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Moving to Buffalo in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Buffalo.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Buffalo.

Planning to move to Buffalo?

Buffalo is a city in New York that offers a blend of experiences. The city generally offers a more affordable cost of living compared to other major cities. Housing is available at reasonable prices. The city is known to have harsh winters with snowfalls and cold temperatures. Buffalo earned the nickname “The City of Good Neighbors” because of its friendly residents and a strong sense of community. The city is the birthplace of Buffalo chicken wings and has a diverse culinary scene. There are several recreation options in the city. Before you move to Buffalo, explore it in detail through our moving guide-

Quick Facts of Buffalo

Here are some unique facts about Buffalo-

The Anchor Bar in Buffalo is the birthplace of Buffalo Wings.

Buffalo boasts the largest Dyngus Day celebration in the US.

The growth of Buffalo was significantly influenced by Erie Canal’s Western Terminus.

The “Queen City” nickname of Buffalo reflects its historical prominence.

Buffalo plays a crucial role in the development of the Automobile Industry.

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Top reasons to move to Buffalo

Before you move to a new city, you must find some good reasons to move there. The biggest step of moving must give you happiness-

Cost of living—Buffalo's cost of living is significantly low, and the major contributor is housing. The city is an attractive option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly location.

Job Market—The city has a growing job market with healthcare and education as flourishing industries.

Outdoor Recreation—The city is located near Lake Erie and Niagara River and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun including boating, fishing, hiking, and more. There are several parks and green spaces designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Sports Culture—Buffalo is home to sports fans and home to several teams including the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Buffalo Sabres (NHL).

Strong Community—The city has a strong sense of community with friendly residents. It also earned the nickname “City of Good Neighbors”. Newcomers feel very homely because of the friendly culture.

Pros & Cons of Living in Buffalo

Learning about the pros and cons of living in a new city will help you prepare for the challenges. Here are the pros and cons of living in Buffalo-

Pros of living in Buffalo	Cons of living in Buffalo
The cost of living in the city is affordable including housing, groceries, and utilities	The city is known for heavy snowfall and cold temperatures, which can be challenging for some people
The city boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene and has rich architectural heritage	The public transportation in the city is not extensive or efficient
The city has friendly residents and a strong sense of community	Some areas face economic challenges due to ongoing revitalization
Buffalo has a strong and enthusiastic sports fan base	Older infrastructure can lead to concerns about water quality
The city has a network of parks, green spaces, and is close to Lake Erie and Niagara Falls	Traffic congestion is an issue, especially during rush hours

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Best Neighborhoods in the Buffalo

Buffalo is nicknamed the “City of Good Neighborhoods”, and finding a good neighborhood is important when you move to a new city. As soon as you move to Buffalo, you will feel homely, and all the neighborhoods have something to offer. Here is the list of some of the best neighborhoods in Buffalo-

Elmwood Village – This is a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of shops, cafes and restaurants. It is very walkable and has a strong sense of community. This location is considered a popular choice for young professionals and families.

North Buffalo – This neighborhood is a residential area with a mix of apartments and single-family homes. The location is a good option for those looking for a suburban feel.

Allentown – This location gives a bohemian vibe and is an entertainment district. This location is well-known for its historic architecture and lively nightlife with bars, and restaurants.

Larkinville – This is a revitalized industrial area with a growing number of businesses and restaurants. It has a trendy atmosphere and community events. If you are a foodie, you will love this location.

Parkside – If you are looking for a neighborhood with beautiful architecture, move here. It offers easy access to green spaces and peaceful areas.

Cost of living in Buffalo

The cost of living is an important parameter to learn about before you plan your move to a new city. The cost of living in Buffalo is relatively affordable when compared to other cities in New York State. Housing is a significant contributor to the low cost of living. All other amenities are available at a cost slightly below the national average. Here is the breakdown for the cost of living in Buffalo-

Category	Buffalo (in USD)
Housing (Rent)	$1,000 - $1,500
Groceries	$300 - $500
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage)	$150 - $250
Transportation	$100 - $200+
Healthcare	$100 - $400+
Goods and Services	$500+

Housing Market in Buffalo

The housing market in Buffalo is currently dynamic and garnered significant attraction. Buffalo’s housing market is identified as one of the hottest housing markets in the US. It offers affordable housing and the demand for the housing has shown a positive growth. The median sale price for a house is around $240,000.

Average rental cost in Buffalo

The average rent of a house in Buffalo varies for a property of different sizes, locations, and types. The average rental cost is around $1,100 to $1,500.

Buffalo job market

Before moving to a new city, it is important to learn about the job market as your future depends on a job. The job market of Buffalo is growing with a diversified economy. There are several sectors contributing to the growth of the job market.

Top Career Options in Buffalo

Here is the breakdown for top career options in Buffalo, their average salary, and entry-level salary-

Job Title	Average Salary	Entry-Level Salary
Anesthesiologist	$404,903	$195,000
Rheumatologist	$341,346	$163,000
Cardiothoracic Surgeon	$316,393	$166,000
Radiologist	$280,292	$138,000
Operator and Truck Driver	$260,308	$136,000
Software Engineer	$76,753	$75,000 - $89,000
Entry-Level Engineer	N/A	$59,480

Median Salary in Buffalo

In Buffalo, the median household income falls within the range of the mid $50,000's per year.

Transportation And Navigation In Buffalo

Quality of life also depends on transportation and navigation in the city. Buffalo has a mix of public and private options to get around the city. Public Transportation- Buffalo’s primary transportation provider is Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) which operates a network of buses that cover the city and surrounding areas. There is Metro Rail that provides a north-south connection through the city. Personal Transportation- Many residents rely on personal vehicles to commute through the city. The city has neighborhoods that are walkable and bikeable. Navigation- The city has a network of streets that facilitates navigation. The city has a street grid system and directions for efficient walkability. You can use GPS-based apps to navigate the city.

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Major industries in Buffalo

Buffalo is home to several major industries, including-

Education

Healthcare

Manufacturing

Finance

Technology

Tourism

Trade with Canada

Education System in Buffalo

Finding a good school before moving to a new city will help your children prepare for the big move. Moving is emotionally challenging for children as they have to leave their school and friends, but when you start looking for a new school thing, might excite them. Here, we have listed some of the top schools in the city for easy research-

Elementary Schools in Buffalo
Dodge Elementary School
Maple East Elementary School
Sheridan Hill Elementary School
Ledgeview Elementary School
Elmwood Village Charter School Days Park

Middle Schools in Buffalo
Franklin Middle School
P.S. 195 City Honor School
Nardin Academy
Nicolas School
Tapestry Charter School

High Schools in Buffalo
City Honors School at Fosdick-Masten Park
Williamsville East High School
Williamsville South High School
Clarence Senior High School
Nicolas School

Colleges and Universities in Buffalo
University at Buffalo, SUNY
Buffalo State University, SUNY
Canisius University
D’Youville University
Daemen University

Best things to do in Buffalo

Exploring the new city is the right way to connect with the city. Here are some ideas you can follow when you move into Buffalo-

Explore these cultural and historical attractions including –

Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site

Buffalo Museum of Science

Burchfield Penney Art Center

Buffalo City Hall

You can plan some outdoor activities like –

Ice skating and water activities at Canalside

Natural wonder at Niagara Falls

Hike and watch wildlife at Tift Nature Preserve

Take your family to Buffalo Zoo and catch a Buffalo Sabres game.

Taxes in Buffalo

Get details about different taxes imposed in Buffalo before your move there-

Income Tax- New York State has a progressive tax system with tax rates ranging from 4% to 10.9%. Other than state income tax, all residents have to pay federal income tax.

Sales Tax- In Buffalo, you have to pay sales tax, which is the sum of New York State sales tax and the local sales tax of Erie County. The sales tax rate in Buffalo is 8.75%.

Property Tax- There are property taxes in Buffalo, if you own a home you have to pay it. The tax rates depend on the location and assess value of your property.

Fuel tax- There are taxes levied on gasoline and other fuels in Buffalo.

Type of insurance required in Buffalo

Each state in the US has laws regarding the insurance requirements. Before you move to Buffalo learn about the insurance requirements.

Auto Insurance- This is mandatory insurance for all drivers in New York State. You must have liability coverage to register your vehicle when you move into Buffalo. Here is the breakdown for the minimum liability coverage-

• $25,000 for bodily injury (not resulting in death) per person.

• $50,000 for bodily injury resulting in death per person.

• $50,000 for bodily injury (not resulting in death) for two or more people in one accident.

Homeowners Insurance- This is also a mandatory insurance that all the residents of Buffalo must have. This will protect your house and belongings from damage or loss caused by different events.

Renters Insurance- If you rent, then this insurance will protect your belongings from damage or loss caused by events like fire, theft, and other covered perils.

Health Insurance- This insurance will not be mandated by law but it is essential as it covers all medical expenses.

Life Insurance- This insurance provides financial support to your family or friends in the event of your death.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.

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