Start Here: Moving to Buffalo, NY

Whether you are weighing a job offer, coming home after years away, or just curious why people keep saying Buffalo is underrated, this page is the place to begin. Life In Buffalo is an independent local guide, and this hub walks through the big questions in the order most newcomers ask them, with links to the deeper guides as we publish them.

Buffalo in a nutshell

Buffalo sits at the eastern end of Lake Erie, where the lake drains into the Niagara River, and it is the second-largest city in New York State. The wider region, usually called Western New York or WNY, takes in Erie and Niagara counties and stretches south toward the Southern Tier and the Chautauqua area. It is a metro of older neighborhoods with real character, a walkable downtown waterfront that has been steadily reinvented, big-park landscapes designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and a food and sports culture that locals take very seriously.

People move here for housing that is generally more attainable than in many big coastal metros, short commutes compared with larger cities, access to lakes, trails and ski hills, and a close-knit feel. They stay for the neighbors, the festivals and the Bills.

Step 1: Decide where to live

The single biggest decision is the neighborhood or suburb. Buffalo proper offers walkable districts with older housing stock, from the cafes and porches of Elmwood Village and Allentown to the quiet residential streets of North Buffalo and South Buffalo. Suburbs such as Amherst, Williamsville, Clarence, Orchard Park, Hamburg and the Tonawandas trade walkability for newer construction, yards and different school districts. Each has its own tax rates, commutes and personality.

Start with our Buffalo Neighborhoods & Suburbs guide, then browse the Neighborhoods & Suburbs articles for individual profiles.

Step 2: Understand the real cost of living

Buffalo is often described as affordable, and compared with many large metros that is a fair summary, especially for housing. But the full picture includes more than a mortgage or rent payment. New York property taxes vary a lot by municipality and school district, older homes bring heating and maintenance costs, and utilities rise in the cold months. When you compare listings, look at the total monthly cost, not just the price. Our Moving to Buffalo articles go into the specifics as they publish.

Step 3: Get ready for winter, honestly

Yes, it snows. Lake effect snow is real, and it can be very localized: one town can get a foot while another a few miles away sees flurries. Most of the time, daily life carries on; the region is set up for snow with plows, good tires and a shared culture of helping neighbors dig out. The practical items are a good set of winter tires, a reliable snow removal plan for your driveway, a furnace that has been serviced, and an emergency kit in the car. Winters also bring skiing, hockey, and some of the cosiest bars and restaurants you will find. Summers and early falls are widely considered the region’s best-kept secret. See the Events & Seasons section for what to expect and when.

Step 4: Plan the move and the house

If you are buying, the older housing stock is both the charm and the work. Many homes were built decades ago and have original features, plaster, basements that need attention, and aging mechanical systems. A thorough inspection matters, and so does a local agent who knows the micro-markets. If you are renting, expect a mix of converted two-family houses (known locally as doubles), small apartment buildings and newer downtown developments. We cover hiring movers, agents and inspectors in the Local Services hub, including what to ask and how to compare quotes.

Step 5: Learn how to get around

Most residents drive. The region has an extensive highway network, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport serves the area with an easy approach from most suburbs. Buffalo also has a light rail line along Main Street downtown, a bus network run by the regional transit authority, and growing bike and trail routes along the waterfront. Canada is close: the Peace Bridge and Rainbow Bridge crossings put Fort Erie and Niagara Falls, Ontario within reach, so keep your passport current.

Step 5b: Find your people and your places

Part of settling in is learning the local shorthand. Buffalo wings are just wings here, a beef on weck is a roast beef sandwich on a kummelweck roll, and the Bills are a family topic. Explore things to do in Buffalo and our Food & Drink guide to start building a routine of favorite spots.

Your first-month checklist

  • Choose a neighborhood or suburb and check commute times at rush hour.
  • Check the property tax or rent total, plus heating and utility costs.
  • Line up snow removal, a furnace tune-up and winter tires before the first storm.
  • Update your driver license, registration and voter registration through the proper New York offices.
  • Look into schools through the district you will live in and the state’s published school report cards.
  • Set up utilities and internet before move-in day.

Where to read next

Figures and rules change, so always confirm costs, taxes and requirements with the relevant local office or professional before making a decision. If we have missed something you wish you had known before moving, tell us.