10 Reasons Why People Love Buffalo New York

​Buffalo, New York is a city that often flies under the radar, but those who know it well understand exactly why it's such a beloved place to live or visit. From its rich history and architecture to its burgeoning food and arts scenes, "The City of Good Neighbors" has something for everyone. Here are 10 reasons why people love Buffalo.

​The Food Scene

​Buffalo is renowned for its delicious and innovative food offerings, particularly its world-famous chicken wings. You can find incredible wings all over the city, from old-school joints like Duff's Famous Wings to trendier spots putting new spins on the classic dish. But the culinary talent in Buffalo extends well beyond wings to everything from beef on weck sandwiches to creative farm-to-table restaurants using local ingredients.

​The Architecture

​As one of the wealthiest cities in America during the late 19th century, Buffalo is home to a stunning array of architectural gems. Admire the towering Art Deco brilliance of City Hall, marvel at the Romanesque grandeur of the Ellicott Square Building, and stroll along streets lined with beautiful old mansions. Buffalo's architecture provides a glimpse into its gilded past.

The Arts Scene

​Buffalo's arts and cultural offerings are incredibly robust for a mid-sized city. From the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, one of the finest smaller art museums in the country, to theatres like Shea's Performing Arts Center, a stellar example of a grand concert hall, culture vultures will find plenty to appreciate. Local galleries, theatres, and music venues round out an impressive arts landscape.

​The Parks

​Buffalo boasts incredible green spaces and outdoor offerings for an urban area. At the heart of it all is Delaware Park, a sprawling Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park ideal for hiking, biking, or just strolling and taking in the scenery. Nearby, the Botanical Gardens and Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House offer additional retreats into nature and architectural beauty.

The Sports

Buffalonians are among the most dedicated sports fans around, packing arenas and stadiums to passionately cheer on their beloved teams. The Buffalo Bills have one of the best fan bases in the NFL, filling the rowdy and iconic Highmark Stadium every home game. Downtown's KeyBank Center is home to the NHL's Buffalo Sabres, an Original Six hockey franchise.

The Festivals

Summer in Buffalo means an almost non-stop lineup of fun festivals. Taste delicious foods and enjoy live music at the Taste of Buffalo, the nation's largest two-day food festival. Catch an outdoor concert at one of the city's many summer music festivals. Or check out the offbeat Dyngus Day celebrations, started by Polish immigrants, complete with polka and pączki (Polish doughnuts).

The Nightlife

Young and young-at-heart locals know that Buffalo, NY has an incredibly vibrant nightlife scene. From trendy cocktail bars and craft breweries to high-energy dance clubs and honkytonks with live country music, there are options to suit every vibe. The Chippewa Strip downtown and Elmwood Village areas are major nightlife hubs.

​The Diversity

Buffalo is one of the most diverse cities in America, with residents representing a true melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. This diversity infuses the city with incredible culinary offerings, unique customs and traditions, and an open and welcoming spirit for people from all walks of life.

The Location

Tucked along the shores of the shimmering Lake Erie and the thundering Niagara River, Buffalo enjoys an enviable location. Spend sunny days on the beaches along the lake or head to breathtaking Niagara Falls, one of the world's great natural wonders, just a short drive away. Buffalo's proximity to Canada offers easy access to explore Toronto and other parts of Ontario too.

The Cost of Living

​Despite all that Buffalo has to offer, it remains one of the most affordable bigger cities in the U.S. Housing costs are low compared to other major metro areas, while prices for things like groceries, utilities, and entertainment are also quite reasonable. That affordability contributes greatly to the high quality of life for Buffalo residents.

​With its perfect blend of big-city amenities and small-town friendliness, it's easy to understand why Buffalo has such a devoted following among both locals and visitors alike. From its food to its fun, there's just something special about The Queen City.

Weather in Buffalo, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Buffalo best known for when it comes to food?

​Buffalo is world-famous for its delicious chicken wings. Spots like Duff's Famous Wings serve up iconic, no-frills Buffalo wings, while other restaurants put creative twists on the classic dish. The city's culinary talent extends well beyond wings to dishes like beef on weck sandwiches too.

What makes Buffalo's architecture so special?

Buffalo enjoyed immense wealth in the late 19th century, which is reflected in its stunning architectural gems from that era. The Art Deco City Hall, Romanesque Revival Ellicott Square Building, and stately old mansions give Buffalo an incredibly impressive historic cityscape to admire.

What are some of the top arts/cultural attractions in Buffalo?

​The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is one of the nation's best smaller art museums. Shea's Performing Arts Center is an outstanding example of a grand, historic theatre. Other highlights include local galleries, theatres, music venues, the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House.

What are some of the most popular outdoor spaces and parks in Buffalo?

Delaware Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, is a sprawling urban oasis perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens and the Frank Lloyd Wright Martin House Complex provide additional green spaces and architectural gems.

​How affordable is the cost of living in Buffalo?

​Despite offering big-city amenities, Buffalo remains one of the most affordable major cities in the U.S. Housing costs, groceries, utilities, and entertainment expenses are quite reasonable compared to other metro areas, contributing to a high quality of life for residents.