Western New York
Buffalo, New York
City in Erie County
Western New York's largest city, reborn along its waterfront
Buffalo is the seat of Erie County and the largest city in Western New York, on Lake Erie at the head of the Niagara River. Its downtown, Canalside waterfront, medical campus and historic park system anchor a regional economy built on healthcare, education, finance and advanced manufacturing.
History & Local Character
Buffalo grew explosively in the 19th century as the western terminus of the Erie Canal, becoming a grain, steel and rail center. Its Olmsted-designed parks, grain elevators and early skyscrapers survive, and the city has redeveloped its waterfront and medical corridor since the 2000s.
Housing & Real Estate
Buffalo offers Victorian and Craftsman houses, double-decker flats on the East and West sides, downtown apartments and new waterfront rentals, with some of the lowest housing costs of any large U.S. city.
Restaurants & Shopping
Elmwood Village, Hertel Avenue, Allentown, the West Side and downtown hold a wide range of restaurants, from wings and beef on weck to Burmese, Somali, Italian and Polish cooking, alongside a growing brewery scene.
Schools & Education
Buffalo Public Schools serves the city, with the University at Buffalo, Canisius, D'Youville, Buffalo State and Roswell Park nearby.
Parks & Recreation
Delaware Park, Front Park, Cazenovia Park and the Outer Harbor form the Olmsted park system, with the Buffalo River and Lake Erie waterfront adding trails and boating.
Transportation & Accessibility
I-90, I-190 and I-290 serve the city, with NFTA Metro Rail along Main Street, Amtrak's Exchange Street station and Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Cheektowaga.
Local Businesses
Independent restaurants, shops, breweries, galleries and professional practices line Elmwood, Hertel, Grant Street and Main Street, supported by a strong buy-local culture.
Nearby Attractions
- Canalside
- Buffalo AKG Art Museum
- Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House
- Buffalo and Erie County Naval Park
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Low housing costs for a major city
- Strong architecture and park system
- Growing medical and technology employment
Considerations
- High poverty in parts of the East Side
- Lake-effect snow and long winters
- Regional population decline
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buffalo the largest city in Western New York?
Yes. Buffalo is the largest city in Western New York and the second-largest in New York State.
Is Buffalo on Lake Erie?
Yes. Buffalo sits at the eastern end of Lake Erie, where the Niagara River begins.