New York Buffalo

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Moving to Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York blends historic charm with a revitalized waterfront, vibrant arts scene, and strong community spirit. Neighborhoods like Allentown, Elmwood Village, and the Historic Theater District offer a mix of historic architecture, modern development, and family-friendly amenities. Residents enjoy scenic parks such as Delaware Park and Canalside, walking and biking trails, and nearby outdoor recreation along Lake Erie and the Niagara River.

Downtown and surrounding areas feature eclectic dining, local cafés, and craft breweries, from classic Buffalo wings to modern farm-to-table fare. Cultural venues like Shea’s Performing Arts Center, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, and the Buffalo Museum of Science host concerts, exhibitions, and community programming, while seasonal festivals bring the city together. Sports fans cheer for the Buffalo Bills and enjoy hockey at the Buffalo Sabres games, highlighting the city’s deep sports culture.

With major highways like I-90 and I-190, Metro Bus service, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport nearby, Buffalo offers convenient transportation options. From its historic neighborhoods and thriving arts scene to outdoor recreation and professional sports, Buffalo combines lively city living with a welcoming, close-knit community.

Buffalo by the numbers

376,617

City population

3% Lower
Cost of living vs the national average
$222,000

Median home price

buffalo new york

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Discover Buffalo: Top Attractions and Things to Do

Local Experiences

Local Experiences

Buffalo, New York blends Great Lakes charm with vibrant outdoor living and a dynamic, arts-focused community spirit. Locals enjoy strolling the scenic paths of Delaware Park or Canalside, kayaking along the Buffalo River or Lake Erie, biking the Outer Harbor Greenway, and exploring historic neighborhoods like Elmwood Village, Allentown, and Larkinville. Local breweries, eclectic dining spots, and seasonal events such as the Allentown Art Festival and Buffalo Niagara Film Festival keep the social scene lively year-round. Buffalo Bills football adds an extra layer of excitement for sports fans throughout the season.

Hiking, Biking & Trails
Buffalo offers an extensive network of scenic trails, greenways, and urban parks. The Outer Harbor Greenway and Delaware Park trails provide paved biking and jogging paths, while the Buffalo Olmsted Parks system offers shaded walking trails, gardens, and open spaces. Nearby natural areas like Tifft Nature Preserve and Reinstein Woods give residents opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting, connecting the community to Western New York’s lakefront landscapes.

Family-Friendly Activities
Families head to the Buffalo Zoo and Canalside for interactive exhibits, playgrounds, and waterfront activities. Children and adults alike enjoy hands-on science experiences at the Buffalo Museum of Science, seasonal fairs at Elmwood Village, and local farmers markets like the Downtown and Elmwood markets, which provide fresh produce, artisan goods, and kid-friendly entertainment throughout the year.

Local Breweries & Dining
Buffalo’s craft beer and culinary scene thrives at breweries such as Resurgence Brewing Company and Community Beer Works, known for spacious taprooms, live events, and rotating local food options. Dining ranges from iconic Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar to upscale American fare at Toutant, or casual bites in Larkinville. Outdoor patios, live music venues, and seasonal food festivals help define the city’s eclectic and vibrant dining culture.

Sports and Recreation

Sports and Recreation

 

Buffalo, New York is a haven for active lifestyles and sports enthusiasts, fueled by lake-effect seasons, strong school athletics, and abundant outdoor recreation along the Buffalo River, Outer Harbor Greenway, and the city’s network of parks and trails.

While Buffalo doesn’t host all major league teams within city limits, sports fans can cheer on NFL’s Buffalo Bills or NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, and local excitement thrives through youth leagues, club sports, and high school athletics at schools such as Buffalo School of Science and Technology and Hutchinson Central Technical High School, known for competitive football, soccer, basketball, and swimming programs.

The city offers excellent recreation facilities and access to Western New York’s natural landscapes. The YMCA of Buffalo Niagara features fitness centers, aquatics, youth sports, and courts for basketball and pickleball, while Buffalo Parks & Recreation provides community classes, athletic leagues, indoor sports, and outdoor park activities. Residents enjoy athletic fields at Delaware Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, and Canalside, splash pads and playgrounds for families, and scenic cycling and jogging routes along the Outer Harbor Greenway. Nearby natural areas such as Tifft Nature Preserve and Reinstein Woods offer trails for hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, and wildlife observation.

With snowy winters, warm summers, and seasonal lake-effect weather, Buffalo makes it easy to stay active and enjoy outdoor adventures year-round.

Adventures

Adventures

Buffalo, New York is an outdoor and cultural playground, set along the Buffalo River, Lake Erie shoreline, and surrounded by parks, greenways, and historic neighborhoods. Bike or stroll along the Outer Harbor Greenway, paddle or kayak on the Buffalo River, or explore the shaded trails at Delaware Park and MLK Park. Adventure seekers enjoy hiking, kayaking, and ice-skating in winter, while families love playgrounds, splash pads, and walking trails at Canalside, Delaware Park, and the Buffalo Museum of Science.

History and culture enrich every outing. Step into the past at the Frank Lloyd Wright Martin House, explore contemporary and historic exhibits at the Albright-Knox Art Museum, or wander neighborhoods like Allentown, Elmwood Village, and Historic Cobblestone District to admire murals, galleries, and restored architecture.

Year-round festivals—such as Allentown Art Festival, Taste of Buffalo, Buffalo Niagara Film Festival, and seasonal waterfront events—keep the city lively and full of Western New York charm. Whether seeking outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, or family-friendly fun, Buffalo offers memorable experiences for all ages.

