Moving to Buffalo; I have a few questions (best, location)

[HappyGrace]

Clarence, Pendleton, Williamsville, E. Amherst-in that order. I've cked out some of the new construction online in Clarence, and there are a couple options that look a little more "rural," which we like-Clarence seems good for that feeling we want of being close to things, but without people right on top of us (that "room to move" feeling I was describing-now we have a fairly large lot in a neighborhood that backs up to a field and is surrounded by fairly rural area, but we're only five miles from all the big box store area.) Pendleton is nice but may be a little far for dh's job. As far as the Southtowns (W.Seneca, etc.) we worry about resale since this is probably a transitional move, and we want to have no problem getting out when we want to. So now that we've narrowed down areas to see if there's anything we like, we will bang out the financial and other comparisons and see if it's "worth it" for us to move. I would appreciate any further advice people have, and I thank you for what has already been offered. This is a great forum! Blessings, Leslie

[BuffaloTransplant]

Originally Posted by HappyGrace

Clarence, Pendleton, Williamsville, E. Amherst-in that order. I've cked out some of the new construction online in Clarence, and there are a couple options that look a little more "rural," which we like-Clarence seems good for that feeling we want of being close to things, but without people right on top of us (that "room to move" feeling I was describing-now we have a fairly large lot in a neighborhood that backs up to a field and is surrounded by fairly rural area, but we're only five miles from all the big box store area.) Pendleton is nice but may be a little far for dh's job. As far as the Southtowns (W.Seneca, etc.) we worry about resale since this is probably a transitional move, and we want to have no problem getting out when we want to. So now that we've narrowed down areas to see if there's anything we like, we will bang out the financial and other comparisons and see if it's "worth it" for us to move. I would appreciate any further advice people have, and I thank you for what has already been offered. This is a great forum! Blessings, Leslie

A "fairly large lot" in Clarence is very expensive. If you look out in the farm areas, the prices are even high. You might check into Newstead for land which is reasonably large and still not out of sight. OTOH, maybe you want to spend up to $100K for a lot and $300K (and up) for a new house... that is Clarence. They are the top of the costs around here... if there is any bubble to burst ever, it'll be new homes in Clarence.

[acegolfer]

Originally Posted by HappyGrace

Clarence, Pendleton, Williamsville, E. Amherst-in that order. I've cked out some of the new construction online in Clarence, and there are a couple options that look a little more "rural," which we like-Clarence seems good for that feeling we want of being close to things, but without people right on top of us (that "room to move" feeling I was describing-now we have a fairly large lot in a neighborhood that backs up to a field and is surrounded by fairly rural area, but we're only five miles from all the big box store area.) Pendleton is nice but may be a little far for dh's job. As far as the Southtowns (W.Seneca, etc.) we worry about resale since this is probably a transitional move, and we want to have no problem getting out when we want to. So now that we've narrowed down areas to see if there's anything we like, we will bang out the financial and other comparisons and see if it's "worth it" for us to move. I would appreciate any further advice people have, and I thank you for what has already been offered. This is a great forum! Blessings, Leslie

Clarence is great. Large lots, safety, great schools, close to everything (if you are near Transit Rd). But I'm afraid it'll be out of your range (140-160k). Expect to spend $400k for a new construction. There are $150k houses but they are 50+ years old and far from the shopping area. Clarence is a hybrid town with traditional farmers living in rural area and executives/professionals living in newly developed subdivisions.

[momix5]

what are the property taxes around the Buffalo area in a good school district?

[Coraggio]

Originally Posted by HappyGrace

Pendleton or nearby? I'm also VERY concerned about cancer risks, etc., in Buffalo area, so I'm thinking Niagara County may not be the safest for that; perhaps the Southtowns would be better? What would be some areas you would recommend based on what I've mentioned? Maybe something with a rural feel, but ten minutes from everything? Probably Amherst or Williamsville would be out based on that. Our price range is around $140-160. I thank you in advance for any help! Leslie

Definitely avoid Niagara County if you are concerned about cancer risks!

Clarence might give you some of what you're looking for, but you won't find much, if anything, there in the $140-$160K range. My BIL and his wife paid over $175K for a pretty small house there, although they do have a large lot. Akron and Newstead are supposedly up and coming areas for those who don't want to pay Clarence prices. However, not much infrastructure in any of those places -- don't have their own police or fire departments, AFAIK, and I don't think you'll be "ten minutes from everything" in either Akron or Newstead. :-)

East Aurora is a nice town in the Southtowns, but if West Seneca is too far south for you, EA is farther...

Sorry I can't be of more help! Any idea where hubby's job will be? that might help us give you better advice...

[CAugust]

Originally Posted by momix5

what are the property taxes around the Buffalo area in a good school district?

depends on the price of the home - in williamville expect a 2400 square foot home to range between 4500 - 5500 a year - keep in mind are you putting kids through school? If I had to put three kids through a private school - that alone would be well over 10,000 and that would just be for schooling...

[Dockwalliper]

City of Tonawanda my home (3 bedroom, 1 bath, $84K val) taxes(county,city & school) are about $2100 a year.

[zanna vaida]

What is important to you in your future house and neighborhood?
I'm glad you're doing your homework, however, "for different folks are different strokes".
Read the Buffalo News or visit buffalo-niagara homes on BNAR to learn more about our neighborhoods.

[sunny_soul]

Niagara county taxes are somewhat lower than Erie county. I live in WS and think it is great place to live and raise a family...everything is conveniently placed and is easy to get to...traffic is not a problem as it is in Williamsville and Clarence. Transit Rd. is brutal. If you are looking for room to move I suggest the outer ring suburbs like Elma, Marilla, or Bowmansville. Most of Niagara county is nice except for Lockport. Good luck!

[houselady]

I've been living in Nashville since 1989 --left Denver to marry a local guy; divorced local guy; still stuck here. I'm thinking more and more these days I want out. I grew up in Chicago, lived in NY. It's been so-so living here, but I've never been crazy about it. The hot summers don't help. I absolutely hate the heat and humidity. I miss snow, even though the natives will swear it snows here. They'll empty the grocery stores. It's so funny, because the town averages about 10 inches of snow per YEAR. Most of it melts before it hits the ground. I have the same boots I moved with in 1989. Never had a need to wear them. Never.

Anyway, I've kept my teaching certificate alive, although I only just went back to teaching last year. I actually never wanted to teach here, because the schools are so poorly run, and the students are so far behind. I like what's being said about some areas of Buffalo. Maybe I'll investigate teaching opportunities, or perhaps someone can tell me if that job market is tight too. I'm not opposed to doing something else.

The house prices sound good for your area. I'd have to sell my current residence, or keep it as a rental. I expect to have a problem unloading it quickly (retired real estate agent), because the housing problems have started to trickle down to Nashville. What are rents like in areas around Buffalo (or in Buffalo -- where a single, middle-aged, woman can live safely)?

I miss living up north. I'm tired of southern accents, and deceptive southern 'hospitality.' Most of my associates are transplants. The social scene is all country western, which would be ok if there was a good sampling of other genres. I'd like more diversity.

I've stayed too long. It's time for me to go.