I've been in Buffalo for about six months and have gotten to know the place.

MOST (... but not all) of what everyone else has said about the place is true.

It is both a beautiful and an ugly city, which is telling of its history. Buffalo grew immensely during the early part of the 20th century and benefited from industrialization and shipping.

When times were good, beautiful buildings and infrastructure were conceived and built. Those who came to Buffalo "for a job" (blue collar, plant workers) settled in various neighborhoods in modest homes that were then considered "working class", but over time have degraded to a point many would call "ugliness" if not downright squalor.

As industry and shipping moved out, the city was left with high unemployment, which further degraded neighborhoods (and City coffers), leaving things to decay (and crime to increase).

Make no mistake: There are A LOT of people here living barely above the poverty line, and quite a few neighborhoods I wouldn't venture into without good cause. The lack of meaningful opportunities for people since the 1960s has led to many younger generations (of the now-impoverished older generations) to likewise have few prospects for meaningful employment, and since they've grown up in degrading economic and social conditions, for many the view of the world is, well, somewhere between dismal and hopeless.

Public education is a problem. The (public) schools in Buffalo proper are not good. Any middle-class-or-better family (i.e. with school aged kids) with an ounce of judgment either puts their kids in private school or moves to the suburbs where the public system is OK. Unfortunately, this "educational segregation" along income/economic lines just re-enforces the degraded economic and social conditions that many inner city kids find themselves in.

- but that doesn't mean the whole city is a write-off.

The majority of people living in the Buffalo area (which includes Williamsville, Amherst (the town, not the street), Kenmore, Tonawanda, Cheektowaga, and hamlets further south like Orchard Park, etc... are just average people earning modest wages living in average houses - but they're OK with that. Buffalo definitely has more of a midwest flair than a NYC flair, despite being in NY state.

Realistically, if you're coming here to work, it's perfectly OK. Just avoid the unfriendly parts of town. And while there is a lot of segregation (whites here, blacks there, latinos somewhere else) , there are also some neighborhoods that are not like that (Kenmore and North Buffalo are good examples). I've seen countless mixed couples (high school level and up) hanging out together, and racism just doesn't seem to be a big problem here.

Housing is dirt cheap. You'll pay a fraction of what you'll pay anywhere else for housing, and it's in abundance.

The city has some beautiful museums and galleries; beautiful parks; wonderful architecture (... albeit intermixed with not-so-wonderful architecture); and diversity in dining that would rival any midwestern town. Night life is not so great, but then again if you're moving to Buffalo it's probably not for the night life in the first place.

Air travel into and out of Buffalo is easy (i.e. quick) and still pretty cheap. Traffic is a rarity. Snow is a fact of life.

All in all, there are many, many worse places to hang one's hat.

I can't say it really made any impression on me, good or bad. During the early 90's, my mother wanted to visit the town in Canada where her father had come from (located approximately 100 miles north of Toronto, if I remember right), and I invited myself along. I have an aunt and uncle living in a suburb of Buffalo, so visiting them was part of the itinerary. My aunt and uncle graciously took us on a "tour" of Buffalo, and it didn't strike me as being a profoundly run-down or decaying city (then again, I was used to places like Paterson and Newark in NJ so maybe my personal definition of "run-down" or "decaying" leaves something to be desired). Still, there was nothing there that stood out, marking it as unique. I generally like to investigate the bookstores of any town or city I happen to be visiting, and I'm sure I did that in Buffalo, but no memory of that particular "investigation" remains with me. My aunt, who is Italian, recommended a restaurant that I think was called "Godfather's" and that she claimed served Buffalo's best Italian food. I wouldn't say it was bad, but my memory of our meal doesn't fill my heart with longing when I think back upon it (as do restaurants like Luna's or Umberto's in NY, both of which I loved, and both of which I haven't been to in years, sad to say).

My uncle, knowing of my quirky interests, took us to historic Forest Lawn cemetery, which was beautiful and interesting, and serves as the final resting places for such personages as 13th U.S. President Millard Fillmore and Seneca Indian Chief Red Jacket (although, in truth, I probably would have been more gratified if my uncle had taken me to the cemetery where Mafia Don Stefano Magaddino is buried). We did visit a spectacular national-park/tourist-attraction on the outskirts of Buffalo (not so spectacular that I can remember the name of it at this point; it wasn't Niagara Falls, which was a memorable location, but which I've never associated with Buffalo), as well as an historic canal, which proved mildly interesting. I also remember that I stayed in one of the worst, dirtiest hotel rooms I've ever had the misfortune to be in (although I can't realistically blame the city of Buffalo for that). I also remember that my back went out on me during the visit, and I spent much of said visit drifting along in a pleasant pain-killer haze. Which may explain why I remember so little that's distinctive about the city of Buffalo. Either that, or Buffalo just isn't that memorable a city.

