- Downtown Buffalo has seen massive growth as individuals arrive looking for work, community, and excitement.
- As part of the Buffalo Building Reuse Program, many older buildings are being adapted to fulfill the need for affordable housing.
- The Central Business District offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and pubs to choose from, many within walking distance of apartment complexes.
Buffalo is experiencing a revitalization, and no area is growing faster than the Downtown Central Business District. In fact, between new residents moving in and fledgling businesses opening, this district is completely transformed from the downtown of 10 years ago.
Why is everyone choosing Central Business District living? Setting up shop in the heart of the city has many benefits to offer, especially if you’re interested in affordable rent and a variety of activities close by.
Residential Options
Due to the Central Business District’s urban nature, most residences are in multi-family properties. While there are a few areas with single-family houses, apartment buildings and condominiums are more readily available and closer to desirable locations.
With Downtown Buffalo’s rapid growth, developers are focusing on multi-family options to accommodate the burgeoning need for affordable living spaces. In fact, the demand is so high that most condos and apartments are filled. Fortunately, the city is working to build more options, with an emphasis on producing affordable housing to meet the needs of a diverse population.
Apartments
Apartments are the most numerous housing option in the Business District. Many of the new plans are part of the Buffalo Building Reuse Program, which encourages the renovation of older buildings. This allows the local real estate to be adapted to current needs.
Condos
While still a minority when it comes to property, there are plans to build more condos in the Downtown area. This provides residents with more choice and may appeal to the middle class, which is significantly represented among new arrivals to Queen City.
Transportation
Buffalo Business District living means stepping out your door and into the heart of the city. As a result, many people don’t need personal vehicles, as they can easily walk, bike, or take public transportation.
As a result, the city is putting resources toward expanding and improving the efficiency of these transportation methods. This includes repairing sidewalks and encouraging a bike-friendly atmosphere.
Biking
Due to the density of the downtown area, biking is a convenient mode of transportation. Individuals living and working in the area can easily use their bikes for commuting, and some offices even have lockers and bike storage areas to accommodate employees.
Walking
Out of the entire city, the Central Business District ranks second for walkability. Some residents even consider walking their preferred mode of transportation due to the convenience. If you want to live in an area where owning a car is unnecessary, this downtown neighborhood is an excellent option.
Food and Drink
Buffalo is well-known for its bustling breweries and unique take on American cuisine. As a result, many people who settle here value having restaurants and bars close by.
The good news is, when you live in the Central Business District, you’re in the middle of Buffalo’s thriving foodservice industry. Many residents are only a short walk from neighborhood favorites, meaning they can spend more of their weekend enjoying the food, drink, and company rather than fighting traffic to find a parking spot.
Restaurants
- There are a variety of restaurants in the Business District:
- Italian
- Barbeque
- Mexican
- Seafood
- Southern
- Sandwiches
- Vietnamese
- Steakhouse
- Brunch and breakfast
No matter what you’re craving, you’re probably within walking distance of an excellent eatery that can cater to your tastes.
Bars, Breweries, and Taverns
Buffalonians like their breweries, and they especially like local offerings. As a result, there is a wide range of taverns, pubs, and bars throughout the Business District. If you enjoy drinking a cold one with your friends while listening to live music, the downtown area is a perfect choice.
Entertainment and Art
Buffalo may not be the Big Apple, but that doesn’t mean it lacks when it comes to art. In fact, many local and visiting artists show their work at the various galleries that make downtown special.
Additionally, the Central Business District is in the same neighborhood as Canalside, a blossoming area filled with history, innovation, and fun. If you want to be part of an active community, downtown is one of the best places to live.
Classic Architecture
Buffalo is home to many examples of classic and historical architecture; in fact, some tourists visit to get tours and photos of these iconic buildings. You can see a variety of gorgeous architecture while walking around the Central Business District, including Buffalo City Hall, which has Art Deco features.
Canalside
Canalside, also called the Waterfront, is only a short walk from the Business District. Once home to Buffalo’s steel and grain industry, it’s now a flourishing neighborhood of repurposed silos and warehouses. If you’re looking for adventure, there’s plenty to go around:
- Kayaking on the Erie Canal
- Going on Erie Canal boat tours
- Rock climbing silo walls
- Attending concerts in a refurbished warehouse
Future Growth
Business owners and property developers are eligible for a program called Buffalo Billion, which aims to grow and reinvent the city. Millions of dollars have already been invested in Buffalo, with many grants going to organizations in the downtown area.
What does that mean for residents? As more businesses open or move to the Central Business District, you can expect more jobs, a wider variety of activities, and a richer experience. The future is bright for Buffalo, which means now is the best time to make your move.
Ellicott Development owns and manages a variety of buildings in Buffalo, including several in the downtown area. As an all-in-one development company, we’re proud to provide the best experience to our commercial and residential tenants. To look at available listings or find out more about our team, give us a call at 716-854-0060 or contact us online.
