Buffalo Rising Online

Hi jzis - you'll do just fine in Buffalo on that salary. Rents here are very reasonable and real estate prices incredibly low compared to most other cities! The Lower West Side and the West Village areas would be good areas for you to consider - close to downtown and city hall - also close to Chippewa Street and Allentown, both good areas for entertainment and nightlife. Email me with your contact info and I'll be happy to fill you in on the various neighborhoods!! larrybartolomei@yahoo.com

PS - I'm every bit as busy in Buffalo as I as when I lived in SF and Portland. In fact, I don't have enough time to indulge in everything that I would like to here, so I wouldn't worry about being bored! There's a lot happening in Buffalo right now and I think it's an exciting time to be here. The pace of life is much mellower (and saner, in my opinion) than the big cities. I find it endlessly interesting. And Buffalonians are very friendly and welcoming to newbies.

Hi jzis,

I think you can have a very comfortable life on 50k a year in Buffalo. I would also strongly urge you to live in the city given your worries about boredom. There is a lot happening downtown as far as new housing, especially high end lofts. There are also some new lofts coming at lower prices, and many people think of living in downtown as an adventure. But personally, for a first move here, I'd suggest the Elmwood Village area of the city, from Allentown all the way up Elmwood Avenue to Forest Ave. The streets branching off Elmwood towards the East and West in this area are filled with acres of beautiful old homes, some nice apartment buildings, plus the lively commercial strip. This whole area has a distinct flavor and sense of community. and you'd feel at home very soon. As far as activities in this area: we have lots of bars, some good shopping along Elmwood Avenue, very good variety of restaurants, a superb food co-op, a symphony orchestra, two professional sporst teams, lots of live theater, a first rate museum. If you like live music, we have it everywhere. Buffalo Rising is a great place to get the vibe of the city, as is Artvoice (Check their website). Buffalo has beautiful rental apartments, but you can get great bargains on houses and condos. Two good realtors for city housing are: Holcberg, Inc and Gurney, Becker, and Bourne. Check their websites. With your income you should have no trouble buying a nifty old Victorian house in Allentown or Elmwood/Delaware. Condos are great buys now too. Other good areas to consider: Allentown (close to downtown) and Parkside (by the park, but more sedate), and the West Village (right downtown , near Chippewa St.). But the downtown areas you mentioned are growing, and the apartments I have seen are dramatic if pricy. I'll be happy to tell you more, but that's a start. I moved to Buffalo from NYC over 15 years ago, and I don't regret it a bit. It's a lovely old city with true heart. lots to do, and beautiful countryside to get away to if you want. Good luck and let us know what else we can do for you. Eric

I would just like to second everything that was said already. Especially about living off Elmwood instead of right downtown; you'll only be 5 minutes from City Hall and there is so much more to do on Elmwood.

Best Wishes!

54 grand is plenty to live, here trust me. Our cost of living is one of the lowest in the country, so I wouldn't expect money to be an issue. As for the downtown area, you will find plenty to do. From the thriving Theater District to Chippewa to HSBC Arena, there is plenty to do. And since downtown is growing rapidly, more things are yet to come. Enjoy Buffalo, it has much to offer!

Let me check the Magic 8 Ball:

"It is decidedly so."

If you like city living...you'll love Buffalo! Boredom does not exist in this town...it's simply not allowed here. It isn't a question of affordability...you can live richly here...and on less. We have not regretted our move here from the Seattle area for a minute!

and Larry Bartolomei...he was there for us!

I took a major paycut (from 51k to 40k) to move here from southern california and i'd say that 40k is probably the minimum to live reasonably comfortable. At 50k you should be in real good shape.

Of all places to find this question, it was posted Friday on craigslist under the Buffalo "Cars & Trucks" category: http://buffalo.craigslist.org/car/125129873.html

54k is twice the median household income in BuffaloOeso if 54k isnit comfortable, imagine how uncomfortable the rest of Buffalo is.

read this first...

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20060115/1063258.asp

read this first...

http://www.buffalorising.com/city/archives/2005/10/wassup_downtown_1.php

If I can live in Boston on 45k a year, you can definitely live in Buffalo on 50k (and be surrounded by much nicer people in the process). Hell, you could buy a house, a sail boat, and a slip at the Erie Basin Marina and still be more comfortable than I am.