I have lived in Buffalo on and off since I was little and I have always disliked it. Granted there are many, many stores around and the Galleria Mall is great, however; the people are the reason why Buffalo is not good at all. I have never found people here to be as nice as they think they are. Rude, ignorant and miserable. Not everyone, but the majority.
The crime is horrible and the neighborhoods are worse. Lovejoy is filled with unemployed white trash, East Side is filled with lazy ignorant blacks who will shoot you for a penny after they beat their children. West Side is Latinos that want to prove themselves. And do not forget the white "wannabe" yuppies who linger on Elmwood thinking they are cultured because they shop at overpriced Whole Food stores. Even parts of the Buffalo State area have rising house prices because of the influx of the so-called yuppie. Stay away from UB City unless you want to be raped and shot on Main or Winspear area.
The only places that are nice are Williamsville, Amherst and surrounding areas but the houses are very expensive. Some areas in Cheektowaga are nice, but even that is falling apart from the city dwellers moving in and bringing their crime with them.
Buffalo is a joke. No jobs, high taxes, crappy weather, a pathetic housing market and nasty people. Unless you live outside of Buffalo, there is nothing to love about it.

O.K. Buffalo. I'm sorry I have to rate it 1 star but yes, it's all it deserves. Let's cut to the chase. The only good part of Buffalo is the Buffalo-essence you get from it. When you leave Buffalo and come back you feel is as you returned to your mother. THAT'S IT. That little motherly back at home vibe for about 10 seconds. Then it vanishes. Now let's get to the horrible part. No good stores, no unique stores, Hyper-segragation -blacks here, whites here, hispanics here, asians here. Boring, nothing to do. Bad winters. No unqiueness AT ALL to ANYTHING. ****y community. They're friendly - that's it. Hardly even. Lot's of crime. I live in a GOOD part of the city and still CRIME. Got held up with a shotgun. Nothing to do, nothing to do, nothing to do, nothing to do, nothing to do, nothing to do, nothing to do, nothing to do, nothing to do. No work, no work, no work, no work. It's impossible to get a regular job here. Ugly people, ugly people. Enjoy.

By far the best city on earth. I will live here to the day I die. The best commute times, food, sports, and so much more that I could not leave for anything. Many people have their own opinions on Buffalo, but as the 2nd largest city in New York State, and finally growing, jobs are being creatd (3000 in the past year alone) and it's one of the most ethnic places to live. I love it and will defend her to my grave. Oh and go Sabres, Bisons, Bills, Bandits...LetsGoBuffalo!!!

A hundred years ago, one of the larger and most important American cities... But now...cue The Specials 1981 hit:

"This town is nothing but a ghost town...AH, AAAAAAAAAH AAAAH..."

Buffalo is the most currupt town I've lived in. And dying, no Buffalo isn't dying, it is dead. The city is the 2nd poorest in the country, it is hypersegregated, and run by inbred idiots. Run from Buffalo if you can, crawl if you can't run, and find someone to carry you away if you must. The only good thing to say about Buffalo is that there is a bumper crop of vacant houses to squat in, if you are not afraid of burning up in a fire or catching a disease.

The friendliest city I've lived in.  You go into a gas station to ask for directions, and the guy will call all his buddies in from the garage and they will all gather around and take the time to set you straight.  Good things about Buffalo are: World Famous Doughnuts (Lasalle and Main), Lamato's Pizza (across from the zoo), Delaware Park, the Sabres, and proximity to Toronto.  Bad things are: anything south of Amherst and east of Main, the Sabres management, and of course, Joel Giambra!

A fine time for me! I do depend on public transit and I'm glad that they have a local rail system to carry everyone. I like what I see when I spent a few nights there as there was a nice skyline, fine dining, and nice parks, especially Delaware Park/Buffalo Zoo. They do have a nice city university in Amherst. Really, it is the "City of Good Neighbors" (but not "Queen City" as Cincinnati has that claim.) I know that there has been a decline in economy and some buildings ouside downtown show for it, but it is rebounding. I do hope to see it again, maybe by car if I choose to cross the border via the Peace Bridge.

you could not pay me to visit Buffalo again. Buffalo AND Cheektowaga sucked. UGH!

Ecomony is a wreck...but it is an innovative place with good architechture and a fantastic art museum. Loganberry juice, wings, and beef on weck came out of Buffalo. That counts for something. It is a very cool city despite its industrial decline.