Seasonal Events

Seasonal Events

Buffalo, New York embraces year-round celebrations that highlight its Lake Erie waterfront charm, vibrant arts scene, and welcoming community spirit.

Spring
As temperatures rise and flowers bloom, Buffalo comes alive with outdoor markets and cultural kickoffs. Seasonal farmers markets, such as the Elmwood Village Farmers Market and Black Rock Market, offer fresh local produce, artisan goods, and live music. Spring festivals like Allentown Art Festival and Buffalo Music Festival bring workshops, performances, and family-friendly activities throughout historic neighborhoods.

Summer
Summertime in Buffalo pulses with music, festivals, and outdoor leisure. Events like Buffalo RiverFest and Canalside Summer Concert Series energize waterfront parks with live bands and community gatherings, while neighborhood events feature games, artisan booths, and family fun. Independence Day celebrations dazzle with fireworks over Lake Erie and parades, while trails, Delaware Park, and the Outer Harbor provide boating, biking, swimming, and picnics amid lush greenery.

Fall
With cooler breezes and colorful foliage, Buffalo celebrates harvest vibes through craft fairs and cultural events. Autumn festivals such as Taste of Buffalo and Elmwood Village Fall Festival highlight music, art, food, and seasonal produce, while farmers markets and pet-friendly gatherings provide additional entertainment. Parks like Delaware Park and Martin Luther King Park offer scenic backdrops for hiking, biking, and cozy outdoor meet-ups.

Winter
Buffalo sparkles with holiday markets, seasonal concerts, and festive community programs. Indoor venues, cultural centers, and theaters host performances, gallery exhibitions, and music series, while local high school and college sports bring excitement to gyms and stadiums. Seasonal light displays, like Buffalo Winter Light Festival, and community events create warmth and joy throughout the winter months.

Throughout the year, Buffalo’s calendar overflows with farmers markets, music series, art walks, and neighborhood celebrations that reflect the city’s welcoming, lively character and Lake Erie charm.

Community Resources

Healthcare
Hospitals and Medical Centers

Buffalo, New York provides residents with access to a robust network of hospitals, medical centers, and specialty clinics both within the city and throughout Erie County, ensuring high-quality healthcare for all ages.

Buffalo General Medical Center – As one of Buffalo’s flagship hospitals, Buffalo General offers advanced emergency services, surgical care, cardiology, oncology, maternity with neonatal care, orthopedics, and specialized wellness programs.

Catholic Health – Sisters Hospital & Kenmore Mercy Hospital – These full-service hospitals provide comprehensive care including trauma services, neurology, pediatrics, women’s health, and outpatient specialty programs.

Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care – Facilities such as The Rehabilitation Center at ECMC and Kenmore Mercy Rehabilitation Services support patient recovery, physical therapy, and ongoing wellness.

The city also features numerous primary care offices, urgent care centers like ExpressCare and MedExpress, and specialty clinics affiliated with major health networks, providing convenient preventive, diagnostic, and routine care.

Together, these hospitals and medical facilities ensure Buffalo residents have reliable access to advanced healthcare, emergency response, pediatric treatment, and long-term wellness services that support the health of the entire community.

Education
Schools and Learning Institutes

Buffalo, New York is a dynamic family hub celebrated for its commitment to education at all levels. From highly rated public schools and specialized private options to accessible higher education and lifelong learning programs, Buffalo offers a rich academic ecosystem that nurtures growth, creativity, and achievement for learners of all ages.

Public Schools & Education
Buffalo is served by the Buffalo Public Schools district, covering PK-12 with a focus on academic excellence, equity, and student development. Flagship high schools such as Buffalo School of Science, Hutchinson Central Technical High School, and City Honors School provide rigorous curricula, athletics, and arts programs in supportive environments, with strong graduation and college readiness rates.

Specialized learning tracks, including STEM programs, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, International Baccalaureate (IB) offerings, and enriched arts and music education, give students opportunities to explore their interests and prepare for higher education or careers.

Private & Alternative Education
Families in Buffalo can choose from a variety of private and faith-based schools emphasizing personalized instruction and character development. Options include Canisius High School (grades 9–12), Nardin Academy (PK–12), The Park School of Buffalo, and Montessori or early learning centers offering hands-on, individualized learning experiences.

Public Resources
Regional Services and Agencies

Buffalo, New York operates under a mayor–council form of government and is supported by city departments that provide essential services to residents and businesses.

Law Enforcement
Public safety in Buffalo is provided by the Buffalo Police Department, which focuses on community policing, crime prevention, and responsive emergency services to maintain a safe environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Fire Protection and Emergency Medical Services
Fire and EMS services are managed by the Buffalo Fire Department, staffed by professional personnel providing fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical care throughout the city.

Weather & Climate
Buffalo experiences a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Average temperatures range from about 21°F in January to 77°F in July, supporting seasonal outdoor recreation and community activities.

Transportation & Mobility
Buffalo is well-connected via major highways including I-90, I-190, and I-290, providing access to Western New York and neighboring states. Public transportation is provided by Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) bus and rail services, while Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) serves domestic and international flights.

Utilities & Waste Management
City services are managed alongside private providers. The Buffalo Water Authority oversees water and wastewater management, while electricity is supplied by National Grid and natural gas by National Fuel Gas. The city supports recycling, curbside waste collection, and environmental sustainability programs.

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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.