You may have seen the Gothamist article that says “Millennials Are Moving To Buffalo & Living Like Kings.”
We’ll actually let you in on a little secret. It’s not just millennials.
Buffalo’s renaissance has made it an in-demand location for people of all age groups; and with the way the city continues to grow and develop, it looks like it will just keep getting better and better.
If you’re contemplating a move to the Queen City, we’ve compiled a list of useful facts you should know.
It gets cold here.
The hype is true. Buffalo’s winter temperatures can average below freezing. However, that just means there’s plenty of opportunity for enjoying a full range of winter sports at Buffalo Riverworks, including curling, skating, hockey and more.
But, it’s not cold year-round.
Spring, summer and autumn include plenty of sunshine and opportunities to be outside. Canalside, the waterfront entertainment district, is a hot spot for outdoor activities, including kayaking, concerts, biking and family harbor cruises.
New development areas are springing up all over Buffalo.
The city just announced the introduction of three new affordable housing projects in the Buffalo area. And, with luxurious new additions like the apartments at 500 Pearl now available for lease, you’ll be able to find the perfect spot in Buffalo to call your home sweet home.
But it’s still affordable to live here.
Have a dollar? You can live in Buffalo.
The Urban Homestead Program allows interested parties to buy homes in designated Urban Renewal Areas, as long as they’re planning to make the properties their primary residence and revitalize them.
If you’re not interested in committing to a full-scale restoration project in order to own a piece of Buffalo’s history, the city is also filled with historic locations that have been converted to residences.
Some of the most beautiful local apartments are nestled within lively and character-filled neighborhoods. One of our favorites, The Fairmont, occupies several stories of a 1920s-era cold storage creamery facility. Think of living in one of these apartments as enjoying old and new Buffalo at the same time – the historic building in tandem with the nearby fun of the Waterfront and Cobblestone Districts.
Buffalo is full of history.
Buffalo’s early success was built on the marvel of hydroelectric power, and the city was a seat of industry and commerce at the turn of the century. At one point, Buffalo had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the US (and if you want a glimpse at how they lived, stroll down Millionaire’s Row).
In some areas, you can barely turn around without running into a historically distinct location, whether it’s the Theodore Roosevelt (TR) Inauguration Site, the neoclassical design of the former First Baptist Church (now 14 North Apartments) or the visually impressive City Hall building (and its requisite murals and stained glass).
And, Buffalo is full of art.
From the works of internationally renowned artists in the Albright-Knox Gallery to the locally created works of public art that dot the city, there’s beauty to be found everywhere you look in Buffalo.
And, Buffalo has its fair share of nature, too.
Niagara Falls is the must-see, bucket list tourist location in the region, but the Buffalo area is also filled with wonderful spots for outdoor exploration. The Buffalo and Erie Botanical Gardens combine the beauty of the outdoors with striking architectural detail, while the Tifft Nature Preserve offers a glimpse of wild and wonderful outdoor life with a focus on conservation and education.
Don’t forget about Buffalo’s commitment to science.
Buffalo has become a hub for bioscience research during the past several years. Much of this effort takes place within the The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Inc. (BNMC, Inc.).
More than 12,000 people work and learn on this campus, developing information, knowledge and research to help us better understand genetics and health.
The job market is good.
Buffalo is home to several major employers, including healthcare providers, retailers (like Wegmans), and back office operations for banking and insurance providers.
Construction jobs have boomed in recent years as the city’s development has continued, and biosciences are big business as well.
Innovation is encouraged.
The Buffalo Billion Project was launched to encourage ongoing growth and development in the area, particularly in high-potential sectors like advanced manufacturing, health and life sciences, and tourism.
Beer is really good here.
With more than 30 breweries and distilleries calling the Buffalo area home, this region is a beer connoisseur’s paradise. And the enthusiasm isn’t just alcohol-induced exuberance either. The Brewers Association estimates that the craft beer industry had a $4 billion impact on the economy of the state of New York during the 2017 year alone.
The restaurants are amazing.
Buffalo has become a foodie haven, with a number of farm-to-table restaurants springing up around the city.
Some of these locations, like local favorite Black Sheep Buffalo, even take freshness a step farther by incorporating their own on-site gardens. Others, like Hooked, feature locally sourced seafood and an array of Buffalo’s finest brews.
If that laundry list of wonderful things about Buffalo doesn’t convince you to make a move, what will? The city is growing, expanding and changing rapidly, and now is a great time to become a part of the revitalization.
However, one thing that stays the same is Buffalo’s commitment to creating more than just a city; our business and civic leaders are focused on making Buffalo a community where businesses and residents can enjoy a better life.
