1 week's worth of first impressions (Buffalo, Tonawanda: apartment, lease, new home)

[coldwynn]

So we're finally here - and s far I have yet to see what people do not like about Buffalo.

Our first week, between the unpacking and setting up the apartment, was spent walking the length of Elmwood from Forest to Allen, getting ice cream at Delish, coffee at Cafe Aroma, peeking into (and marvelling at the good products in) Lexington Coop, having brunch at Towne, we love that this part of Buffalo is such a walking town. We love that this is such a dog-lovers town. It feels "people sized". People out with their dogs, bicycles, small shops, very few chain stores (we refuse to have anything to do with the Starbucks on Elmwood), there's even a small library -with free internet (important since we hadn't gotten our stuff set up yet). The Mister Pizza was a life-safer (and yummy) since the kitchen stuff are still in boxes.

And then there's the FREE concerts on Bidwell (saw the Buffalo Philharmonic), the Saturday Farmer's Market (overdosed on fresh cherries and raspberries), and the, again FREE, Shakespeare (King Lear) in Delaware Park. A park designed by Olmsted, what's not to love?

Driving around, we happened on LaSalle Park and had a lovely break from our unpacking just sitting on a park bench reading a newspaper - lovely view of the lake, people cycling, dogs, beautiful. We couldn't find where this "Central Wharf" where the big 4th celebration was supposed to be, but that's OK, maybe next year.

Yes, there was the waitress who wondered why anyone would move to Buffalo, and the clerk at Target who, when we asked if they sold maps of Buffalo, said, "why bother, it's all the same everywhere" - but I get the feeling that maybe these people have never been to places in New Jersey where it's nothing but suburbs and box stores and street malls, or Houston where the whole city is a major sprawl and there isn't much that you can get to by walking, or where I used to live where the nicest thing was that the airport was ten minutes away and one could always leave.

So, yes, maybe the second act is yet to come, maybe that second shoe will drop with a major thud, but right now, we are loving our tree-lined street (yes, even with the moths), and can't help but wonder why some people in this forum seem burned out by Buffalo.

[Dockwalliper]

Welcome to Buffalo. Big weekend ahead. Taste of Buffalo, Italian Fest and I suggest you head North into Tonawanda for the Canal Fest and check out Niawanda Park.

[artyst]

i was super impressed with the upstate area i visited recently, unfortunately i didn't get to buffalo but after reading your post i will make it on my next trip! it sounds like the area you're in has the qualities i'm looking for in a new home town

[Coraggio]

Originally Posted by coldwynn

So we're finally here - and s far I have yet to see what people do not like about Buffalo.

Our first week, between the unpacking and setting up the apartment, was spent walking the length of Elmwood from Forest to Allen, getting ice cream at Delish, coffee at Cafe Aroma, peeking into (and marvelling at the good products in) Lexington Coop, having brunch at Towne, we love that this part of Buffalo is such a walking town. We love that this is such a dog-lovers town. It feels "people sized". People out with their dogs, bicycles, small shops, very few chain stores (we refuse to have anything to do with the Starbucks on Elmwood), there's even a small library -with free internet (important since we hadn't gotten our stuff set up yet). The Mister Pizza was a life-safer (and yummy) since the kitchen stuff are still in boxes.

And then there's the FREE concerts on Bidwell (saw the Buffalo Philharmonic), the Saturday Farmer's Market (overdosed on fresh cherries and raspberries), and the, again FREE, Shakespeare (King Lear) in Delaware Park. A park designed by Olmsted, what's not to love?

I'm so glad you are enjoying it here! Sounds like you guys are in a great area -- I'm guessing Elmwood Village. That's where I'd live if I didn't have kids!

I hope you keep enjoying it. There's always a lot to do in that area: Albright Knox has cool events on Fridays, and there used to be free outdoor movies somewhere on Elmwood on summer weekends... although I think they moved down to Chippewa and I'm not sure if they're still going on... maybe somebody else here will know. Lots of great restaurants where you are, too. :-)

Now, are you here to stay, or are you/your hubby doing something with UB? I can't remember...

[coldwynn]

We went to Taste of Buffalo (hoo-boy, there went my diet; I think I blew all my calorie and fat requirements for the week on that one day). Thanks to Dockwalliper for the heads-up on that one.

I think my favorite taste was the "Chocolate Dream" from Niagara Landing. That's some good desert wine right there. The Coconut Toasted Almond Shrimp from the Red Coach Inn wasn't bad either.

@Corragio: We're here for the foreseeable future - a minimum of 3years anyway, that's when I'm up for tenure review at Canisius College. We love this area so much (so far). Our lease in this apartment is ending in a year and already we're thinking of looking for a permanent place somewhere in the area -hopefully take advantage of the Employer Assisted Housing Program of Canisius.

[sbg42]

I have been here since March and I love it so far...I grew up in Jersey and recently lived in NC and I think Buffalo is a great area. There is as much to do here as anywhere and there is more on the way. Between walks on the river, taste of buffalo, canal fest, chippewa, niagara falls/clifton hill, thursdays on the square, sabres, bisons, bills, bandits, and more I don't understand why people complain so much. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Plus, the people here are nicer than in NC (so much for southern hospitality). I love living in a big city where you always run into someone you know.

[momix5]

Have heard that Buffalo is a diamond! Also experienced the falseness of southern hospitality!

[buffalopc]

I'm from NJ too, what part (Monmouth County here)? Been here over ten years now and I DON'T miss NJ traffic!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by sbg42

I have been here since March and I love it so far...I grew up in Jersey and recently lived in NC and I think Buffalo is a great area. There is as much to do here as anywhere and there is more on the way. Between walks on the river, taste of buffalo, canal fest, chippewa, niagara falls/clifton hill, thursdays on the square, sabres, bisons, bills, bandits, and more I don't understand why people complain so much. I guess the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

Plus, the people here are nicer than in NC (so much for southern hospitality). I love living in a big city where you always run into someone you know.

[BuffaloTransplant]

I came 40 years ago (from LI) and wouldn't trade it for the world!

As to maps, there is an Automobile Assoc.(AAA) up by Delaware and Kenmore, I think (plaza where Elmwood goers through to Delaware). I don't think they moved. If you don't have a car or belong to them, they do charge. They will have maps of Western NY and if you want ones strictly of Buffalo, go into Tops, Wegman's, Office Depot or Office Max and they all sell them.

If you are doing life in Buffalo w/out car, then the end of the month is the time to go to a Tops and get an "all-zone" Metro Pass. Look up the info on it in the NFTA website. It is good for any bus or rail. If you miss the last bus home ( let's say you work downtown and miss the very last train out), they used to give you a free ride home 2 times a year if necessary (I had a friend who had to use the free ride); don't know if they do now.

[gato2]

Oh yes they still have that emergency ride if you miss the last one. All you do is call the number and tell them where to pick you up.! 716 855-7211