- Inventive uses of old silos and warehouses have transformed Canalside into a blooming entertainment and restaurant district.
- Buffalo is a great place for startups, which is why so many IT companies are choosing it as their home base.
- The Buffalo Billion, a grant program funded by New York State, has made it possible to attract new companies interested in developing the city and setting down roots.
Buffalo, NY, is undergoing revitalization efforts that have transformed the area. Both employers and employees are moving to the city, which is a unique mix of modern technology and historic structures. Once a bastion of industry, Queen City is reclaiming her crown with developments in IT, tourism, and the arts.
As a result, it’s no surprise that Millennials and Generation Z college graduates are setting down roots here. But what’s working in Buffalo, NY, really like? Here’s everything you need to know.
Buffalo Businesses Are Growing
Over the past decade, Buffalo has seen an upturn in economic activity. Upon closer inspection, it’s no surprise — the city has a robust infrastructure from its past as a major shipping hub, allowing it to accommodate a large influx of companies and workers.
A sector that’s seen enormous growth is IT, as many tech companies have relocated to Buffalo to take advantage of financial incentives and a growing workforce pool. In fact, some experts foresee our city competing with Silicon Valley.
With the wave of newcomers, the city is also seeing a boom in the entertainment, tourism, and foodservice industries, and the smaller enterprises you need to maintain an increasing population. Canalside and Downtown have seen exponential growth, and if investors are to be believed, there’s more coming.
Canalside
Canalside is the district lining the Erie Canal waterfront. It was once an empty waste of abandoned warehouses and rusting silos. However, local entrepreneurs saw potential. Today, those silos house taverns, rock-climbing walls, and restaurants. The warehouses are now concert venues, and the canal itself is filled with boat tours and kayaking.
Individuals looking to open their own eatery or store can find many opportunities in Canalside, as can people searching for server, cashier, or customer service positions. As future projects come to fruition, we’ll see even more job openings.
Downtown
Downtown Buffalo is the city’s heart. It’s where many of the oldest and most architecturally renowned builds are located, as well as the seat of local government. It’s also the site of robust nightlife, several art galleries, and many places of business. In other words, Downtown has it all.
New York State Is Offering Grants
What’s fueling all this growth? The state of New York has put a great deal of effort and money into attracting new companies, and the endeavor has been incredibly successful. Depending on their size and industry, businesses can get grants just for moving to Queen City.
There are also local investors, and they see an excellent return. Between government and private funding, the community has been transformed into a burgeoning economic powerhouse.
Buffalo Billion
The Buffalo Billion is a New York program that offers grants and other incentives to companies willing to move to Buffalo. Millions of dollars have been distributed, with more available for startups, small businesses, and other enterprises. There may be more on the horizon — New York governor Andrew Cuomo has announced plans to add $500 million to the program, thereby expanding accessibility and further investing in the western part of the state.
43North
Competition breeds innovation, which is why 43North was created. This business competition takes place in Buffalo every year and gives out millions of dollars in prizes. Entrepreneurs present their startup ideas, and prizes are awarded based on creativity and how well they fulfill an existing need. Competitors can then invest funds into their burgeoning businesses, generating more wealth and opportunity for the community.
Niagara Falls Is a Short Drive Away
In addition to the many job opportunities in Buffalo, residents can also find work at Niagara Falls. In fact, due to the proximity, there’s a great deal of commuting and interplay between the two locations. For example, many tourists choose to stay in Buffalo because of the wide variety of hotels and the nearby airport.
Just a short drive away, Niagara Falls has many employment options::
- Driving tourists to and from Niagara
- Working at an attraction or tour
- Working at one of the many restaurants and gift shops
Niagara Falls also creates jobs within Buffalo. For example, many hotels have a shuttle service that transports guests and their luggage to and from the airport. Guests may also choose to explore Buffalo, providing many opportunities to sell souvenirs and host historical tours.
Getting Around Is Easy
When you relocate to a big city, you need to consider transportation. Many people commute to work, and some urban areas require access to a vehicle. The great thing about Buffalo is that, due to its history, it has a thriving transportation system that allows residents to get around without owning a car. Additionally, many employers know that employees have different transportation needs and offer perks such as indoor bike parking.
Walking
One of the best things about working in downtown Buffalo, NY, is that everything is within walking distance. Restaurants and coffee shops are right next door to (and sometimes even in the same building as) offices, making it convenient to walk to lunch. Downtown also has mixed-use properties, which means some people may live close enough to walk to work.
Buffalo Metro Rail
Queen City has a well-kept Metro Rail system that runs during business hours and on the weekends. Again, employers are well-aware that employees may use public transportation, so many offices are located near bus stops and rail hubs.
If you’re thinking about relocating to Buffalo, you need a comfortable and convenient place to live. Ellicott Development manages and owns a wide variety of properties, including apartment complexes, with a range of amenities. Our broad selection of locations, architecture, and features has something for everyone. To look at available units or learn more about our management services, contact us via our online form or call us at 716-854-0060.
Featured Image: Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock
