While some people understand immediately when I tell them I’m leaving Washington, DC, there are some who question what it is that pulls me to Buffalo. After all, I didn’t grow up there. I don’t have family in the area. I’m not relocating for work.
I also can’t blame the moving decision on my fiancé. Although he grew up in Buffalo — he loves the city, knows the area well, and is looking forward to living there again — I was the one who suggested we move.
Here are 10 reasons why I’m moving from Washington, DC to Buffalo:
1) Buffalo needs us. I’m using a rust belt city as my example, but this could be applied to any city in the U.S. with a declining population. Chances are if you live in a large city, it doesn’t need you. It’s already a destination in itself and it will go on just fine without your presence.
For cities that could use a population boost, newcomers matter. I fully expect to be asked by those I meet why I decided to relocate, and I’ll be happy to tell them why I choose Buffalo.
2) Opportunity. It’s easier to make a name for yourself. I’m not talking about celebrity or wanting people to look up to you; I mean being recognized as someone who wants to be involved, someone who wants to help. Paul and I are behind-the-scenes people. He’s more outwardly social than I am, but he’s also extremely modest and self-deprecating when it comes to his talents.
While writing a city-centric blog may not seem like a very behind-the-scenes thing to do, I’ve always expressed myself best through writing. I’m not nervous about publishing online; I’ve been blogging on various websites since September 2002. However, while I intend to immerse myself in Buffalo events both large and small, I’ll have to get over my nervousness about talking to new people. Every single time. It gets easier but it never fully goes away.
If I can help Buffalo by highlighting my experiences on this blog, I will feel I have made a difference.
3) Strong communities. Many organizations and small businesses are doing fantastic things to revitalize and strengthen their communities. PUSH Buffalo. Massachusetts Avenue Project. Five Points Bakery. Buffalo ReUse. The Foundry. All of these were started by people who saw a need in their community and did something about it. I think that’s pretty darn awesome.
4) You can be a self-starter. While many great initiatives exist, there’s always room for more. If you identify a need, you can act on it. Who knows? You may even be the first to try.
5) Breathtaking buildings. Buffalo is well known for its architecture. From the large structures downtown (City Hall, Guaranty Building, Liberty Building), to the Darwin Martin House, to the Richardson Olmstead Complex and Central Terminal. There’s a lot to admire.
However, when it comes to the city’s architecture, my favorite examples are the homes. There are a ton of houses in Buffalo which are over 100 years old — they’re gorgeous. They have a history and character that’s impossible to find in newer structures. I don’t know what Paul and I will buy when we’re ready to become homeowners, but I strongly suspect it will be an old home.
Yes, there are also many houses in disrepair (entire streets, entire neighborhoods), but in my mind they represent a lot of untapped possibility.
6) The obvious. By which I mean those factors I’ve already mentioned, but which are hugely important and played a significant role in our decision to move. A smaller population means less traffic and lower housing costs (more square footage for less money). While salaries may be lower, so is the general cost of living.
When I asked Paul if he had anything to add to the list, these are the four examples he came up with:
7) Lower food prices. The cost of food/alcohol in restaurants and bars tends to be lower than what we see in DC, for the same quality. You also don’t have to deal with “absurd wait times” (his words) to get into a nice place.
8) Safer (in terms of not being the site of a large-scale emergency). Buffalo is less likely to be the target of a terrorist attack. This isn’t a factor that weighs into my decision to move, but I realize some people may consider it. (Including my mother. She’s always been nervous that I live in Washington, DC and is appalled we don’t have a set plan in place in case of an emergency.)
9) Music. Buffalo is small enough that musical events are cheaper to attend, but the city is large enough to attract popular acts. (Paul gave the example of 1996 when Pearl Jam had recently released a new album. The band refused to play in venues that used Ticketmaster, so their U.S. tour consisted of only 14 shows in 12 cities — one of which was Buffalo. Paul wasn’t able to get a ticket because they sold out so quickly, but he did see them at a later date.)
10) Sports. Buffalo has professional football and hockey teams, as well as Triple-A baseball. Lower prices are a factor here as well — it will cost you less money to attend a Buffalo Bills home game than any other team in the NFL. (I’ve never been to a professional football game and Paul is a huge fan, so we definitely plan to attend a home game during the 2013 season.)
I made it through all ten examples before realizing I forgot to mention the grain elevators. And the outstanding parks, museums, and theaters. It’s impossible for one blog post to do Buffalo justice.
What else have I missed?
This blog is so fun! I came to Buffalo for graduate school and 2 years later decided to stay. My boyfriend and I just bought one of those over 100 year old homes you wrote about and we are so excited! It’s refreshing to read positive things about my city.
Thank you, Diana! I’m glad you can relate. I think it’s very cool that you decided to stay in Buffalo after graduate school…and VERY AWESOME that you guys just bought an old house. I’m jealous!
I was born & raised in Niagara falls NY and went to college at Buff State. I migrated to Atlanta in ’73, just as the area was turning to rust. Stayed away for many years, but went back to Buffalo last summer for a college newspaper staff reunion. I was absolutely BLOWN AWAY with all the progress & improvements that city has made. Fell in love with Elmwood Village, and owned up to the fact that I’m still a Western New Yorker at heart. The Great Lakes are being cleaned up, along with the river system. The city is finally starting to get back on it’s feet, and I’m very glad to see that.
