Enjoy the Buffalo Renting Experience to the Fullest With Insight From a Local

Buffalo is called the City of Good Neighbors for good reason. Rent or buy in Buffalo and you’ll find locals are more than willing to lend a helping hand, especially when you need it the most.

Whether you plan on starting a family or want to live an affordable life as a single, Buffalo has exactly what you want. This is your inside look at life in Buffalo from a local with decades of experience in the Queen City.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in the Buffalo Area

Popular Buffalo Neighborhoods

Buffalo’s neighborhoods are diverse, affordable, welcoming and safer than most. The best part is the people. Buffalonians have pride, spirit and a can-do attitude. Though the East Side of the city has some harsh aesthetics, the rest of downtown and the surrounding suburbs are celebrated by locals.

Here's why.

Check out the city's Parkside neighborhood and you'll be smitten. Parkside is conveniently located near stores, restaurants, bars and other attractions. This family-friendly section is teeming with activity and opportunities for fun including the always popular Buffalo Zoo.

Head over to North Buffalo and you'll find shopping opportunities galore on Hertel Avenue and Delaware Avenue. If you are into the arts and nightlife, you'll love Allentown, a vibrant hotspot of the city with seemingly endless small businesses and quick access to the top draws of the city's famous Elmwood Village.

The West Side of the city is a cultural melting pot, serving as a draw for immigrants who've resettled in Western New York. The influx of immigrants began way back in the early 20th century when Italian immigrants moved to the West Side in droves. Today, you'll find diverse neighborhoods populated by locals proud of nearby draws including the West Side Bazaar, an incubator for the neighborhood's economic activity. This is your go-to destination for all things ethnic including Burmese, Thai, Ethiopian and Sudanese food.

Park Meadow is also revered as one of the city's best neighborhoods. Positioned directly across from the massive Delaware Park, this neighborhood is smack dab in the heart of the city. Rent or buy in Park Meadow and you'll be within a quick bike ride from Hertel and Elmwood Avenue, both of which are chock-full of five-star restaurants, shopping opportunities, bars and more.

The History of Buffalo

Buffalo rose to prominence in the 19th and early 20th century thanks to its location along Lake Erie and the Erie Canal. This bustling metropolis was a shipping gateway when boats hauled much of the nation's products. Though Buffalo isn't as populous or as busy as it was at its peak, it's still a thriving city. Once revered as a gateway city, Buffalo isn't considered a boom town in the 2020s yet certainly has distinct appeal.

If you are a history buff, you'll appreciate the historic graves at Forest Lawn cemetery spanning 269 acres. None other than Millard Fillmore, the 13th President of the United States, and Willis Carrier, the inventor of modern air conditioning, are buried here. Even the discoverer of the North Pole, Dr. Frederick Cook, is buried at Forest Lawn. Continue walking throughout this massive historical goldmine and you'll find Civil War graves along with all sorts of other fascinating gravestones worthy of social media shares.

Buffalo is also home to the Erie County Naval and Military Park along with the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum where you'll find a plethora of antique cars. Buffalo's history also includes being the focal point of the War of 1812. Buffalo’s intriguing history also includes the unfortunate assassination of the 25th President, William McKinley, whose namesake now adorns the McKinley Mall in Blasdell, a suburb of Buffalo.

Getting Around Buffalo

Buffalo has significantly less traffic than most midsize cities. Though Buffalo is one of the nation’s 50-most populous cities, it’s surprisingly easy to drive from one end to the other or even out to the neighboring suburbs in less than 30 minutes. Aside from The 90 highway and Route 33, there’s also the option of the less stressful Route 5. Take Route 5 from downtown, heading south and you’ll make your way through suburban Hamburg, Derby and Angola, all the way down to Dunkirk, the home of sprawling Welch’s grape farms and a gorgeous lighthouse.

City dwellers are fond of the downtown Metro Rail line that runs along Main Street, a public service that transports workers, students and others throughout the main artery of the city. Part of the city’s public transportation is subterranean, making it convenient and quick to get from point A to point B. However, if you choose to drive, you’ll have your choice of citywide parking garages, many of which stand 5+ levels high, complete with elevators, security and in some cases, QR codes for electronic parking payments.

Buffalo is also walkable for those who live and work downtown. Check out the the local job listings and you’ll find the majority are in the city’s limits and the Northtowns. Though Northtowns and Southtowns residents need cars to commute, those living in and near the city can easily walk to and from work but for those especially challenging snowy winter days when the Metro Rail comes in handy.

Buffalo’s To-Do List is Nearly Endless

Buffalo, a city famous for its sports, local beer and chicken wings, also has plenty to do. The Albright Knox Art Gallery is chock-full of visual splendor sure to make an indelible impression. The Buffalo History Museum, located near the sprawling Delaware Park, highlights Buffalo’s proud past. Take a walk on over to Delaware Park after learning about the city and you’ll find tennis courts, Japanese Gardens, biking paths and plenty of open green space.

Check out Forest Lawn Cemetery and you’ll enjoy a peaceful walk highlighted by Egyptian-style tombs and the grave site of none other than the famous musician Rick James. There’s also the option of seeing the stars at the Buffalo State Planetarium. Don’t forget about the Buffalo Museum of Science featuring a newly renovated gift shop.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House is a must-see. Here, you'll find the work of one of the world's most famous architects. The House consistently ranks right up there with the Guggenheim as the architect's most famous creations. This is more than a house as it features a Visitor Center with niceties including a high-tech entrance. All in all, the property contains more than half a dozen unique sites that draw both tourists and locals.

