Saratoga Springs, Ithaca, or Buffalo? (Elmira, Aurora: apartments, rent, homes) - City-Data Forum

mlearn2 · 07-22-2012, 08:36 AM

I'll start by posting a little about myself.

I graduated college back in August '11, and have since moved back in with my parents while working part-time and looking for a full-time position. Thus far, I've had no luck where I currently live (Elmira, NY). I want to get out of this area, and have my eye on the locations within the title.

I'd like to take the plunge and get out town and try and start fresh and see where my life takes me. Right now, I am not happy with where I am at. I don't want to live here, and I'm ready to venture out on my own. My only issue is that I'm not entirely certain where I want to go.

Of Buffalo, Ithaca, and Saratoga Springs, which area is "best?" I know that is a loaded question, as each location has its own pros and cons. I guess I'm just fishing for opinions of each individual location, so I can make my own judgments on what information I can get.

ckhthankgod · 07-22-2012, 09:12 AM

What are you looking for in an area/community?

mlearn2 · 07-22-2012, 04:51 PM

Honestly, I'm not even sure. I've only ever lived away from home once, and that was when I was at school. I'm not entirely sure what requirements I have for my desired location.

Obviously, I'd prefer to live in a location where I feel safe being outside my home. Friendly people is also a desirable aspect. Outside of those two, obvious, choices, I'm not sure what I'm looking for.

I could see myself living in any of the three locations. Ithaca for its proximity to my home town, Buffalo for its city nature, and Saratoga Springs for its homey atmosphere.

I guess I'd also like there to be a sizable group of people my own age (twenties).

I've thought about going into technical writing, so career opportunities along those lines is of interest as well.

Otherwise, like I said, I don't really have much of an answer for the question as I'm so "green" to the whole situation, I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for.

daydreamin71 · 07-22-2012, 06:34 PM

My first suggestion to anyone just graduating from college is always to go where the jobs in your field are. When you're just starting out in your career you don't always have the resume to enable you to be choosey (especially in this economy). Having a favorite area doesn't do much good if you can't land an acceptable job there.

That said, I would suggest job hunting in the three areas you suggest and see what happens. Indeed.com can be a good place to get an overview of what's out there. If you like all three areas, then go where the best job offer is. You can always move on later down the line.

Becca8377 · 07-22-2012, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daydreamin71

My first suggestion to anyone just graduating from college is always to go where the jobs in your field are. When you're just starting out in your career you don't always have the resume to enable you to be choosey (especially in this economy). Having a favorite area doesn't do much good if you can't land an acceptable job there.

That said, I would suggest job hunting in the three areas you suggest and see what happens. Indeed.com can be a good place to get an overview of what's out there. If you like all three areas, then go where the best job offer is. You can always move on later down the line.

This times 1000000000!

Unless you have significant savings or your parents are footing your bill elsewhere, I would not move somewhere on a whim. Get a job first, then go where the job is.

ja1myn · 07-23-2012, 04:51 PM

Buffalo bores me senseless. Ithaca is a nice little town. Saratoga Springs isn't really that bad.

But your main focus should be getting a job that can support you once you move.

Step 1: Go to indeed.com
Step 2: Type in your info and location
Step 3: Click the submit button
Step 4. Start applying to jobs
Step 5: Post your resume on the site

Good luck with the job search!

maureen33 · 07-31-2012, 05:57 PM

Saratoga Springs and Ithaca are polar opposites from Buffalo! I live outside of Buffalo iin the suburbs, but you wouldnt find any 20 year olds out here! IF your coming to Buffalo, I would reccomend the city., like Elmwood. Saratago and Ithaca are super, super costly. It will cost you a fortune to live there. Buffalo, on the other hand is middle class city, for the most part. We have some gorgeous areas and some horrible ones, too...YOu have to check things out.

infinitelyrestless · 07-31-2012, 06:55 PM

Do you have any family or friends in any of these three areas? Sometimes that can make all the difference. It's good to have some kind of support system in a new place. Friends can help you learn the territory and your adjustment may not be so rough. If not, and you're not the fiercely independent type I might suggest living within 'easy' driving distance of your loved ones for emotional support in case you don't like your job, the area, or are not making friends easily.

greenacresmama · 09-03-2012, 10:49 PM

Buffalo is a nice beginner city. I think it is still super cheap. The huge funds they just received made me look. I looked away though. The layout is not what I am looking for. I honestly love every other person I meet there. They are so nice or so sour about something. I found it too rough outside of the north spot above/west around the zoo, museums, and down Elmwood or lower Delaware. Honestly though I learned my street smarts on my own there and besides the eastside (which is more desperate looking than unsafe - like a war zone), I felt super safe allllll over ***during the day****. If you have a car you can pick a great community all around it if you happen to stay there for good. East Aurora would be my top choice.

Ithaca is in my sight now. I am looking for a nice layout. I have seen a few places looking closed down and run down, but not at all like I remember Buffalo (it was some years ago..5 maybe?) Ithaca is drawing me in because of the person I am. I really like to celebrate happily with friends, potlucks, playgroups, knitting circles.. but pray not protest with my toddlers though. I am looking to homeschool my children and it is a true "real life" books sort of place. After getting around for 30-40 minutes without being on foot, I am also thinking of how that city is better for my smiling heart to be seeing faces on the street. I am wondering all right. I haven't lived there yet.

My advice to you is aimed for later; things really change when you have kids and you want to be around family and still keep a crowd of friends. You want the best for them. I would go for Buffalo to have money you can possibly start saving for a home downpayment. Ithaca is great but saving money seems very hard. Unless fracking hits (I am no fan of the impact -more semi-trucks in rural country? 1# yuk) I would think a life outside of Ithaca (10 mins) would be a great mix of family ties on your side and life, plus loads of nature...nature is a novelty to 95% of kids. The state playgrounds in this area are so sweet!) Buffalo has all types of people there. There are apartments that range in rent in so many areas, so getting a shabby one in a nice hood near the things you like to do is easy - when it is open. There are so many areas I would rent there. I didn't own a car then... I couldn't make it to the grocery store easily, but that was the only draw back. I preferred walking from Delaware park to the very center of dt - Lafayette Square.

ss20ts · 09-04-2012, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlearn2

I graduated college back in August '11, and have since moved back in with my parents while working part-time and looking for a full-time position. Thus far, I've had no luck where I currently live (Elmira, NY). I want to get out of this area, and have my eye on the locations within the title.

Of Buffalo, Ithaca, and Saratoga Springs, which area is "best?" I know that is a loaded question, as each location has its own pros and cons. I guess I'm just fishing for opinions of each individual location, so I can make my own judgments on what information I can get.

Please oh please don't just move somewhere for the sake of moving. Start looking for a job in those areas. Travel and go on interviews. Move where you find a job. Please don't move blindly and thinking you'll find a job. There are many people out of work. I'd hate to see you end up miserable and broke. It's really hard starting out life right after college as it is without your world falling apart. Hang in there! You CAN find a job!