All great lakes cities are some of the greatest places in america to live. I live just 60 miles east of here in Rochester. Nice people, good food (wings) and the weather isn't as bad as people say it is. If it would have not relied so heavily on the steel industry for so long it wouldn't be in the economic shape it is now. But it's sad, it really is a great city. Just an update, Buffalo's economy is actually shaping up now and it's having resurgence in it's biotech and medical industries that is bypassing it's loss in manufacturing. Buffalo is making a comeback, Rochester is (hopefully) on its way as well.

amazing people & great city

Another dying upstate NY city. Horrible weather, few good jobs and it looks dirty and run down. people were friendly tho.

i like it. was there over the summer for the annual Taste of Buffalo sure it's cold and not too big, but has a triving cultural scene, which is more than i can say for a lot of the other so-called Rust belt cities. Of course, i guess i'm biased b/c i'll be moving there in 2 months.UPDATE: just got back from Buffalo and will be moving there April 1st. such a beautful little city. can't wait.UPDATE: well folks ole Skizero is just about done w/his last day of corporate hell. leaving NYC in a week to land in fair BUffalo. dont know when i'll be back on RIA is i dont have the net at home, and i'm desperately going to try to avoid an office job. so if i dont come back for a bit, good luck to all.

Cold, ugly, and from what I could tell in my three visits, pretty dull. Nice people though.

Being from rochester, i do go through buffalo a lot when going to Niagara falls, or in the old days when buffalo's airport was cheaper than Rochester's, i drove there to use the airport too. Interesting thing i noticed is, that it in a sense is the opposite of Rochester. In Buffalo, it seems that the people in the older downtown historic areas of the city, are the ones who contribute to the community, and seem to be happier. The suburban areas of buffalo however, seem a little more depressing. Nobody gives a crap about anything and they don't do anything to help thier community. Here in Rochester, it is the opposite, which is strange because these two cities of about the same size are only about 50 or 60 miles apart. Allentown is the neighborhood i am always pleased to drive through in buffalo, completely restored, or maintaned, not sure which.

Beautiful buildings, decline and poverty around a lot of the city that's sad to see.

An achitecturally and culturally interesting place to live that was once thriving, now much less so, but showing strong signs of coming back. Weather is really quite pleasant, albeit winters are long and sometimes snowy--most snow falls in certain microclimates to the south.

Buffalo is the most underrated city in terms of inexpensive, yet good, quality of life. Those that have never experienced life anywhere else than Buffalo, do not realize what a treasure we have here. We have convenient, liveable size, immeasurable natural resources, almost no risk of natural disaster (forget blizzards, you don't die from them unless you're stupid!), and one of the best laid out infrastructures in the country. It has far too much going for it to not survive it's current state of mismanagement. I firmly believe that the city's rebirth will happen throughout the next 10 years, when the bio-medical corridor (which is already underway) starts retaining and attracting higher end jobs and residents to live and work in Buffalo. We are already experiencing a silent migration of people moving from the suburbs into affordable luxury apartments and lofts that have been renovated from many of our beautiful old buildings. You just don't hear as much of these positives in the media. And to the rest of the nation... GIVE US A BREAK ALREADY each time it snows!! I'd rather deal with snow than earthquakes, hurricanes, forest fires and tornados (none of which he have!)..

Moved to Buffalo after 7 years in NYC and extended periods in Seattle and the Bay Area. Buffalo's greatest failing is a real lack of progressive political leadership, but it offers great opportunities to those who are willing to roll up their sleaves and work to improve it. Great houses in good neighbors are a dirt cheap and downtown is coming back with new investment and residential conversions. No one who has visited me here for the first time has not been impressed by the architecture, sense of place, cultural offerings, and quality of life. A lot smart educated people have left, but many are coming back and some people (like me) are coming here for the first time and loving it.

A living archictectural museum. Tree lined streets proving an over-arching canopy to this day. Most affordable housing between New York City and Chicago. Great access to Niagara Falls. Sandly, the economy isn't what it once was. You need to use your brain to get a job in Buffalo. You can't walk out of school and onto the shop floor. Political leadership is missing. One can get elected to statewide office without winning any upstate county. During the campaign, you may see the candidate. Once in office? Forget it. Medicaid costs are dragging New York State down - and taking the counties and local jurisdictions with it. Absent a fundamental rethinking, no state is immune. Weather? Oswego, Rochester, Watertown and Erie PA all get more snow than Buffalo. Buffalo Airport is closed the least of any major airport for snow. Plow it out of the way and move on. Better yet, strap on skates or skis and go play in it.

