Why Buffalo, NY Is One of the Best Places to Live

 

Buffalo, New York, is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors like New York City or Boston, but it is now becoming one of the best places to live in the Northeast.

Over the past two decades, Buffalo has transformed into a vibrant hub of culture, education, innovation, and community spirit.

With its affordable housing, booming job market, top-rated schools, and rich cultural history, Buffalo is attracting people from all over the country.

You may also like to read: Moving to a New State. If you are thinking of moving to a new state, then this guide is invaluable: from average moving costs to checklists to settling into your new state.

Affordable Cost of Living

Buffalo has a remarkably low cost of living compared to national averages, especially among large metropolitan areas.

Housing is very affordable. The median home price in Buffalo is around $230,000, which is significantly lower than in cities like Boston, Seattle, or San Francisco.

Whilst renters also benefit from lower-than-average prices, making Buffalo ideal for both homeowners and renters.

Utilities, transportation, and food costs also tend to be lower. If you are looking for a good quality of life at a reasonable cost, Buffalo offers exceptional value.

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Great Neighborhoods

Each neighborhood in Buffalo has its own distinct vibe and community spirit, so here’s our pick of the best neighborhoods:

Elmwood Village – A vibrant, walkable community known for its tree-lined streets, local boutiques, and farmers markets. Ideal for creatives, students, and young professionals.

North Buffalo – Offers a suburban feel within the city limits, with good schools, parks, and family-friendly amenities.

Allentown – Rich in arts and culture, Allentown is a hub for music, galleries, and nightlife. A popular spot for young adults and those drawn to an eclectic urban vibe.

South Buffalo – A tight-knit, working-class neighborhood with deep Irish-American roots, great local bars, and family-oriented living.

Parkside – Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (who also co-designed Central Park), this neighborhood is beautiful, historic, and adjacent to the Buffalo Zoo and Delaware Park.

West Side – An up-and-coming area full of diversity, where revitalization has created new businesses and affordable housing options.

Each neighborhood has access to excellent public amenities, including parks, libraries, and recreation centers, contributing to Buffalo’s strong sense of community.

You may also like to read: How to Choose the Best Neighborhood to Move to. In this guide, we suggest things to take into consideration when choosing a new neighborhood in which to live.

Top-Rated Schools and Universities

The Buffalo Public Schools system continues to improve, and several magnet schools and specialized academies (like City Honors School, ranked among the best in the state) offer exceptional learning opportunities.

Families who prefer private or charter options will find a wide selection of schools with strong academic and extracurricular programs.

For higher education, Buffalo is home to:

University at Buffalo (UB) – A flagship SUNY institution, UB is recognized for its research, engineering, and medical programs.

Buffalo State University – Known for its teacher education, arts, and liberal arts programs.

Canisius College and D’Youville University – Both offer strong programs in health sciences, business, and liberal arts.

Access to quality education from kindergarten through college makes Buffalo especially appealing to families and lifelong learners.

You may also like to read: How to Choose a School in a New Place. In this guide, we offer tips for finding the best school for your kids.

Job Opportunities and Strong Local Economy

Once dominated by manufacturing and industry, Buffalo is now a hub for healthcare, education, finance, and technology.

Key employment sectors include:

Healthcare – With major hospitals like Buffalo General Medical Center and Oishei Children’s Hospital, as well as the Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, the city is a regional healthcare leader.

Higher Education – Universities employ thousands and generate economic activity through research, innovation, and development.

Advanced Manufacturing and Clean Energy – Buffalo is investing in sustainable technologies, including Tesla’s Gigafactory 2, which produces solar panels.

Technology and Startups – With 43North and the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC), the city has a growing tech ecosystem.

Buffalo’s unemployment rate remains below the national average, and job growth is expected to continue with major infrastructure and redevelopment projects.

You may also like to read: Moving for Work. In this guide, we look at the pros and cons of moving for a job.

Exceptional Quality of Life

Buffalo offers a high quality of life, a strong community feel, an accessible nature, and a vibrant arts scene.

Arts and Culture – Home to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, and a vibrant local music scene, art lovers will not be disappointed when living in Buffalo.

Parks and Nature – Thanks to Olmsted’s park system, Buffalo has one of the country’s oldest and most comprehensive networks of green space where residents can bike, run, kayak, or hike.

Proximity to Niagara Falls and Canada – Just 20 minutes from one of the natural wonders of the world and close to Toronto, Buffalo’s location offers some amazing weekend getaways.

Community Events and Sports – With NFL (Buffalo Bills), NHL (Buffalo Sabres), and local festivals like Taste of Buffalo and Dyngus Day, the city feels alive all year long.

Low Commute Times – The average Buffalo commute is under 20 minutes, meaning more time with family and less time stuck in traffic.

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Is Moving to Buffalo, NY a Good Idea?

Perhaps the most underrated aspect of Buffalo is its people.

Nicknamed the “City of Good Neighbors,” Buffalo is known for its friendly and hardworking residents. There’s a strong sense of community pride here, a feeling that the city is on the rise and everyone is helping make that happen.

The new Buffalo isn’t just about buildings and businesses, it’s about the people who believe in their city and are actively shaping its future.

Buffalo is no longer the hidden gem it once was.

It’s a city rich in history but with modern energy. With a thriving job market, excellent schools, affordable living, and strong neighborhoods, Buffalo offers something for everyone.

Good luck with your move, and be sure to check out our home moving blog for tips and guides to make every aspect of your home move cheaper, easier, and safer.

Useful links:

• City of Buffalo
• Visit Buffalo and Niagara
• Calendar of Events in Buffalo, NY
• Buffalo and Western New York Maps