Thank you for sharing your story, Ken! I’ve read a number of articles written by people who grew up in Buffalo, came back years late, and were pleasantly surprised by all the changes. I think that’s awesome!
Hi!
I loved your article! You’re so right about the strong communities, its really easy to feel like your a part of something in Buffalo. There are lots of groups that will welcome you with open arms. You should look into the hip-hop community when you come. Verve dance studio has Battle at Buffalo every month and for 5 dollars you can see truly amazing dancers. Most people don’t know how large our hip-hop scene is but its actually quite extensive.
Also our health conscious community is pretty unique. In addition to the dancers I just referenced there are lot of runners (talk to the people at Fleet Feet if you get a chance, they’re real sweethearts and the owners really try to build a community). Also there are raw food meet-ups which are pretty cool and would definitely give you something to blog about. As well as lots of yoga places and if I’m not mistaken there are free classes during the summer time by the waterfront.
Welcome home!
Anna
I really appreciate your recommendations. The hip-hop performance at Verve sounds like a lot of fun (and it’s something I hadn’t come across yet in all of my Buffalo research).
So many things to do…thanks again for pointing some of them out. :)
I would add that there is a lively arts scene. By arts I mean both traditional arts, like classical music and theater, but also cutting edge arts in new media, live bands, and new art.
If you are unemployed or underemployed, it’s cheaper to exist in Buffalo than Washington, DC. You’ll probably find something to keep you afloat.
Well, I agree with you that Buffalo is a less expensive city to survive in than Washington, DC, but we don’t plan to move without jobs. That’s a little too scary for us, even though we have savings. :)
Very much looking forward to checking out the arts scene!
But let me ask this one thing. Why are you moving.
You already know why, dad. I’ve told you many times. :)
Reason Number 11. The four seasons represent beauty in nature beyond compare! The Winter season is short and the opportunities to enjoy the virgin freshness of a new snowfall are plenty. Skiing, X-Country skiing, snowmobiling, ice-skating, sledding are just a few activities surrounding Buffalo. Spring is a time for new beginnings…new life emerges and re-energies the possibilities for more exercise, loose weight, start a hobby, stop smoking, or find new friends. Summer in Buffalo with it’s moderate daytime heat and cool evenings is beyond compare! Two Great Lakes, Niagara Falls, the Erie Canal, rivers and streams for endless water activities. The park systems, biking paths, public tennis courts, 50 plus golf courses, motocross parks, Lancaster & Holland Speedway, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, bocce, volleyball, and any sport you could consider is at your finger-tip. The Fall foliage in the hills of Ellicottville or Chautauqua Lake is majestic. The richness of color and scenery cannot be captured completely on camera. The fresh, crisp air…the deep forest smell, playing in the fallen leaves requires active participation to fully appreciate the fall season.
I love that! You’re a fellow Buffalo enthusiast, I see. One day I want to be as knowledgeable about all of Buffalo’s options as you are. :)
So glad you mentioned the housing stock. When I’m back visiting I love nothing more than to drive around and see the variety and the quality of the houses. And it’s amazing how widespread this quality is, north to south, east to west. Similarly, I have been noticing a bit more disrepair. This is not good, as that beautiful work will be either impossible or too expensive to recreate. I so look forward to when I can move back to Buffalo.
The disrepair isn’t good. Hopefully the city/people will be able to figure out a good solution. But yes, I definitely enjoy looking at all the beautiful homes. There are so many of them in Buffalo. :)
Loved this! After living in Baltimore & then Philadelphia for a total of 15 years, I am happily back in beautiful Buffalo. You will love it. There is so much to do & the people are wonderful. I am going to retweet your article. :-)
Thank you, Rose! Seems like there are a fair number of people who leave Buffalo and come back (for good reason). Very much looking forward to being there, too. And thanks for the retweet!
Thanks for writing this blog. I moved to Dallas from Buffalo two years ago with my girlfriend. I miss it everyday. It’s very interesting that community is your first reason to move to Buffalo as I feel it is one of Buffalo’s strongest attributes. There is an overwhelmingly strong community there unlike larger cities, i.e. Dallas. Considering you moved with your significant other I’m sure you’ll soon be imbedded in Buffalo and fall in love with it. Another plus is that Buffalo is a mere two hours from Toronto, a fantastic city :)
Have fun! Go Bills!
Thank you for leaving such an awesome comment. I’m impatient every day to get to Buffalo, so I can only imagine how you must feel being away. :)
Go Bills!
Buffalo is a great city for young people and families. I have lived my whole life in WNY and you will come to love the Bills as much as I do and everyone else does. An issue you overlooked that will continue to become more and more of an issue is clean, fresh water. WNY has more clean fresh water than anywhere else in the nation
Thank you, Spring! I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment and fully expect to love WNY as much as you do one day. Definitely can’t complain about an abundance of clean water, either. :)
buffalo is like an old shoe.if it feels good ware it.My kids and i are moving back to the buffalo area this summer.looking forward to comming home.buffalo is on the rise.
I completely agree, Dominic! Glad to hear about your upcoming return. :)
I have lived in NYC, Chicago, Ohio, SF, and Phoenix. While each of these places has their unique and special qualities, I am very happy after 20 years to move back to my hometown. It is “an easy place to live.” Meaning no traffic, good schools and a great place to raise a family.
That’s exactly how I feel, Ellen! Buffalo isn’t my hometown but I hope to live there for many years to come. And hopefully play a part in making it a better place to live for others as well.