Buffalo Vs Shreveport (homes, private school, taxes)

[cynthia1999]

My husband and I have to make a decision on a new job, one is in buffalo and the other is in Shreveport,LA, Does anyone have any experience with these two locations? Any suggestions? Thanks!

[vukinjo]

Well, I grew up in Olean, NY about 60 miles south of Buffalo. I now live in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area (for the third time!). While I've been to Shreveport twice I don't know a lot about the area. I would hands down go for Shreveport myself. I don't have a lot to base that on other than Buffalo winters can be quite nasty for starters. From what I have seen of Shreveport, I like it. In general, I like the area down here a lot better.

[bmd69]

I lived in the suburbs of Buffalo. The winters aren't as bad as they used to be. If you like the outdoors and sports its a great area.

[rubygreta]

Where do you live now?

Buffalo is much better than its reputation.

[ScranBarre]

My great uncle is vice-president of a major gunpowder manufacturer that relocated from Scranton, PA (similar to Buffalo) to Minden, LA, but he and his wife, my great aunt, settled in Shreveport. To me they seem to miss being up North, but I can't say for certain whether they're just homesick or whether they felt that the quality-of-life was superior here. I know they don't like the public schools in Shreveport though; my cousins attended private school. From all the research I've done on both cities I'd personally give the edge to Buffalo, but then again one of the top factors in that decision for me was the horrid humidity in Lousiana as compared to the harsh winters in Buffalo. The way I see it is that if you're getting a foot of snow, and it's 15 degrees with a wind chill factor of -5 you can always just bundle up for it and be comfortable. If it's 95 degrees with a heat index of 105, you can only peel off so much clothing before you're naked and STILL a sweaty mess. I know they practically LIVE in their central air conditioning down in Shreveport, as do many of their neighbors.

When they first moved down there they reported back that a lot of folks in Louisiana had the "war ain't over" mentality with negative impressions of Yankees, and that really irked me quite a bit. Who cares where someone originates from if they're good people who want to contribute to your community? If it were up to me I'd pick Buffalo anyday, but then again I also love Upstate NY (almost) as much as I love Scranton.

Best of luck in whatever your decision may be!

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by rubygreta

Buffalo is much better than its reputation.

True. What I've noticed about Buffalo is that its largest critics are its own residents. The same could be said for Pittsburgh and Scranton. Outsiders generally have positive impressions of all three cities, but residents themselves have the "woe is me" mentality.

[bmd69]

Originally Posted by rubygreta

Where do you live now?

Buffalo is much better than its reputation.

In Rock Hill SC a surburb of Charlotte. As they call it here south Buffalo.

[zanna vaida]

Originally Posted by SWB

True. What I've noticed about Buffalo is that its largest critics are its own residents. The same could be said for Pittsburgh and Scranton. Outsiders generally have positive impressions of all three cities, but residents themselves have the "woe is me" mentality.

Agree. As an immigrant to the Buffalo-Niagara regions, I enjoy being here. The natural atractions are tremendous. Affordable housing, Lake Erie, country, woods, county, state and national parks, recreational attractions: we got them all.
Four seasons will develop your surviving skills. Thinking skiing or skating? I love it.
There many people aren't never satisfied no matter where they move or live, "Different strokes for different folks." Do you know how many local families have never been to Niagara Falls? What a shame.

In the Buffalo-Niagara regions, you'll enjoy your life.

[notasmoker]

I have lived in Louisiana (New Orleans-born & raised-Baton Rouge & Lafayette) and now live in western NY, about an hour away from Buffalo. It all depends on your personal preferences. While western NY is not without its racial tension, it is true that the south is STILL fighting the civil war. While I have heard southerners called northerners "Yankees," I have never heard anyone up here call anyone from the south "Rebels" or the equivalent. Racial tension is very obvious in Louisiana. NY state has high taxes but the public schools & services are better than in Louisiana. If I can acclimate to the winter weather, anyone can. Proximity to Niagara Falls & Toronto from Buffalo (vs. East Texas from Shreveport) is a plus. Try to spend time in both places & go with where you & your family feel the most comfortable. Good luck!

[Buffalonian4life]

BUFFALO! Live there! I'm telling you! I have lived here all my life, and it's as good as it gets, sure there are a few problems, but Shreveport, eesh. oh my, they have huge issues and problems as well. I must say, if it must come down to the weather, go to Shreveport, however, Buffalo has sooo much to offer as the Queen City, I'm sure, cynthia1999, that you will never regret moving to Buffalo! I encourage you to move to Buffalo, as it has the best community and people in the world! That is my main reason for staying here all my years.