Read what VEGASbuff (consider the name) recommends but Robinson (NEWS reporter) really went out of his way to cast Buffalo in a negative light which is a common pastime for NEWS reporters. The NEWS is a very negatively valenced news reporting machine. Even when good news is at hand the NEWS' favorite word is "but." The NEWS has a reputation for projecting its own negativity onto the populace saying that there is a negativity among people but don't believe it. Things are percolating here in Buffalo. I have a great deal of both living and visiting experience with mega cities and believe me Buffalo is a town, unlike NYC, where you don't have to wait in line to live. There is a good amount of construction taking place or planned to break ground very soon. This year will see numerous cranes in the air. The waterfront is beginning to happen, inner harbor development, condo's and lofts. Buffalo is a city populated by people with a conscience. People here care about their homes and appreciate public space. The architecture is beautiful not only for the large public buildings but for residences as well. My Toronto friend walks through the Chippewa district (hot night life area juxtaposed with a disproportionalely large theatre district) and says "Toronto, as large as it is, does not have a critical mass of night life entertainment like this; its all spread out and you have to take Taxi's from one venue to the next." Wait till you see Thursday in the square. 50K will do you well here but it won't get you a top notch condo or apartment or even pay your rent for many apts. some of which are in the $2,000's range. After your $4,000 for health care and income taxes, ext. You will do well as a single person. Get into an IRA because the time you spend in Buffalo working (hopefully a long time) will offer you the best opportunity to save for your future. Your entertainment dollar will go far although Hockey can be pricey, ditto that for football and three weeks ago I spent 140.00 for 2 tickets to our world-class Buffalo Philharmonic. You will LOVE all of our seasons. The national media loves to equate snow with misery (the Katrina effect) but I equate it (when it happens) with skiing, hiking and photographing. Niagara Falls in the winter is like a living crystal palace. If you are the type of person who absolutely cannot survive without world class city imersion then Toronto is only about 75 minutes up the Highway. which reminds me of another cool thing about living here: you can routinely leave the United States in 5-10 minutes. Something to think about. Hope you do well wherever you end up.

I have 2 kids , own a home in the suburbs , and make $49,000. Just wanted to say...."WELCOME TO BUFFALO!'

If I lived in Buffalo on what I currently make, I'd be living comfortably. All my bills would be paid and credit cards a thing of the past. (Hell, before I moved away from Buffalo 6 years ago, I was only making $23,500 and while I couldn't do much eating/going out - I was still able to live on my own)

Living in Chicago on what I make is a joke and it is very difficult to make ends meet. I pay through the teeth for rent (can't afford a home here!) and constantly complain about $ per square foot. Sure, gas is cheaper - but it takes you an hour to go anywhere. And I won't even go into other expenses - it is so absurd to pay for stuff that I know would be cheaper back at home.

Anyway, move to Buffalo - you won't regret it! I'm praying my chance to move comes really soon!

As per all the above, you should be very comfortable here with that income. I would recommend living in the Elmwood Village. Allentown also has great neighborhoods. The downtown housing boom is starting to happen, but I think that since you are moving here from out of town you will find it much easier to meet people and be near to shopping, restaurants, etc if you reside in one of these areas. Save your appetite! Food here is fabulous. I moved here from NYC and don't miss it at all (ok, I miss the bagels). If you plan to rent, also be sure to check out Artvoice which comes out on Thursdays. Welcome!

jzis: Buffalo is a welcoming and interesting city in which to live. Try ISPYBUFFALO for an apartment. It is a new site, just up for folks like you coming to town. While we all tend to spend all that we earn, try saving a few dollars to give to charity, or at least a charity event. That way you will be helping the community while meeting with the many like minded charitable people in Buffalo. You will immediatley be a hero by movng to Buffalo and making the inveitable comparisons to the city you presently live in. Despite our cold weather reputation, you will find Buffalo the warmest city in the nation. Surely, boredom will not be a problem! Best of luck, and keep tuned to BuffaloRising for inspirational events, stores and oppotunities.

Right on, bman! I cringe when certain writers (negative nellies) at the NEWS talk doom and gloom. You would think from the referenced article, that everywhere else is just booming, and Bflo is ready to fall off the face of the Earth. I think neither is the case.

Jeesh..I live in NYC comfortably for about that salary so you should be fine in Buffalo! My only advice is...when looking for rentals in Buffalo always note if Gas & Electric are included in the rent $$. I had cheap rent in Buffalo but I wouldn't describe my utilitles in the winter as cheap... I used to gasp when I opened the bill. Most likely because I lived in an older Elmwood area apartment with lots of drafts...I swear I could actually see oodles of $20 & $50 dollar bills flying out the window.

My husband and I currently live downtown in one of the few single family homes. We love being a handful of footsteps from Spot Coffee, nightlife, the theatre district, the Market Arcade movie theater, free concerts, the Sabres, our gym, our church, our post office, our library, our bank...you get the picture! As more people move downtown, more retail is opening as well. It's also incredibly convenient to the rapid transit system, blocks from Allentown, and a short walk to Elmwood Village. Buffaloplace.com is the best resource designed specifically for downtown living. It will put you in direct contact with the lofts, apartments, condos, etc. that are available for renting and buying.

hello jzis, You'll do fine in buffalo on 50k. The best area is the Elmwood Strip. I own a nice home in the Bidwell Pkwy Area with two rentable apartments. 1 is currently available(two bdrm, wood floors, nice woodwork, nice view of the pkwy -$750/mo includes all utilities & appliances. The area has plenty of activities(ex: farmers market, concerts,etc) plenty of restaurants,cafe's and clubs. The area is safe, lively and cosmopolitan, It's about two miles from the City Hall Area and much safer and active most hours of the day. Traffic and parking is much more avaiable and safer. My phone is 716-885-5835. Buffalo is the easiest place to make new friends. You'll love it here: it;s the "City of Good Neighbors".

