Buffalo, NY


94 Reviews



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Buffalo, NY

About Buffalo, NY

Buffalo, New York is a lively city located on the shores of Lake Erie. Home to an array of cultural attractions and outdoor activities, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. Take a tour of one of the many historical sites or explore the art scene at world-renowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Sample some delicious food at one of the dozens of ethnic restaurants or take in some professional sports at KeyBank Center. With its unique culture and hospitality, Buffalo is a great destination for visitors and residents alike! Large city complex - Western New York at eastern end of Lake Erie.

State: New York
County: Erie County
Metro Area: Buffalo-Cheektowaga Metro Area
City: Buffalo
Zip Codes: 14215, 14213, 14220, 14207, 14216, 14211, 14206, 14214, 14210, 14222, 17 total
Cost of Living:
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Elevation: 706 ft above sea level

New York’s second largest city is a major port and “rust belt” manufacturing center, although its industries are in various stages of decline. Heavy lake-effect snows make Buffalo one of the snowiest metropolitan areas in the country. Downtown is unremarkable but clean and improving, although there are many gritty areas around the city. But lake effects bring notably pleasant weather in spring, summer, and early fall, and there is a strong assortment of cultural amenities, historic districts, and architectural highlights with few crowds.

Buffalo has better than average shopping supported in part by Canadian citizens traveling across the border to avoid local taxes and high prices—although this comes and goes with fluctuations in the dollar. Recently, the strength in the Canadian currency has expanded this influx. A number of old-economy industries have been lost; others like auto parts maker Delphi have been struggling. Yet, community spirit and strong state economic development programs have brought in some newer-economy businesses, notably biotech and medical technology companies.

The strong community feel spreads into the suburbs, and some, particularly north and east towards Amherst, offer excellent values. The city is fanatical about major-league sports, with the Buffalo Bills, Sabres, and a few minor-league teams as focal points. Niagara Falls is a special attraction, and there is a large wine-growing area to the east and another to the west. For a real cosmopolitan getaway, Toronto is 100 miles away.

Buffalo is located on the coastal plain of Lake Erie, where the Niagara River connects north to Lake Ontario. The climate is continental with a definite Great-Lakes marine effect. The reputation for bad weather comes from heavy localized lake-effect snows, but summers are among the sunniest, driest, and most pleasant in the Northeast. Winters are generally cloudy, cold, snowy, and changeable with frequent thaws and rain. Snow covers the ground more often than not from Christmas into early March. Lake-effect snows taper off when the lake freezes in January. The lakes modify extreme cold, minimizing below-zero temperatures. Because of the water, Buffalo warms more slowly in the spring, but the lake also inhibits spring and early summer thunderstorms. Temperatures seldom reach 90 degrees. First freeze is late September, last is May, but inland conditions are more extreme.

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Buffalo Cost of Living

Pleasant summers, nearby recreation, and arts and culture make Buffalo a great place to live.

$204,600
-65.2% lower than avg
$42,186
-63.6% lower than avg
9.3 / 3.5
Comfort Index
summer/winter
Buffalo Crime
61.4 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Buffalo, New York
$39,240
for a family
$35,200
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Buffalo
   Pleasant summers
Some unattractive areas
   Nearby recreation
Winter snow
   Arts and culture
Economy
Reviews for Buffalo
    See all (94)

Over 2 years ago
Clean, fun, safe and unique. Great place to raise a family. Affordable housing, strong job market. Great schools and neighborhoods.  More
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Over 2 years ago
Buffalo was okay in 2016. Since then, crime is up, there are more methadone clinics than pediatricians, and so many of the small businesses that made this place charming  More
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Over 2 years ago
This city is just plain beautiful. Sure, it might not be New York or Albany. But it's Buffalo. Place is a God-send. You want to see the Falls and the Bills? Come here.  More
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