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
Buffalo’s community is dedicated to improving their city through initiatives like GO Bike Buffalo, Clean Air Coalition, and Buffalo First. These initiatives focus on promoting diversity, sustainability, and a better environment for everyone to enjoy. In addition, the city has committed to investing up to $1 billion to restore green space surrounding the Kensington Expressway, further enhancing the quality of life for residents.
The community is actively involved in the progress of the city and proud of its home, creating a wonderful atmosphere that makes Buffalo appealing. It’s not often that you find a community with such momentum and a shared love for their home, making Buffalo a truly special place to live.
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
Looking for a city that has it all? With a diverse range of activities throughout the year, you’ll never be bored. Enjoy all the classic outdoor activities in the fall, like pumpkin patching, apple picking, and tailgating at home games. When the temperature drops, Buffalo transforms into a winter wonderland with plenty of opportunities for skiing, ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
As the weather warms up in the spring, explore Buffalo’s beautiful natural landscapes and kick off the new year at the Buffalo Riverworks event. And in the summer, the city becomes a hub for festivals celebrating arts, music, cuisine, and culture, including the Niagara Holiday Light Show.
4. It’s an Architecture Enthusiast’s Dream
As recognized by The New York Times, Buffalo, NY, is home to iconic American architecture from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Art deco buildings like City Hall, the Guaranty Building, and the 1822 Lighthouse are just a few of the architectural gems you’ll find in this city.
Buffalo, NY, also has plenty of options for commercial mix-use properties or living spaces, complete with amenities and modern utilities. If you’re an architecture enthusiast looking for a new home or business location, contact our team today for more information!
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
As the second-most populous city of New York, Buffalo hosts many ethnic groups, including people of German descent, Irish, Italian, Polish, Macedonian, and Indian, to mention a few. Consequently, influences from these cultures are evident in the following festivals in Buffalo:
- Buffalo International Film Festival, held every October
- The Wine and Chocolate Festival, organized every January
- The Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrated in May and presents various Japanese traditions
- The Buffalo Irish Festival, showcases Irish traditions, performances, and culture every September
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
In case you’re looking for things to do in Downtown Buffalo in July, you can be part of the biggest food festival in the U.S., the Taste of Buffalo. Restaurants and food trucks line the streets to provide a music-filled weekend and serve popular foods like Buffalo wings and ribs.
Whether you’re staying at a historic building, condominium, townhome, or luxury apartment, you can dine at any of the following Downtown Buffalo restaurants:
- Schwabl for their famous roast beef sandwich
- The Black Sheep for a farm-to-table experience
- Duff’s Famous Wings for the best wing sauces
- Toutant restaurant for traditional Southern dishes
- The Dapper Goose for cocktails and juicy hamburgers
10. You Can Always Get a Good Drink
From local corner pubs, high-end cocktail bars, cozy coffee spots, and several late-night clubs – Downtown Buffalo has a slew of watering holes to quench your thirst. The region also has a vast collection of local breweries and brewpubs, such as the:
- Big Ditch Brewing Company, known for its massive range of craft beers.
- Community Beer Works, where visitors can sample their Whale Brown Ale.
- Thin Man Brewery, popularized by its distinctive brews like the Trial by Wombat beer.
- Buffalo Brewing Company, which produces an impressive line of brews like the Czech Pilsner and Irish Red Ale .
11. Hotels for Your Friends and Family Coming to Visit
Buffalo is a visitor-friendly city known for its welcoming sense of community, hence the nickname “The City of Good Neighbors.” As such, Downtown Buffalo can comfortably accommodate its visitors; thanks to dozens of luxury boutiques and extended-stay hotels where friends and family can stay, such as:
- The Giacomo Hotel
- Fairfield Inn and Suites
- Hampton Inn Buffalo South
- Aloft Hotel Downtown Buffalo
- Wingate by Wyndham Ellicottville
- Staybridge Suites Buffalo/ Amherst
- Comfort Inn and Suites Buffalo Airport
- The Mosey Hotel Buffalo Williamsville
- Country Inn and Suites Buffalo South
Buffalo is a city of fun-filled events and activities. As a resident in any of these hotels, you have something exciting to look forward to throughout the year.
Experience Comfort and Convenience with Ellicott Development
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.
