Info on Buffalo

[quijote]

I lived in Buffalo for three years 1996-1999 and have visited 4 or 5 times each year since, with stays ranging between 1 and 2 weeks. It certainly has declined, and the decline is visible and only seems to get worse. But I love the city just the same. Too bad my job there dried up, though I don't mind Milwaukee, either.

There are a lot of great things about Buffalo:

The Elmwood District
low housing prices, even for great homes
the Albright-Knox and other museums
Allentown
great theater options
Delaware Park
Guercio's
gorgeous summers
good restaurants, including many Indian restaurants
good Asian markets
beautiful architecture
good symphony
Talking Leaves bookstore!
Premier Gourmet
Premier Liquor (Prime Wines)--best wine selection/layout in the Great Lakes region
East Aurora
Wiiliamsville
the Hertel District
Wegmans (though not unique to Bflo)
Artvoice
proximity to Toronto

There are many other things I could mention (and that others have mentioned), but these come to mind most quickly. Sure, there are also some major negatives--economy in a tailspin, some deteriorating neighborhoods, winters that are a month or two too long (for me), mediocre and poor politicians, some of the worst drivers I've ever encountered, and a significant research university (U at Buffalo) that has very little direct impact on the city.... But for those who do have a steady job there, the quality of life can be very high.

One other thing about Buffalo that I like is directly connected to its economic woes: the city has a very vibrant, grassroots arts and activism scene. This scene, centered in the Allentown and Elmwood areas, thrives on the edginess and grittiness of the city's slump. In contrast, in more prosperous cities, I've seen this kind of artistic community killed by gentrification and chain store values.

[aka_mouse]

Originally Posted by writerj

The only two positive things I recall were: the music scene(since gone) and....leaving.

LOL.. you're dating yourself... the art and music scene is pretty strong here in WNY.. your probably too old to be involved in it. I can go to basement shows just about every other day, year round. Not to mention shows at small bars and clubs not to mention major acts that still come through here.

I see small bands from all over the country that are just passing thought the area and play the basement at my one buddy's house. $5 bucks to get in and they are basically just playing for beer money and gas to get to the next town.

Where do you think artists live? Soulless corporate banking cities in the sunbelt? Outrageously overpriced places like Manhattan?

Some people even get inspired by the urban decay in America. Other than the World class cities and a few hot spots.. the american economy is **** in almost all cities (I have family in Springfield, MA.. the Masschusettes version of Buffalo, NY... who cares). At least we got cheap booze, cheap weed, and cheap apartments.

[04blackmaxx]

There is a very loose labor market in Buffalo and the taxes are outrageous. Downtown is pitiful in my opinion, and I work downtown. Hopefully I will get out of here in the next year or two to continue my career where there are far more options. THe suburbs are nice, but this is a dying city, check out where buffalo was at the turn of the century and where it is today (economy and population).

[04blackmaxx]

Originally Posted by SALteacher

I lived in Tonawanda for a short time years ago. Tonawanda is just north of Buffalo. We rented there for the nine months we were there. We thought about looking for a house, but the job situation and overall atmosphere in Buffalo didn't work for us so we headed back to Michigan. We know from friends who live in Amherst it's a nice area. In fact I think its been rated as one of the safest cities in the U.S. Clarance and other areas around it (Sweet Home school district) can be pretty expensive housing wise compared to Tonawanda, Buffalo, some areas of the southern tier (Orchard Park etc), Lackawana. I don't know about new construction. This is an area of the country that's been hit pretty hard economically over the last few years. The winters can be harsh, especially south of Buffalo with the lake effect from Lake Erie.

Good luck

Ive always been skeptical of the 'safest town in america- amherst' think about it, amherst boarders the EAST SIDE of buffalo (the 'bad' side of town to those who arent aware) Baily avenue (the hood) is right next to Amherst.

[YankeeTom]

Originally Posted by aka_mouse

I have nothing to say against Rochester or Syracuse, yet I find it hilarious that this person wants to *****-slap Buffalo on crime and future job growth while propping up Syracuse.

This is a person who moved all the way across the continent to California, yet settled in Sacramento . You already know this is someone who doesn't make good decisions. That, or they were just too dumb to make good money in the Bay Area or Los Angeles. Thats not a personal attack, thats categorical, empirical, fact. Should have just moved to Modesto and saved some cash.

From New York State to California?? OMG!

You can not compair! Unless you can plunk down 550k for a 975 sqft shack ( maybe on rented land / or maybe 000.9 acre. NOT KIDDING. Your a FOOL for moving to Gang Infested Calif.
Quality of Life is the issue here. Anyplace north of Terrytown is better then CA. Yes even Albany! If this Dude....had a lick of sence he would have moved to ME VT NH MA CT RI or if warmth is a issue SC NC VA DE GA FL if he hated NY so much!! MT CO AZ with have all made better choices in the West. Even TX is much better then CA. I would have liked to move to CA ( nice landscape near Mountains and Coast ) But Quality of Life kept me East.

[mdawg]

im so glad i moved out of Buffalo, the quality of life there is so much lower then a lot of other cities ive been to. not to mention the gas and housing prices are WAY higher then most other places

[catbys]

Love Buffalo and the suburbs. The population per sq mile is fantastic. The summers are glorious. My neighbors are lovely. I can afford property, even with the taxes. If there was anything that I would change it would be the length of the winter. Beyond that I think it is wonderful. Our fresh water is becoming a source of security.

[Alpharetta123]

Originally Posted by BuffaloTransplant

Alpharetta doesn't give credit where it is due. Lots more than what is there.

You definitely misunderstood my post. I'm not discrediting anything at all.
I grew up in Buffalo and was merely remininscing about my favorite places. Even though some of the things I mentioned are still around, but in different locations, as you confirmed..... they are still not the same as I remember.

I'm aware that things change..places change.... and "You can't go home again."

[jcladue]

....that's right; let society know you aren't gonna be pushed around. Stick to the man-he doesn't understand you anyway!

Originally Posted by aka_mouse

LOL.. you're dating yourself... the art and music scene is pretty strong here in WNY.. your probably too old to be involved in it. I can go to basement shows just about every other day, year round. Not to mention shows at small bars and clubs not to mention major acts that still come through here.

I see small bands from all over the country that are just passing thought the area and play the basement at my one buddy's house. $5 bucks to get in and they are basically just playing for beer money and gas to get to the next town.

Where do you think artists live? Soulless corporate banking cities in the sunbelt? Outrageously overpriced places like Manhattan?

Some people even get inspired by the urban decay in America. Other than the World class cities and a few hot spots.. the american economy is **** in almost all cities (I have family in Springfield, MA.. the Masschusettes version of Buffalo, NY... who cares). At least we got cheap booze, cheap weed, and cheap apartments.

[everyone luvs da longball]

r there alot of homeless peoples in Buffala?