21st Century Buffalo NY
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2/5/2018
This is NOT New York City of 11 million people...
This is Western New York (upstate) of about 1.2 million people spread over 5 Counties.
I grew up in the City of Buffalo, graduated from Lafayette HS. Lived there throughout the recession of the 1970s which lasted into the 1990s for WNY. The winters were much more harsh now that global warming has arrived. If you want year round summer then move south, but if you love 4 full seasons then move to WNY. Snow ski, toboggan, sled and snow tube 3 months per year and go sailing on the Great Lakes of Erie or Ontario.
Yes Great Lakes are the largest fresh water lakes in north America, where swells can reach 20 feet. Your super powerboat will not reach the other side of the lake from end to end for an hour or more.
The economy is rising and especially with anyone with a higher education. Buffalo and surrounding Western New York State was all Blue Collar until the 21st Century. It has become highly Medical and Insurance based. The new vast Medical Center is still growing and GEICO opened up a Central call-in Center of over 2,700 employees.
If you have a Bachelors you will live quite well in the lower cost of living city. State Income tax is high, but City property tax is very low. Suburban property taxes are high. Live as a city urbanite close to the Theatre District for Broadway plays, where the NHL Sabres play, and National music artists play, as well as the free summer concert series...
The Military took me away, but my wife and I are moving there as soon as our daughter finishes school.
Go onto a real estate site such as realtor.com and compare homes especially City of Buffalo taxes to other metropolitan cities.
What other City can you find a 2,800 sq. ft. 4 bedroom Victorian with full basement, full attic at $300,000 and yearly property tax of $1,400?
AND the food is outstanding with NY City style pizza, Buffalo chicken wings, Thai, Greek, German, Indian, Polish, Chinese, Southern, Cajun, and Gourmet Chefs moving in every year. Lofts are also taking over the old blue collar factory buildings.
Art is everywhere and Architecture Such as Frank Lloyd Wright homes are abundant. Olmsted Parks fill the City. Shakespeare in the Park is free and produces a Summer full of weeks for two plays each year.
The Finger Lakes wine country is a day trip away as well as amazing State Parks for camping and foliage.
Canada borders Buffalo and its largest City of Toronto is an hour north.
Steve | San Antonio, TX