Living in Buffalo Is More Than Just Wings: Discover What It’s Really Like To Live in the 716

The New York State city of Buffalo is undergoing a modern renaissance, attracting new residents with its combination of affordability, historic architecture, and thriving food scene. The city has emerged as a top destination for newcomers to the Northeast, and this guide covers the realities and unique culture of living in Buffalo, NY, so you can decide if it’s the right move for you.

Buffalo at a Glance

• Population: Buffalo has a population of nearly 276,600.
• Median age: The median age in Buffalo is 34.
• City size: Buffalo’s total area spans about 40.4 square miles.
• Location: The city is situated in Erie County at the head of the Niagara River.
• Fun fact: The city is the birthplace of the Buffalo-style chicken wing.

10 Things To Know About Living in Buffalo, NY

Moving to Buffalo means embracing a tight-knit community culture. However, calling the 716 home also means navigating intense lake-effect snow and some high property taxes. To help you hit the ground running, here are the essential realities of living in Buffalo, NY.

1. The Buffalo Cost of Living Is Among the Most Affordable on the East Coast

Compared with other major cities and NYC suburbs, Buffalo is considered one of the most affordable cities. The Buffalo cost of living score is 92.1, which is 7.9 percent lower than the national average index of 100, and 24.2 percent lower than the state average of 121.5.

According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a family of four (two adults, both working) living in Buffalo, NY, should make at least $121,900 annually before taxes to cover basic living expenses. A couple without children should make $64,100, and a single person should make at least $47,700.

2. Pros and Cons of Living in Buffalo, NY

While living in Buffalo, New York, offers a high quality of life, no place is perfect. Here are the biggest pros and cons to be aware of:

Pros of Living in Buffalo, NY

• Extreme affordability
• World-class food and culture
• Perfect summer temperatures
• Strong education landscape

Cons of Living in Buffalo, NY

• High property taxes
• Intense winters with lots of snowfall
• Job diversity can be limited
• High crime rates

3. Despite Its Competition, Buffalo’s Housing and Rental Markets Remain Affordable

The Buffalo housing and rental markets rank among the hottest in the country, characterized by lots of competition and a tight housing inventory. The average home price is $241,400, up 3.7 percent compared to the previous year. Similar to the housing market, rent prices in Buffalo continue to grow. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,250 — a nearly four percent increase compared to the previous year.

The city offers more beautiful historic architecture compared to living in Rochester and other New York metros, with popular home styles that include Federal style, Greek Revival, and Victorian.

Eclectic, artistic, and full of character, Allentown is a standout among the best places to live in Buffalo.

4. The Best Places To Live in Buffalo Are Defined by Distinct Architectural Identities and High-Density Urban Living

There is a rich culture and history tied to each of the city’s neighborhoods, from the vibrant urban hubs to the calmer residential communities. Some of the best Buffalo neighborhoods for every walk of life include:

• Parkside: Considered one of the best neighborhoods in Buffalo for families, Parkside offers a calm environment with access to an abundance of green spaces, including Delaware Park.
• Allentown: Best for singles, young adults, and professionals, Allentown offers an artistic, eccentric atmosphere with local murals, nightlife, bars, and restaurants.
• North Buffalo: This quiet residential neighborhood is ideal for retirees who value peace yet still want to be close to big-city amenities.

5. Buffalo’s Crime Rates Have Historically Been High

Buffalo has a complex crime profile with crime rates historically higher than the national average. Although statistics show that overall crime rates have gone down in recent years, high crime remains an issue across the city.

The violent crime rate in Buffalo is 706 per 100,000 people, compared to 380 per 100,000 in the state and 359 per 100,000 nationally. Property crime rates are the highest, though, with a rate of 3,810 per 100,000 people compared to 1,720 in the state and 1,760 nationwide.

6. The Best Things To Do in Buffalo Combine Exploring Architectural History and Art With the Great Outdoors

From visiting local iconic landmarks to exploring the city’s beautiful outdoors, Buffalo offers plenty to keep you busy year-round. Some of the city’s top activities include:

• Buffalo AKG Art Museum: A world-class destination for modern and contemporary art that features works by artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Pollock.
• Martin House: As one of Wright’s finest Prairie-style designs, this spot is a must-visit for architecture buffs.
• Delaware Park: This park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same person who did NYC’s Central Park, and is perfect for a stroll around Hoyt Lake or a visit to the Buffalo Zoo.
• Niagara Falls State Park: As one of the oldest state parks in the U.S., take in all the incredible views of the falls.