I make 54K a year and rent in Buffalo. In the past two years I have been able to live comfortably and pay off my 20K in consumer debt (and cut up my creditcards), save some cash and drive a decent car (2001). I am also able to travel, eat out and buy something nice to wear from time to time. Oh, and I get to go to concerts, traveling broadway shows and buy some books and cds from time to time.

Larry mentioned the West Village - well - take a click here: www.west-village-buffalo.com.

I used to make close to $60K and had to give up that job for health reasons. I'm under $50K and still able to work on my home here in the West Village, still afford groceries and gas for my truck, still go out to eat, still enjoy movies, shows and plays, still buy nice books to read by the fire that I purchased good wood for, and many other things.

Go for it, and welcome to our home.

Oooops, error on the website - www.westvillage-buffalo.com.

Nice Ran, shameless self promotion... not exactly covert. Welcome back from your trip ;)

I moved from New York City in 2003 and believe Buffalo is a great place to live. Yes, the downtown needs improvement (ie: more retail), but that will come in time. If the waterfront ever gets developed, that will be the engine for progress. You'll love Buffalo.

Buffalo on that salary will be great. I make much less and live in a housing Cooperative called Nickel City. On the corner of Elmwood and North St. which is in Allentown where there is much to see and do. You can check it out at www.nickelcitycoop.org it is a great alternative to living alone.

No doubt you'll be comfortable with that salary. I make a good deal less but because I bought a double, my mortgage is practically paid for every month with my tenents' rent-- something I think everyone should consider! My house is a beautiful old victorian on Richmond and is so big I hardly even notice the residents downstairs. And I'm paying MUCH less than most people pay for rent every month-- to own it.

If you like the Elmwood area (I love it) look into West Side Neighborhood Housing on Connecticut St. They have a bunch of great programs for homeowners/potential homeowners including closing cost assistance, 0% interest loans and home buying classes.

You'll do fine. Good luck and welcome to Buffalo!

I'm sorry to say that, while I did not read all of the other responses, I just must add my own.

Yes. You'll do fine on 50K a year in Buffalo and you'll have plenty left over for entertainment -- much of which is free -- and travel.

I have lived in the Buffalo Niagara my entire life, but just recently talked my husband into moving into the City of Buffalo. We live in North Buffalo, just off Hertel Avenue, and we couldn't be happier. The restaurants, entertainment and action happening every day of the week suits us just fine!

You sound younger than us, though, so I would highly recommend the Elmwood Village as your first choice of a spot to live.

Come, visit. You'll love Buffalo!! You've found the best place to get a feel for the real Buffalo in Buffalo Rising. And, if you want to get a few more details on what's going on, go to www.gobuffaloniagara.com and check out the events calendar. For more specific information, call the Buffalo Visitor Center weekdays at 1-800-BUFFALO!

Get ready to enjoy!

David Robinson is clearly a close-minded asshole who has no business being in this town - please do not take that article to heart for one second. If he is so bitter about things here then he should leave.

But enough negative - you will live so well here on that salary. I always laugh when my firends come back home and look at me with jealous as to how comfortable I live. TO them I say: Why did you leave in the first place!

Single, making 50.000+, you've got it made here. I am married with children, and used to make your salary amount, could'nt get anywhere with it. We chose to move here, despite a broad pay cut, and we've totally got it made. Plenty to do to keep occupied, and stave off any boredom you might have felt elsewhere. Just list your interests, and do some checking, you'll find the list nearly filled, very soon. Please post again, and let's hear what you think, thus far.

I think Buffalo is a great place to be right now especially as a single person, making decent money. I came here for College- NU, and stayed. I love it here. The "Chip Strip" is a great Saturday night out and guests visiting always have a good time, there is something for everyone. I live off of Hertel and love it. It has great charm, warm people, a fun, more low key night life and I have noticed more people my age moving there. I have met some great people in the past 3 years that I have been living there. I am on my second apartment now, I will eventually buy, probably in the Hertel Area. I am from a small town, so I like the small town feeling you get in that area, even though you have all the amenities of the city....

We must begin campaining to have the summer Olympics in Buffalo within the next 5 or 6 years. Lets elect those who can make that happen!

There are three people in my two bedroom apartment splitting $635/mo plus utilities, with a combined income under $30k. Just hanging out downtown and enjoying the Buffalo nitelife at a leisurely pace is a really good time.

There are plenty of cheap shows, a movie theater, Chippewa, clubs for live music, and Allentown. Albright-Knox art museum is a quick busride up Elmwood, free Friday nights.

Buffalo is beginning a renaissance and people are returning to downtown!