I am moving to Buffalo (to be closer to my husband in Toronto while I wait for my permanent residency application to be approved) and I don’t know a damn thing about Buffalo. I will be working downtown and would prefer to live close to work BUT . . . I truly don’t know anything about downtown Buffalo. So, please tell me your recommendations for where to live, where not to live and any other things I should know to make the move easier.
Thanks!
Since the OP is seeking personal advice, this is better suited to IMHO than GQ.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
When I lived in Buffalo, I lived in the Days Park area. I loved it, but it isn’t for everyone. It’s just north of downtown; you could well end up within walking distance of work. The residents are very diverse. Several city councilmen lived on my street, but there was also a drug dealer. I never felt unsafe, but I did occasionally have to deal with loud arguments, etc. The houses in the area are over 100 years old, many with great architectural details and generally at great prices.
Off the cuff, without knowing your particular likes and dislikes, I would say Elmwood Village or Allentown (they sort of blend into each other) would be good for a newcomer to the area. They are close to downtown, and there are a lot of nice neighboody places in walking distance - restaurants, shops, cafes, galleries, Delaware Park, etc. It is easy access to the nicest things about Buffalo.
On the other side of the Park, you have areas like Delaware and North Park, which are also very nice but maybe a little more residential. I might recommend these more to someone who was planning to stay for a more extended time, or who was moving there with a family.
Plenty of people live in the 'burbs and commute downtown, it is not an awful commute (although I don’t know what you’re used to).
Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions!
Here is a good map of Buffalo neighborhoods: http://library.buffalo.edu/maps/buffalo-wnymaps/buffalo_neighborhoods.php
New York Magazine article about people who move to Buffalo: What Could Make Someone Want to Leave New York and Move to Buffalo? -- New York Magazine - Nymag
Recent “booster” type video about Buffalo – it shows all the best things. I will caution you that it is carefully edited to leave out the not-so-nice things, but that’s why people make videos like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT11IdWPvfc&feature=related
Seconding Elmwood Village and Allentown. They’re both safe, walkable, vibrant neighborhoods with a lot of pedestrian activity throughout the year. I see a lot of women walking by themselves in EV and Allentown, and they both have a good share of"girly" businesses; day spas, boutiques, little bistros that mix up appletinis, and the like. They haven’t been gentrified into sterility, though, so there are still some parts that are rough around the edges, mostly west of Elmwood Avenue around Buffalo State College where there is quite a bit of absentee-owned student housing.
A few alternatives: Parkside would put you within walking distance of Metro Rail, but it’s more of a historic family-oriented neighborhood with few stores, restaurants and the like. You can get a lot more apartment for your money in Parkside, though, than EV or Allentown. North Buffalo (Hertel Avenue area) is a rising middle-class neighborhood that is packed with Italian restaurants and a growing number of specialty stores.
EDIT: the days of phenomenal sub-$1,000 apartments and flats is long gong in EV and Allentown. You’ll still be able to find apartments in the $600 or $800 range, but they might be a bit “rustic”, with awkward floorplans, 1950s kitchens and the like. Also, in Buffalo many flat-type apartments come without kitchen appliances of any sort – no refrigerator, stove or dishwasher – and you’ll be expected to provide your own.
KSO, I live in Buffalo, but the answer depends on several things:
What kind of neighborhood do you prefer? Old homes in a quiet neighborhood, or lofts in a trendy place with nightlife? It’s going to make a big difference.
Do you use parks? Take walks? Own a dog? Opposed to riding a bus to/from work?
Frankly, the best place for you is probably going to be just outside the city in Kenmore. If you want quiet and safe. The commute is easy, the houses are nice, the neighborhood is safe.
If you want more nightlifey, then I third Elmwood Village and Allentown.
Personally, I would stay out of the extreme east or west sides, and anything south of Allen is probably off-limits. But that advice is only for people who have a low tolerance for city life - the areas are pretty safe in reality, but you’re also going to find some seedier elements sprinkled in.
Anywhere between Elmwood and Main, north of Allen is going to be very safe and an easy commute to downtown.
Usually, I tell folks to took in an area bounded by, and inclusive of Linwood Avenue, Delaware Park, Richmond Avenue, and downtown if they want a safe, vibrant, close-in urban environment.
GLBT or an artist type? Allentown.
Stuff White People Like person? Elmwood Village.
Young lawyer or doctor? Delaware District.
Italian, or a professional looking for a quieter but still pedestrian-oriented urban environment? North Buffalo.
College professor? Parkside or Central Park.
Irish and/or a cop? South Buffalo.
Douchebag? Downtown, the closer to Chippewa Street the better.
Spot on. They should publish this at the city limits.
Thank you so much! This is exactly the information I am looking for…
It sounds like Allentown and Elmwood are a little more happening than what I really want so thanks for that info–that’s where I had been looking…
Thanks again,
KSO