For the love of Lockport
-
9/15/2013
I am an old die-hard WNYer and can honestly say love everything about each area. Have lived in many other states and even another country but always back home because of missing everything it offers. One thing I want to stress is that taxes are HIGH, HIGH in NY. Period. In WNY you can live in a very rural area but then can be in a suburb or city within less then 45 miles from any area. The feel is always wonderful with a subtle difference for each and any preference can ensure happiness in living. Lockport has both. You can find houses that are old and very inexpensive with estimates way lower then the given value and the taxes are more affordable then most other parts (especially more rural areas in the Southern Tier area). We did a lot of research on this and moved into a home in Lockport that needed some cosmetic work but was a great value and taxes somewhere around the $1000 mark. I can agree that larger homes with much higher estimated values in the more rural part of Lockport will be very high but, in all fairness, comparable to the averages of the high taxes that any area carries in the state. I love that families can find a fairly safe area to begin in homes that have so much character, not to mention the fact that the history and pride of that history is literally everywhere around the canal and central lock part of the town. The people are FANTASTIC! Of everywhere I have lived I have really missed the spirit and people. I love the life they give when they are not hard at work and the fact that in this town of amazing caves, locks, family cruises, small museums and beautiful old architecture will be overflowing with good-spirited, happy people just being with the family and the community for any of the numerous activities the town holds. Halloween is really celebrated with the caves nearby, the spirit of Christmas-while any town boasts anywhere, is incomparable with the neighborhoods and along the small downtown area. The seasons are celebrated as well as our sports (smile). Something that can be said of any area in WNY. It is centrally located for work (and yes there is tons). Be forewarned that I am looking at this from a working family with some college but no major degree. We have never had a problem due to the location. There are temp agencies that will set you up very easily with either industrial (I have worked light industrial and lived fairly well when I was younger) or office and there was never a problem finding anything. At worst you can always find local stores and restaurants that will hire easily. For those with careers in Lockport, the location is within a half hour drive or less from Buffalo, Niagara or any other area where the professionals will find more options. I have been through these areas for 4 decades and they change little. I think the most I saw that can possibly be downside (again for the downtown area mostly) is that there can be some noisy teens in groups on the weekends. However, police are friendly but do their job well and are very good to keep an eye open for disturbances. Anyhow, I had to add my two cents; I really love this place and thought it deserved to have a recommendation.
dawn | Lockport, NY