectural depth.
The city’s historical roots are tied to its role in industry, trade, and the Erie Canal, which brought prosperity in the 19th century. Old factories and train stations have been transformed into event venues and art spaces. Buffalo blends its industrial past with modern creativity.
Neighborhoods like Allentown and Elmwood Village offer colorful row houses and historic storefronts. This mix of old and new adds a charm that’s hard to replicate.
Strong Sense of Community
People often say Buffalo is the “City of Good Neighbors,” and for good reason. Residents are friendly, supportive, and eager to help newcomers feel welcome. Whether it’s through neighborhood events or casual conversations, that warmth is easy to feel.
Communities here are active and often unite around local causes, sports teams, or volunteer work. There’s a shared pride in the city’s resilience and spirit, which builds strong bonds among residents. Buffalo’s people create a culture of togetherness that stands out.
Festivals, food drives, and local fundraisers happen often and bring people together in meaningful ways. These activities foster real relationships, not just surface-level interactions.
So, in Buffalo, it’s easy to feel like you belong.
Easy Access to Outdoor Activities and Nature
Buffalo offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, no matter the season. In summer, people flock to Lake Erie beaches, bike trails, and public parks scattered throughout the city. There is always a place to hike, paddle, or have a picnic.
In colder months, snow sports like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing become popular activities. Places like Chestnut Ridge Park offer year-round recreation just a short drive away. With every season comes new outdoor experiences to try.
Community programs also promote outdoor wellness with free classes, nature walks, and sports leagues. These programs make staying active easy and affordable.
Diverse Dining and Food Scene
Buffalo’s food scene goes far beyond chicken wings, offering a mix of global flavors and local favorites. From Polish pierogies to Ethiopian dishes, the city reflects its diverse communities through cuisine. Food lovers will find no shortage of places to explore.
New restaurants open regularly, bringing creative menus and modern flair to traditional foods. Food trucks, farmers markets, and pop-up dinners make the scene lively and ever-changing. Dining out here is not just affordable; it’s exciting.
Buffalo also celebrates its food with festivals like Taste of Buffalo, drawing thousands each year. These events spotlight local chefs and bring neighborhoods together over great meals. If you enjoy exploring food culture, Buffalo won’t disappoint.
Cons
Though there are many advantages to living in Buffalo, it’s only fair to look at the other side of the coin. Below are some of the common drawbacks that you should consider before making your move.
Harsh Winters
Buffalo’s winters are long, snowy, and cold, which can be tough for those unfamiliar with severe weather. The city gets hit with lake-effect snow, leading to heavy storms that disrupt daily routines. Shoveling driveways and scraping windshields become regular tasks.
Cold temperatures can last from November through March, often dropping below freezing for weeks. These conditions make commuting more difficult and can increase heating bills. For many, winter weather is the hardest part of living in Buffalo.
Although the city is well-equipped for snow removal, the harsh winter still impacts work, travel, and outdoor plans. You’ll need warm gear, snow tires, and patience during snowstorms. If you don’t love winter, this may be a major drawback.
Limited Public Transportation
Buffalo’s public transportation system isn’t as extensive as what you’d find in larger metropolitan areas. The city has buses and a small light rail line, but service can be infrequent or inconvenient, especially outside the downtown core. This lack of coverage makes car ownership almost essential.
People who rely solely on public transit may find it frustrating, particularly for commuting or late-night travel. Some neighborhoods are harder to reach without a car, which limits mobility for some residents. This can affect access to work, healthcare, or social events.
While there are efforts to expand and improve the system, progress has been slow and limited in scope. Until major changes are made, transit will remain a challenge for many.
Higher Property Taxes
While homes in Buffalo are generally quite affordable, the property taxes in the area are noticeably higher than the national average. Many buyers are caught off guard when they calculate the full monthly cost of homeownership, especially once those taxes are factored in.
So, even if the purchase price seems like a bargain initially, the recurring expenses can quickly stretch a household budget.
Higher property taxes can also influence your long-term financial outlook, particularly by limiting the return on investment when it’s time to sell your home. This added cost might discourage families from upgrading to larger homes as their needs evolve, since taxes typically increase with property value.
Takeaway
Although there are some challenges to living in Buffalo, the benefits make it an attractive place to call home. The city offers an affordable cost of living, which helps residents keep more money in their pockets. Its proximity to natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming community creates a quality of life that’s hard to beat.
If you decide Buffalo is the right fit for your next home, hiring a Buffalo moving company is a smart move. Their expertise can save you time, reduce stress, and protect your belongings during the move, making your transition into Buffalo life much smoother and hassle-free.
But how do you find the right mover?
Start by reading customer reviews and checking for movers who have experience with local relocations, especially during winter. And always make sure the company is licensed and insured to protect your belongings every step of the way.