Buffalo, situated on Lake Erie, was a center of transportation for products between the Midwest and East Coast at the beginning of the 20th century. Buffalo’s high economic standing slowly declined during the Great Depression, but the area is now on the upswing.
Several indications show that the Rust Belt region is undergoing a resurgence, including a waterfront quickly expanding and one of the country’s most cutting-edge medical corridors downtown. Collaboration with the city councils benefits a growing number of new firms. The LECOM Harbor Center hockey center is one example of the region’s rising development.
If you have a new job in Buffalo, NY, and are looking for nearby towns, villages, or cities to live in for an easy commute, our guide will definitely help!
Living in Buffalo
Buffalo’s housing expenses are below the national average, making house ownership attainable. Although New York State has high property and income taxes, the cost of necessities like utilities, food, and health care is also lower than the national average.
Residents of Buffalo experience pleasant summers, gentle springs, and vibrant autumns. Although lake-effect snow does accumulate due to cold air striking the Great Lakes, Buffalo does have the municipal resources, expertise, and personnel to manage it. In Buffalo, a snowstorm that may paralyze other significant cities has little effect on everyday life.
Most Buffalo residents depend on cars despite the city’s excellent transportation system. There are a handful of stations and a modest metro rail system in the area, although their use is somewhat limited. Buffalo boasts several excellent walking neighborhoods, including Allentown, Hertel Avenue, and Elmwood Village.
Many airlines provide service to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, located 15 minutes from the city center. Amtrak and many charter bus providers serve Buffalo.
Buffalo exudes a sense of community. Residents may socialize at upscale eateries or neighborhood bars. Tree-lined streets connect residents, and the region’s traffic is easier to handle than in significant metro regions like New York City. Additionally, Niagara Falls, a popular tourist attraction worldwide, is approximately 20 miles from Buffalo. There is a fantastic skiing area less than an hour from the city center during those long winters.
Don’t want to live in Buffalo, NY, but have to commute there daily for your job? Here are some nearby places that will also be a great option for you.
1. Sloan, NY
It is only a 13-minute commute away from Buffalo, making it perfect for people who travel to the city daily for work.
Sloan, a Buffalo suburb, has 3,547 residents. Erie County includes Sloan. Residents of Sloan enjoy a minimal suburban vibe, and most own their houses. There are several pubs and amazing parks in Sloan. Residents of Sloan tend to be conservative, and many seniors are there. Sloan’s public schools are better than average.
The average value for homes in the area is $82,100, which is less than half of the national average. You will be pleased to know that the average rent of homes is $780, also less than the national average.
The area is quiet and nice according to residents, but there are bars and pubs you can always have a fun time at. The houses aren’t the cookie-cutter varieties, with plenty of distinct architecture in the area. The village is known for holding annual events like soup-a-thons, parades, Easter Bunny runs, and more. It is a great place to raise children too.
2. Lackawanna, NY
At a 15-minute commute to Buffalo, NY, Lackawanna is a great place to live if you have to commute daily for your work. The average cost of homes in the area is $99,400, which is half the national average, and the average cost of rent is $713.
Buffalo’s suburb of Lackawanna has 17,751 residents. Inhabitants enjoy a thick suburban vibe, and the majority own their houses. There are several pubs, eateries, parks, and coffee shops that you can explore in the area. Lackawanna has a large population of families and a conservative demographic.
Local residents praise the area for being diverse, with many Puerto Rican and Asian families living nearby.
3. Eggertsville, NY
At a 17-minute commute to Buffalo, NY, Eggertsville is pretty close to Buffalo. The average cost of homes in the area is $156,700, which is below the national average, and the average cost of rent is $861.
Buffalo’s suburb of Eggertsville has 14,806 residents. One of the most excellent locations in New York is Eggertsville, which is in Erie. Residents enjoy a sparse suburban vibe, and the majority own their houses. There are several eateries, parks, and coffee shops in the area. In Eggertsville, there are many young professionals and families, and most people are liberal. High praise is given to Eggertsville’s public schools.