Stunningly beautiful architecture, vibrant art scene (visual art, theater, music in particular,)friendly helpful people, great and varied food for all budgets, NO BAD TRAFFIC ever, cheap and beautiful housing, excellent education, the most beautiful summers on the Eastern Seaboard, terrific leaf peeping in the fall, great beaches and sailing, easy access to outdoor pursuits in the many parks and to Canada, superb healthcare, lots of nightlife on Chippewa, super Farmers Markets in season, and sure, there's snow....but in Buffalo, the weather stays OUTSIDE of your (easily affordable)house (no earthquakes, hurrricanes, tornados, wildfires, monsoons or mudslides ;-)) With the best snow removal crews in the world, what's wrong with a little snow? It doesn't make anyone stay home!

USed to be a wonderful place but economy has been in a death spiral for over 30 years. Outrageous taxation and poor business environment has prevented new bsiness from coming in and accelerated the exodus of population and employers. #1 highest taxes in the nation. Lake Erie Shoreline is wonderful, as are Boston Foothills nearby, winters are not bad and if you skji are pretty good actually. Nice small towns (E Aurora and Hamburg just 2 exapmples) and lots of quaint victorians, but city is a depressing wreck and getting worse. No light at the end of the tunnel, thanks Democarats for putting the final nails in the coffin of this once great region, will the last person leaving please turn out the lights.

The cheapest, Victorian houses in the country (eat your heart out, San Francisco); the sunniest summers; lots of cultural entrepreneurs (people who come up with things like the hugely successful annual Garden Walk); and acres and acres of architectural eye candy. Snow is a benign price to pay.

Pretty easy place to live, wonderful summers, easy to get connected. Winters not great, but not as terrible as parts of the Midwest- it doesn't get below 25 very often. Worst thing about town: long-term decay, decline and hopelessness resulting from decades of white flight and regional economic decline. But unlike other Rust Belt cities, people are at least aware there is a problem.

Arts and architecture! The architecture in Buffalo is amazing. There is a huge arts scene. And that's just the start. The Elmwood Village and Allentown are not to be missed.

I love it here and I'm never going to leave!! The greatest city in the country!!

Great people and very nice area. PLenty of history and places to explore, lots to do. Helps to like snow thoughL(

A lot of people call soda pop including the people from my town (rochester, about an hour and a half east) I think buffalo is like many cities in the midwest and western northeast, gets a very undeserved bad rap its not a bad place at all. It is he sunniest city on the east coast durring summer, and yeah it gets a lot of snow durring winter, but even though it sounds like it, 70-90 inches isnt an unamaginable ton. it isnt like there is 90 inches of snow on the ground at one time, that is the total amount, there is a lot of melting that goes on in between the snowfall, it usually stays between 6 inches and 2 feet from late november to late february or very early march, and then you will get an occasional inch or two in mid march. and the roads usually stay clear and everything doesnt shut down like it does when it snows in the south, were i spent the worst 9 years of my life. it is pretty managable, Rochester gets about the same and its really not that bad. HELLO THEY INVENTED TEH BEST FOOD EVER..... BUFFALO WINGS, NO, THEY AREN'T MADE FROM BUFFALO THE ANIMAL ALL YOU STUPID PEOPLE THAT THINK THAT!.........AND THE AMERKS ARE ROCHESTER'S TEAM!

I'm from Toronto and spend most of my weekends in Buffalo (should tell you something about Toronto) Anyway, Buffalo is a quite, easy city to get around, great places to visit if you know where to look, the peoiple are cool and the shopping is great as well. For what it is, Buffalo is a great city!

barfalo......they call soda 'pop'.....bunch of losers

massiello should be shot and then this city will get going again..you know people its not nice to say bad stuff about other peoples city's...its like going to your home and laughing at it and saying it sucks...u r not nice people!

It was nicer than I'd always heard. Lots of lovely parks and mansions, especially north of downtown. Unfortunately, most of the surrounding area looked pretty polluted, impoverished, and bleak, but that might have been partially due to the prevailing gloomy weather at the time. And this was in August, not February. It's close to Niagara Falls, though, so it's not like there's nothing to do there.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ....

GO BUFFALO GO BILLS AND SABRES AND BISONS AND BRAVES AND GO AMERKS AND NU AND UB AND STB AND GOLDEN GRIFFS AND KILL MESSIELLO AND PATAKI AND GO ALBION PURPLE EAGLES!

On the positive side: Has very friendly people, beautiful old buildings, a great art museum, active nightlife, good theatre, affordable housing and a delightful summer and autumn. It's a great place to go to college. On the down side: the economy has been depressed for years, winter and early spring are cold, snowy and very gloomy, and the city has one of the most ineffective and corrupt government you'll find anywhere. This keeps Buffalo from being what it could be All that aside, I think the positives outwiegh the negitives.

Not the prettiest city in America (it might have a shot at the ugliest) but underrated in terms of liveability and culture. The weather is a problem, though, with some of the least sunny days per year of any town, and a simply jaw-dropping-unbelievable amount of snow.