Buffalo, New York

Introduction to Buffalo

Buffalo, New York is the state’s second largest city with a population of 280,000. Buffalo has a lot to offer as a city in the way of arts, culture, nightlife. Championship sports teams, famous art collections, and museum exhibits make it a place that is rich in culture. Buffalo’s economy is getting a boost from its newly designed award-winning airport and a new plan for its public schools. The city is located on the Niagara River, the river that connects Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The area was first settled by European Americans in the late 18th century, and growth was spurred when it became the western terminus for the Erie Canal. During the 20th century, it became an industrial center until it was bypassed by the Saint Lawrence Seaway. USA Today named Buffalo the “friendliest city” in the nation in 2001.

Buffalo Culture

Buffalo’s history is richly expressed through its arts and culture. It has become a regional center for many different types of performing arts. The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra performs in the city regularly. Dramatic presentations can be seen at the Studio Arena Theatre, Shea’s Performing Arts Center, the Kavinosky Theatre, the Irish Classical Theatre, the Alleyway Theatre, and the Ujima Theatre. Dance and music organizations include the Buffalo United Artists, Pick of the Crop Dance, Amherst Saxophone Quartet, and the Buffalo Choral Arts Society. The city is home to a variety of museums and galleries, including the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society, the Buffalo Museum of Science, the Big Orbit Gallery, and the Pierce Arrow Museum. Festivals such as the Buffalo Niagara Guitar Festival, the Hellenic Festival, and the Taste of Buffalo provide opportunities for family fun.

Buffalo Sports and Leisure

There are a number of sports teams to watch in Buffalo, such as the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League, the Buffalo Bisons of Minor League Baseball’s International League, the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League, and the Buffalo Rapids of the American Basketball Association. Buffalo Raceway offers residents the opportunity to check out harness racing. Fort Erie Race track offers thoroughbred racing. And the NASCAR track at Holland International Speedway and Lancaster Motorsports Park give racing fans just what they’re looking for.

Buffalo Outdoors

There’s plenty to do in the great outdoors in and around Buffalo. Great fishing can be found just minutes from the city at Lakes Erie and Ontario, the Niagara River, Chautauqua Lake, and various other lakes and streams. Lake Erie is known by many as the smallmouth bass capital of the world. Hunting is a popular sport in the area as well. Thousands of residents take to the fields and forests every year in search of game species like deer, turkey, squirrel, and rabbit. Hiking and biking opportunities are not in short supply around Buffalo. The Reinstein Woods, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History, and the 324-acre wildlife preserve at the Beaver Meadow Audubon Center all give people a chance to experience the outdoors in all its beauty.

Buffalo at Night

Nightlife in Buffalo centers around the city’s entertainment district. The city has a reputation as an emerging national center for the performing arts, with venues like Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Studio Arena Theatre, and the Irish Classical Theatre Company. Classical music can be heard from the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and the Buffalo Chamber Music Society. HSBC Arena is host to rock and other large shows, and the University of Buffalo’s Center for the Arts hosts many different types of concerts.

Nearby Cities and Towns

High Points

Buffalo strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in New York):

Category	Trophy
Affordability of Property Taxes (vs. State)	Top 5%
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 6%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 8%
Public Transportation Use (vs. Peers)	Top 12%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. State)	Top 14%