Relocating To Niagara Falls area from Texas...help! (Buffalo, Amherst: to rent, crime)

[Jennaca25]

Hi...my husband just got a job transfer to Niagara Falls and since we have never been there...was wondering if anyone could give some information on which are the more desireable areas to live and for schools. On our search online, we were narrowing it down to the Tonawanda area or Grand Island since it shouldn't be a long commute. If anyone has any info, please help. We have to be there in about a month and a half. Thanks!

[warm heatherette]

Don't know about schools, but I can tell you a bit about the area. Visit Niagara Falls for the falls, but don't live there. You'll see why when you get here - a very economically depressed, sad, sad city. The only option for the falls would be the small hamlets on the outskirts of the city, where the schools would be more rural (Sanborn, Wheatfield). Both Tonawanda and Grand Island would be good - GI probably more affluent than T. If you prefer small town living, Lewiston & Youngstown would also be an easy commute, & they're both lovely, character towns where crime wouldn't be an issue. If you prefer the burbs and all that has to offer - more traffic, big box stores, malls, new homes, Wegmans (you'll find out) - most people will recommend Amherst, Clarence, Williamsville, Orchard Park (all former villages turned Buffalo Burbs). All these would also be an easy commute. For small city living, Lockport is also very nice (stay on the south side), but the commute would be just a bit longer, but not much -it's only 1/2 an hour from Lockport to Niagara Falls & traffic wouldn't be an issue. I hear South Lockport schools are very good, but that's not based on personal experience. Good luck.

[Jennaca25]

thanks so much for the info

[Logan11]

But the best thing about living near Niagara Falls is that you can get a home very affordably and cross the bridge into much more prosperous southern Ontario any time. You can enjoy the amenities on the Canadian side ...Toronto is very close too. See the other thread on here about living in St. Catherines Ontario versus western NY.

Originally Posted by Jennaca25

thanks so much for the info

[ruthere04976]

I'm relocating to Niagara Falls area too. Please let me know when you get there how you like the area, Jennaca.

[Mmonique]

I'm also relocating to the Niagara Falls area. Originally, I considered Buffalo. But, I need to be as close to Toronto as I can get. The love of my life is on the other side.

I was excited about the move until I realized that the houses were cheaper which usually means somethin ain't right. I found you guys by searching google. Not hearing too much good about the area...highest toxic waste areas, etc.

I will be there for 2 years and I'm in love, but I don't want to get ill.

Jennaca, when are you moving to Niagara area? How is your research of the area going? I will move mid Oct. Ruthere, when are you going?
I would like it if we Niagara newbies can keep in touch and share stuff we're learning. Interested.

I suppose I'll need snow tires. and a snow blower to keep my igloo clean.

Appreciate the info folks from the area are providing. Thanks.

[Jennaca25]

Hi there....
Well we aren't there yet....my husband has to be there to report for work on Sept. 16th. We did quite a bit of research and we had narrowed it down to Tonawanda and Grand Island....we finally chose Grand Island...the Chamber was very helpful...they even sent us a relocation package. We found a place to rent online and it seems like a really nice community and lots of things to do as well....plus the schools had pretty good ratings and they are very close to where we are going to live. The commute for my husband won't be bad...its about a 10 min ride to Niagara Falls which is where his station is at. Starting to get excited, although I hope I survive the winter...lol. We are coming from Texas and we are originally from FL. So should be interesting. If you want to email me, its Jennaca25@hotmail.com

[Jennaca25]

By the way...I heard the same stuff about Niagara Falls as well....thats why we chose just outside of it...apparently, the Falls is a good place to vacation but not live.

[Dee62]

The Seneca Nation has bought up lots of city owned and abondoned houses from the downtown Indian Casino area all the way out to Portage rd ave! Be careful some homeowners may be forced out by emminant Domain! And lots of poverty stricken people who maintained their homes throughout the years are stuck with houses on entirely abondoned streets. Very sad!!

[Mmonique]

what streets? what areas is this going on in, again?