The neighborhood is known for being safe and quiet, perfect for raising a family. You will find great healthcare in the area, with clinics and hospitals close by.
4. Cheektowaga, NY
It is only an 18-minute commute away from Buffalo, NY. The average cost of homes in the area is $118,000, which is less than half of the national average, and the average cost of rent is $864.
Cheektowaga has a population of roughly 75,000 people. Among inhabitants, the typical age is 42.5, with an equal distribution of persons between 25-65. 37% of the population comprises families with children under 18, and just over half of the residents are married. Even though 83% of the inhabitants in Cheektowaga are white, 11% African American, 2% Asian, and 3% Hispanic, statistics show that the city is also highly varied.
Cheektowaga’s cost of living is relatively inexpensive, similar to most western and central New York. While getting access to several of the top hospitals in the area and, naturally, Wegmans, the preferred grocery store, residents pay less than average prices for everything from healthcare to groceries.
Stiglmeier Park is the ideal location to enjoy the outdoors when the weather is nice. For hikers, walkers, and bike riders of all skill levels, the park offers a variety of pathways to discover. Additionally, there are a number of basketball, tennis, and baseball facilities available, in addition to a lovely pond.
5. West Seneca, NY
At an 18-minute commute to Buffalo, NY, West Seneca is great if you commute daily for work. The average cost of homes in the area is $157,400, which is below the national average, and the average cost of rent is $875.
Buffalo’s suburb of West Seneca has a population of 45,272. One of the nicest locations to live in New York is West Seneca, which is in Erie. Residents of West Seneca have a minimal suburban vibe and own most of their houses. Parks and bars are prevalent in West Seneca. The population of West Seneca is mainly composed of seniors and young professionals, and it leans conservative. West Seneca’s public schools are better than average.
However, living there can be pretty expensive for some people since the average living cost is $1945, coming in at the top 11% of the most expensive cities.
But if you choose to move there, you should know that it was deemed the best city to raise children in the state. The crime rate is quite low, and schools are known to be great. It presents a great place to live since you will experience the countryside and the city’s vibrancy in Buffalo.
The weather is known to be good, and the city is relatively clean. You can enjoy yourself at local craft shows, farmer’s markets, and even the Queen of Heaven Carnival. The city has an ice rink and a historical society. You can also go kayaking in Buffalo Creek, visit local ski lodges, or explore the Darien Lake Theme Park or Niagara Falls.
6. Williamsville, NY
Williamsville, NY, is a 19-minute commute from Buffalo, NY. The average cost of homes is $191,200, and the average rent is $1,063 (quite close to the national average).
Williamsville is a great place to live compared with the rest of New York. Compared to larger cities like Buffalo, this place has a much lower cost of living. Expect lower costs everywhere, including dining out, grocery, and other activities.
In Williamsville, there are many different neighborhoods from which to decide. Boncrest, Main Street, Royal Circle, and Cayuga Heights are a few of the most well-liked areas. Most visitors come to see Glen Falls on Main Street since it is lined with several stores and activities. Since several apartments and condominiums exist, you will discover single and younger folks living on Main Street. You could expect to spend between $500,000 and $700,000 or more for a property in Boncrest, which offers some of the most expensive real estate in the city. Cayuga Heights is a wealthy neighborhood as well. Several families reside in Royal Circle since it is a little cheaper.
In Williamsville, there are a ton of things to do. The Express Mart, UPS Store, D’Avolio Kitchen, TOPS Friendly Market, and Williamsville Place are just a few of the many accessible places to shop in the area.
In Conclusion
If you have a new job and are looking for the best places to live if you commute to Buffalo, NY, any of the places above will be pretty awesome. My wife and I went to college in this area and the people are great and there is a ton to do. Except on Sundays, during football season. Only one thing happens in this city and it is Bills football. You will get what I mean, when you stay there for a weekend. The entire city shuts down during Bills games as if everyone had a brother playing on the team. It is a very unique experience.
Go for the one that is most suitable for you according to your budget and commute, and you are sure to have a great time in New York State.