If you are into live music and tasty drinks, check out Duende at Silo City. This hot spot in the city's Silo City neighborhood features handcrafted cocktails, great music and tasty snacks. Last but not last is Elmwood Village. The Village, located in the central section of the city, is revered for its pubs, restaurants, coffeehouses and Mom and Pop shops. You'll also find stunning displays of art throughout the space.

If you are a sports fan, take in a Buffalo Bisons game at Sahlen’s field, located by the iconic Ellicott Square Building. There’s also the option of a Buffalo Sabres hockey game at KeyBank center located in downtown Buffalo on Perry Street next to the famous Cobblestone District. Venture out to the suburbs and you’ll find the newly-built Highmark Stadium that serves as the home of the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park. Even if you aren't a football fan, you'll undoubtedly appreciate the stadium's architecture while traversing the stadium's outdoor walking path.

Venture slightly north of the city and you'll find none other than Niagara Falls. Take in the evening light show at the falls, ride the Maid of the Mist through the water and snap plenty of pictures. You owe it to yourself to venture over to the power station on the Canadian side where you can take an elevator all the way to the bottom of the falls to see this world wonder in all its glory.

While in the northern section of Buffalo, take the family over to Earl W. Brydgers Artpark where you'll find the Niagara Gorge hiking trail and vast open spaces including an amphitheater used for concerts. Walk to the nearby Lewiston village and you'll find all sorts of quaint shops, restaurants and other draws. There's also the Seneca Niagara Casino, a local draw that's only a couple minutes away from the stunning falls.

The Best Food in America is Found in Buffalo

Waves of Polish, Irish, Italian and Latino immigrants have shaped Buffalo’s culinary scene. Italian food is especially prominent in the City of Good Neighbors as evidenced by its near limitless pizza spots and Italian restaurants. Buffalo's Italian Heritage Festival is held in late July, serving up tasty delights with all the local Italian flavor you could hope for.

Pizza-lovers are encouraged to try Nino's pies, John & Mary's, the Hydraulic Hearth Restaurant & Brewery, Daniela, Brick Oven Bistro & Deli, Bocce Club Pizza and Pizza Plant Italian Pub by the incredibly popular Canalside section of the city. You can't go wrong with any of these can't-miss options.

If you are on the prowl for a local cafe, consider Breadhive Bakery & Cafe at 402 Connecticut Street. From bread loaves to pretzels, bagels and more, this local favorite has all the baked goods you've been craving. Another option is Butter Block at 426 Rhode Island St. Here, you'll find French-style baked delights including laminated pastries that have the perfect amount of butter and a flaky exterior that provides a truly unmatched mouth feel.

Those partial to traditional American fare should consider Augie's. Augie's features chicken wings, hamburgers, fries and refreshing cocktails.

Though it's difficult to choose a pizza spot in Buffalo as there is an abundance of options, Extra Extra Pizza on Utica Street is worth a visit. Here, you'll enjoy Sicilian style pizza that hits the spot every time.

You'll find scrumptious chicken wings at Anchor Bar, Duff's and countless other local restaurants. If Mexican food is your favorite, be sure to check out Las Puertas featuring house-made salsa, mezcal cocktails and al pastor tacos Money Dumplings is another local gem, serving up handmade dumplings that are either steamed or fried.

If bars are your thing, you'll love Electric Avenue Cafe, Del Denby's Tavern, Barry's Bar, Nietzsche's, the Founding Fathers Pub and the Buffalo Bar & Grille. The Glen Park Tavern, Elmo's Bar and Restaurant, Kettle's and the Bill-Bar Tavern are also celebrated by locals.

Friendly Locals With a Passion for Food Define Buffalo

Buffalo is unabashedly proud of its sports teams, food and beer. From loganberry pop to Labatt beer, chicken wings, beef on weck, original chicken finger subs and beyond, Buffalo has a distinct gastronomic identity.

Factor in the friendly neighbors willing to lend help a hand during the winter months and there’s even more reason to call Buffalo home. If you are a fan of football, hockey, spicy food or beer, you’ll agree the City of Good Neighbors is worth the low cost of living and plenty more.

Venture out to one of the city’s many Spot Coffee locations, Nino’s Pizzeria in the Southtowns or City Hall for stunning top floor panoramic views and you’ll make some truly indelible memories. The best part is living in the Queen City is affordable for singles, families and retirees spanning the entire age spectrum.

An added bonus is Buffalo’s surprisingly light traffic. The city’s highway system was constructed to accommodate three times as many vehicles as currently traverse these traffic arteries. That means you can get from one end of the city to the Northtowns or Southtowns in 30 minutes or less. This relatively unknown Buffalo advantage is absolutely priceless. As is often said, there's nothing more valuable than your time.

Embrace Buffalo’s quirky traditions such as the local Polish community's Dingus Day celebration and you’ll be tempted to stay, possibly forever. It’s the subtleties of Buffalo life that make such a scenario so tempting.

Give Buffalo a try and you’ll quickly agree this is exactly how life should be lived.