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My family and I are considering moving to Grand Island, NY so we can be closer to our family across the border in Toronto. We are moving from Scottsdale, AZ. We love Scottsdale but desperately miss our family. What should we expect about life on Grand Island? What are the pros and cons of life there? Are the winters really as bad as everyone says? Are new comers easily accepted in the community? What is there to do for teenagers? I would really appreciate hearing from Grand Island residents.
Thank you in advance.
Hazel
Just a question, but is Grand Island the only place that you are considering? I only ask, because areas like the Lewiston-Porter and Niagara-Wheatfield that are suburbs of Niagara Falls may actually be easier in terms of getting to family in Toronto. Plus, Grand Island has tolls in order to get on and off of the island. That may be something to consider.
Whether winter is good or bad depends on you, it's not an absolute. But if you like AZ, you'll probably not like winter here. If you're seeking to avoid snow, I'd recommend further north towards Lewiston. The snow accumulation is significantly lower as you go north.
From people that live on the island, I hear the traffic is the worst part of living on Grand Island. You have to cross through the tolls everyday, and if there is an accident on the bridges on and off the island, the traffic can be miserable. An improved infrastructure could really help Grand Island.
However, people that live there cope with that and they love it there. Generally, Grand Island is spared the heaviest snow, that usually stays south of the 90. But lake effect snow is notoriously variable and can hit anywhere in the metro area. Residents of the suburbs of Buffalo like Grand Island have mostly lived on the same street and in the same house for years. Most people who live here grew up here. That being said, I don't know anybody that hasn't been accepted in their community upon first arriving. Plus, Grand Island has some really nice homes, many of which are new or have been built recently.
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