Buffalo, NY is a bustling town full of life. Nestled in Erie County, this town is located in the western art of New York. It rests on the shores of Lake Erie and is also located at the head of the Niagara River. It is deemed the largest city in upstate New York and is the 45th largest city in the United States of America. Founded in 1789, this town has grown by leaps and bounds over the years. It is home to a heavy financial services market as well as technology and healthcare making this an ideal location for someone just starting out or looking for a great place to settle down.
When to Search
Due to its large area, finding an apartment in Buffalo can seem like an easy task but it can also be challenging. Looking to the classified ads can be a way to go while others may turn to a broker to help them find an apartment. Be prepared to review countless apartments before deciding on the one you want. While this is a large city, apartments can get highly competitive so start as early as possible in your search.
Life in Buffalo
Transportation
There is public transportation readily available in the city of Buffalo. With a city this vast it is advised that you either have a vehicle of your own or just rely on public transportation to get around. Walking is ok if you are in close proximity of something but for the most part you won't be able to walk to a number of areas because of distance.
Where to play
Buffalo is a mecca for things to do. With a town that is robust with architectural brilliance, there is so much to see and do. No matter the time, day or night, you can find a local eatery open somewhere to satisfy your taste buds. In addition there are several sporting events hosted throughout the year and the nightlife is mesmerizing.
Attractions
Buffalo is home to a number of great attractions, including one of the masterpieces of Frank Lloyd Wright. The Darwin D. Martin House Complex is a great tour for any architecture lover, while also providing a little insight into local and architectural history. Military Buffs should visit the Buffalo & Erie County Naval and Military Park. You can actually tour the old ships and read about the roles they played in our Military past. The Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site showcases an important piece of American city in Buffalo. Although not immediately in the city, one of the largest attractions in the area is Niagara Falls. To have one of the true natural wonders of the world less than 30 miles away is a treat for the residents of Buffalo.
Dining
You might think you're in a romantic Tuscan villa when you eat in Tempo, but in truth, you're in one of Buffalo’s hottest restaurants instead. Another rustic masterpiece is the Left Bank, which serves top-tier Italian food. If you want a great meal before you take in a show, try Rue Franklin in the theatre district. The French food and outdoor courtyard makes it a great place for a date. If you're looking for a great steakhouse, good drinks and a luxurious place to have your meal, then the Buffalo Chophouse is where you should be headed.
Bars
If you want to party, then Skybar should be at the top of your destination list. The party takes place on top of another great bar, D'Arcy McGee’s Irish Pub, but is the perfect place to listen to the city’s best DJ’s while dancing the night away under the night sky. The Founding Fathers Pub is certainly a great place to have a drink, but even more important than that, is that it is known for some of the best pub food in the state. The most famous bar in Buffalo is probably the Anchor Bar. This place is known as the birthplace of the Buffalo flavoured chicken wing.
Culture
The theatre district in Buffalo is home to a number of performing arts organizations. The proximity to New York makes Buffalo a perfect place to preview shows, or to test out a tour before it hits the road. The district is home to six significant theatres, including Shea’s Performing Arts Center and the 710 Main Street Theatre. The most important art museum in town is the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The modern masters like Pollock and Warhol are featured here, and fans of contemporary art will relish the opportunity to see some work by the greats. To view a gallery that focuses more on artists local to the Buffalo area, just head across the street to the Burchfield Penney Art Center.
Events
Winters can be harsh in Buffalo, but that doesn't stop the locals from having fun. The Buffalo Winterfest & Powderkeg Festival happens each winter, and gives everyone the chance to cut loose and enjoy life despite the winter. Buffalo has a large Irish community, and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the biggest holidays in town. Garden tourists flock to the City each summer for the National Garden Festival, which is one of the largest festivals of it's type. For foodies, the best event of the year is held in July when Taste of Buffalo takes place. Nearly half a million people attend the festival each year to sample the wares of Buffalo’s best restaurants.
Shopping
If you prefer to do your shopping at traditional shopping malls, you have several options in the Buffalo area that should meet your needs nicely. The Walden Galleria is the biggest of the several malls, and has well over 250 stores. Boulevard Mall and McKinley Mall are two others that many Buffalo residents shop at. If you prefer to shop in smaller stores that are independently owned rather than parts of large chains, there are a few neighbourhoods where you should visit. Elmwood Village is certainly one of the most independent of all commercial areas in Buffalo. Allentown is a very artistic community with small shops and gallery. University Heights, as the name implies, is filled with shops and stores that cater to the college-age demographic.
Sports
Buffalo is home to a number of professional sports teams. Although there were rumours circulating for many years that the Buffalo Bills might be moving to Toronto, the team was eventually purchased by a group who has thus far pledged to keep the NFL team in Buffalo. The team plays at Ralph C. Wilson Stadium. Buffalo is also home to the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL. Even when the team has posted less than ideal records, their games at First Niagara Center are very well attended. . While Buffalo doesn't have a Major League Baseball team, it does have a popular AAA Team in the Buffalo Bisons. The Bisons are currently a farm franchise for the nearby Toronto Blue Jays.
Outdoors
Frederick Law Olmsted, the designer of Central Park among others, designed many of the large parks in Buffalo. Delaware Park is the biggest of these, and at over 230 acres it is large enough to provide space for great amenities, like tennis and basketball courts, while also having places where you can completely escape back to nature. Although you might not think of the beach when you think of Buffalo, there is actually a great one at Gallagher Beach State Park. There’s a boardwalk where you can get out for a walk, or you can hit the water to cool off on a hot summer day.