7. Buffalo’s Food Scene Is More Than Just Wings and Beer

Buffalo has evolved into a diverse culinary destination, characterized by deep-rooted regional specialities and modern international cuisines. The best restaurants in Buffalo for foodies include:

• Anchor Bar: A part of the Buffalo Wing Trail and the storied birthplace of the Buffalo wing, this iconic destination is a staple of Buffalo’s food scene.
• Jay’s Artisan Pizza: This spot is one of the best pizzerias in Buffalo, known for its authentic Detroit-style pies.
• West Side Bazaar: This multicultural food hall features authentic dishes from countries like Egypt, Thailand, and Puerto Rico.

8. The Economy in Buffalo Has Cooled, but Remains Steady

The job market in Buffalo has been described as “not too hot, not too cold.” The city’s unemployment rate has sat between four and five percent, and the market has shifted from its industrial roots toward a service-based economy.

Buffalo’s economic base is dominated by the healthcare sector, as Kaleida Health and Catholic Health are two of the largest employers in the city. Moog — a specialized manufacturing company that develops technology used in power-generation turbines, racing cars, and medical infusion systems — is another of the city’s largest employers.

9. Buffalo Offers a High-Performing Education Landscape

Buffalo’s education landscape offers top-tier suburban public schools and a diverse range of higher education institutions.

Williamsville Central School District comes with an A+ from Niche and is ranked the No. 1 school district in Buffalo. Other high-performing school districts in the city include the Amherst Central School District and Clarence Central School District.

Buffalo is also a hub for higher education anchored by the University at Buffalo, a nationally ranked research university. Other institutions include Buffalo State University, known for its education and arts programs, and Canisius University, a private university noted for its strong pre-med programs.

When weighing the pros and cons of living in Buffalo, factor in snowy winters and a true four-season lifestyle.

10. Buffalo’s Weather Features Sunny Summers and Lots of Snow

Buffalo’s warm season lasts from the end of May to the end of September, with average highs sitting in the upper 70s. July is the hottest month, and temperatures typically don’t go much above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the city’s summers are mild thanks to Lake Erie’s breezes, you will have to deal with lake effect in the winters — one of the biggest disadvantages of living in Buffalo, NY. On average, Buffalo receives 85 inches of snow per year, much higher than the U.S. average of 28 inches. You’ll want to make sure to bundle up properly in months like January, which regularly brings freezing temperatures of below 20°F.

Living in Buffalo, NY — FAQs

Q: What is a good salary for Buffalo, NY?
A: A family of four (with both adults working) living in Buffalo, NY, should make at least $121,900 annually before taxes to cover basic living costs, while a single person should make at least $47,700. If you follow the 50/30/20 rule that says 50 percent of your overall salary should go towards basic needs, you’ll want to double those numbers. So, those numbers would increase to $243,800 and $95,400, respectively.

Q: Why are people moving to Buffalo?
A: People moving to Buffalo are drawn to the city’s affordability, vibrant food scene, and beautiful homes with historic architecture.

Q: Where is Millionaires Row in Buffalo?
A: The historic affluent section of Millionaires’ Row is located on Delaware Avenue.

Q: What is the safest part of Buffalo, NY?
A: The safest parts of Buffalo are centered near the city’s schools in areas like SUNY Buffalo State and the University at Buffalo East. 

A family of four finishes loading a PODS portable moving container in their driveway before starting their new chapter living in Buffalo.

Moving to Buffalo, NY, With PODS

Make your move to Buffalo flexible with a PODS portable moving container. Have the container delivered right to your driveway, where you’ll be able to load it up on your own time. Need help with the heavy lifting? PODS can connect you with local packing and loading services. Once you’re ready, have your container picked up and delivered to your new Buffalo home, or kept in a secure PODS Storage Center until you’re ready for it. One month of storage is included in the cost of every move, so you can take your time getting settled in.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}