On the surface, it may not look like it, but Buffalo, New York, is the kind of city that inspires fierce loyalty in its residents. The locals speak endlessly about the delicious treat of chicken wings in Buffalo, as well as its stunning waterfront.
Buffalo, the Queen City of the Great Lakes, has quietly become one of the most talked-about up-and-coming cities in the Northeast.
However, while the city’s rich history and architectural gems are a great heritage, there is a side of Buffalo that’s not so palatable.
So, is living in Buffalo a good idea? It all depends on what you are looking for in a city.
From the cost of living to culture, crime, and career opportunities, let’s look at the highs, the lows, and everything in between about life in Buffalo.
Buffalo is one of the more affordable mid-sized U.S. cities, especially compared to places like NYC, Boston, or even nearby Rochester.
The cost of living here is a decent 5% lower than the national average.
According to market data, home prices had dropped by about 0.69% as of February 2025. Even though there is a drop, the real estate market is balanced.
It's a godsend for first-time homebuyers and anyone tired of bidding wars in overpriced markets.
On the flip side, affordable doesn’t mean perfect. Property taxes can feel a bit hefty here, especially in Erie County. The property tax rate of 2.22% can be quite a sum to pay.
But if there’s any consolation, the median home price is lower than even the national average.
Also, older homes abound in Buffalo. Some of them come with repair costs that nibble away at that initial bargain. So, you will want to weigh your options and have a tight rein on your budget before you buy a home here.
As for groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare, those are reasonably priced. For less than $200, you can pay your energy bills per month.
A doctor’s visit will cost about $135.82 on average, but this is 3% lower than the national average. So, living in Buffalo is a cheat code to fewer expenses and more savings.
It’s no news that Buffalo struggles with its average salary. Although wages lag behind the national average, the unemployment rate has improved from 5.0% to 4.3%.
Buffalo’s economy had its stronghold on manufacturing, but that has changed in recent times. A shift toward healthcare, education, and retail has become the mainstay of the city’s economy.
If you have a career in these sectors, you will find jobs easier than those in other industries. However, for those in certain areas, like finance or media, there may be fewer opportunities—the city is not Silicon Valley, yet.
Living in Buffalo, though, comes with access to major employers, including Kaleida Health, M&T Bank, and Moog Inc.
Note:
If you are making the move for a new start, a professional Buffalo moving company can at least make getting here easy.
Buffalo truly knows how to do seasons. You get the full tour of all four seasons. However, some can be harsh, especially winter.
Winters here are legendary, and not always in a good way. Snowstorms can shut down roads, and gray skies linger. Seasonal affective disorder is a real thing in Buffalo. But the locals combat it with hearty food, hockey games, and an impressive tolerance for cold.
The winter lows can dip to 22°F and 20°F in January and February, respectively. Plus, they are long, stretching from October to April.
So, if you are not a fan of snow removal or gray skies, you might be in for a mood test.
Here’s the average seasonal temperature in Buffalo, NY:
Winter — 31°F
Fall — 53°F
Spring — 49°F
Summer — 71°F
Education in Buffalo has mixed outcomes. There are about eight school districts overseeing education in the city.
While the Amherst Central School District is a high-ranking suburban school district with above-average performance and school quality, most other districts are average.
A few other school districts, like the Buffalo City School District and Cheektowaga Central School District, perform way below average. However, charter schools and magnet programs offer specialized curricula.
Living in Buffalo means you have to recognize that the city’s public school system struggles with underfunding, uneven performance, and infrastructure issues.
You may even have to look to the suburbs or private/charter alternatives for better consistency in education quality.
Regardless, some of the best schools in Buffalo, NY include:
Buffalo punches above its weight in healthcare!
The Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus includes renowned institutions like Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and Buffalo General Medical Center.
Access to healthcare services is also solid. Medical talents keep swarming to the city and it keeps receiving research funds to keep facilities operational.
Plus, it keeps healthcare affordable, at a rate 3% lower than the national average. For an average of $235.81, you can get most prescription medications.
Although the per capita distribution of family medicine physicians is slightly below the average (60 per 100,000 against US’ 80 per 100,000) and the rural outskirts have fewer options for specialized care, for a city its size and with its economy, it fairs well.
It's a very drivable city. Commutes are generally short, about 24 minutes, and even 8 minutes less than the U.S. average. It means traffic won’t be as you drive to and from work.
Plus, the city’s layout is easy to understand. A light rail system is downtown, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport makes air travel a breeze.
However, public transportation outside the metro core is limited. If you are without a car, getting around the suburbs or across town during off-peak hours can be frustrating.
As for driving during winter? You would be safe brushing up on your knowledge of snow safety.
There’s no sugarcoating it: Buffalo's crime rate is higher than both the state and national averages.
For instance, there is a 1 in 23 chance you will have your property stolen or vandalized in Buffalo.
Most of the crime incidents in Buffalo are concentrated in certain parts of the East Side and some pockets of the West Side.
Crimes are mostly property-related, and while violent crime isn’t rampant, the rate is still higher than the national average.
But it doesn’t mean there aren’t many safe, family-friendly neighborhoods. Suburbs like Amherst, Williamsville, and Hamburg consistently rank as some of the safest in New York State.
Living in Buffalo provides you with a range of diverse neighborhoods.
Buffalo is a good place to live if you know what you are signing up for.
It's affordable, has character, a growing economy, and a rich cultural scene. The people are friendly and resilient, especially during those snow-packed winters.
If you are a fan of community-driven living, historic charm, and a city making a comeback with heart and hustle, then living in Buffalo might be your next great adventure.
So, when are you making your move?
