Paul Cumbo|
What’s it like to live in Buffalo, NY?
In the early 1900s, Buffalo was a beacon of industry; located on Lake Erie, Buffalo was a hub of transport for goods between the East Coast and the Midwest. The Great Depression sparked the slow decline of Buffalo's lofty economic status, but the region is now once again on the rise.
Today, a rapidly developing waterfront and one of the nation's most advanced medical corridors, located in the heart of downtown, are just two signs that this Rust Belt area is experiencing a renaissance. An increasing number of new businesses are benefiting from partnerships with the local government. Also, the region has seen increased development including the waterfront LECOM Harborcenter hockey center.
Buffalo has a neighborly feel to it. Residents can gather in local pubs or top-tier restaurants. Tree-lined avenues connect residents to each other, and traffic is more manageable in the region than in larger metro areas like New York City. And Buffalo is only 20 miles away from an international tourism destination: Niagara Falls. As for those long winters, there's excellent skiing less than an hour from downtown.
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What is there to do in Buffalo, NY?
If there's one thing that can bring Buffalo residents together, it's sports. Locals are passionate about their teams, braving snowy weather to cheer on their beloved Bills (football) and Sabres (hockey).
The metro area also has much to offer those who enjoy outdoor activities. The Holiday Valley ski resort sits less than an hour from downtown, while nearby Allegheny National Forest and Letchworth State Park feature hiking trails.
Residents also enjoy the area's cultural attractions, like Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. Nearby Niagara Falls also offers plenty in the way of entertainment, including casinos and shopping.
What’s the cost of living in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo's housing costs are lower than the national median, putting home ownership well within reach. And while income and property taxes are high in New York state, everyday expenses like groceries, utilities and health care costs are also below the national average.
Best Local Services in Buffalo:
Buffalo offers a better value than similarly sized metro areas when you compare housing costs to median household income.
Housing Costs 2022
- National Average
- $383,883
- Buffalo, NY
- $217,767
Housing Costs Over Time
Data sourced from Zillow median home sale price data series. Additional data provided by the Austin Board of Realtors, Houston Association of Realtors, Intermountain MLS, Omaha Area Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors, and the Salt Lake Board of Realtors. Due to differences within the data source, home prices are not comparable across metro areas.
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What’s the weather like in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo residents enjoy warm summers, mild springs and colorful autumns. While lake-effect snow (caused by cold air hitting the Great Lakes) does pile up, Buffalo has the municipal equipment, manpower and experience to handle it. Snowfall that might cripple other metro areas barely impacts daily life in Buffalo.
Average Seasonal Temperature (°F)
- WINTER
- 27.1°
- FALL
- 51.2°
- SPRING
- 45.6°
- SUMMER
- 69°
Average Seasonal Rainfall (in)
- WINTER
- 3.9"
- FALL
- 4"
- SPRING
- 3.5"
- SUMMER
- 3.7"
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
Monthly High and Low Temperature (°F)
Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
What's the best way to get around Buffalo, NY?
While there is a reliable bus system, most Buffalonians rely on cars. The region has a basic metro rail service, but its usefulness is limited given its fairly short range and few stations. Buffalo has some very walkable neighborhoods, including the Elmwood Village, Allentown and Hertel Avenue.
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 15 minutes from downtown and is serviced by several airlines. Amtrak serves Buffalo, as do several charter bus companies.
While there is a reliable bus system, most Buffalonians rely on cars. The region has a basic metro rail service, but its usefulness is limited given its fairly short range and few stations. Buffalo has some very walkable neighborhoods, including the Elmwood Village, Allentown and Hertel Avenue.
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 15 minutes from downtown and is serviced by several airlines. Amtrak serves Buffalo, as do several charter bus companies.
Commuting in Buffalo, NY
- Average Commute Time
- 21.5 minutes
5.3 minutes less than national average.
81.8%
4.2%
2.5%
0.5%
Driving
Public Transit
Walking
Bicycling
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Who lives in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo's population is relatively young, thanks to a large number of students. The area also has a large number of families.
Buffalo remains a diverse immigrant region. There is a de facto Little Italy, for example, in North Buffalo, and signs are printed in Gaelic and English in historically Irish South Buffalo. The metro area is religiously diverse, though Catholicism has the strongest following.
Age Distribution
Marital Status Breakdown
More single people in Buffalo as national average.
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.
Marital Status Breakdown
More single people in Buffalo as national average.
Data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey.