5 Things I Didn't Expect When Moving to the City

1.) Pride
There is a genuine feeling of pride by people that live in the city.  Going to high school in South Buffalo - I noticed it there.  I assumed it was a South Buffalo Irish thing.  Now, I live in North Buffalo and feel it too.  People are very proud to be from the city.

2.) Neighbors that Become Family
Figuratively and Literally!  I have developed amazing friendships with my neighbors.  City of Good Neighbors doesn't come close enough.....city of extraordinary neighbors is more like it. I say literally, because my father and step mother also moved into the neighborhood after a year of us being here.  My sister moved in with us two years later.  Now, the rest of our family talks about wanting to move here too.  They see how special it is!  And quite a few of our neighbors have their immediate family within walking distance.  Just ask the O'Sullivan compound in Parkside ;)

3.) Bats
OK, I wish I could only state positive facts about living in the city.  But, this took me by surprise.  There are friggin bats all over the city.  Living in Parkside, we have had 8 live bats over the past 5 years and 2 dead ones (possibly 9 as my husband is on the hunt for one right now after my dog started shaking).  The first one actually tested positive for rabies.  I have an exterminator scheduled, which will likely end up costing a couple grand.  Many of my other neighbors experience this, as well as friends in Elmwood Village and South Buffalo. So, have your tennis rackets, brooms, and coffee cans ready. Who would have thought?

4.) You Become a Preservationist
A preservationist by definition is: a supporter or advocate of the preservation of something, especially of historic buildings and artifacts.  In order to live in, and appreciate, a city home - you pretty much become a preservationist by default.  Odds are, you aren't living in a newer home.  In fact, it seems as if the older your home is - the more coveted it is.  And if you have original woodwork that's not painted...you are considered the "lucky ones."

5.) People Literally Pay and Line Up to See Inside Your House
The general public are infatuated with the history and architecture of older city homes.  All throughout the city, there are Home Tours: Parkside, Linwood, Delaware, Elmwood.  I had my home on the Parkside Tour this past May. Over 650 people walked through!

What Buffalo Neighborhood Do You Belong In?

Parkside

Love the hustle and bustle of a big city, but prefer to not be smack in the middle of everything? This is a perfect family friendly location. You are in the city, but surrounded by greenery. Delaware Park & The Zoo are in the neighborhood, allowing you to enjoy nature while living in the city. This national landmark neighborhood showcases their homes each year on a home tour. There is so much history and character to this setting - including two Frank Lloyd Wright homes. The neighbors are known for hospitality and during summer months, you can find them gathering at different homes for their Wine on Wednesdays!

Allentown/Westside

If you like a liberal, all-embracing neighborhood with diversity & art....this area is for you!

Allentown - You will find a lot of small, unique, eclectic shops. This artsy, laid back neighborhood is also a great place to bar hop at night. Whether you want a dive bar setting at a place like Nietzsche's or rooftop cocktails at The Mansion. The charming architecture includes all styles from rowhouses, to Renaissance style, Queen Anne, Neo-Classical, and more. Take a walk down Franklin and you will feel the European influence. This hopping neighborhood also has many live performance venues: open mics at the bars, street performers, or a full orchestra at Kleinhan's Music Hall. 

Want to be part of what is up and coming? The Westside area was on a downward spiral with crime until eager people moved and demanded change. Homes are being renovated, restaurants are moving in, the art scene is flourishing. Beautiful traffic circles with big old houses and an active castle armory. 

Downtown

There are numerous pockets within Downtown - the Cobblestone District, The waterfront, Theater District, Chippewa (clubs/bars), and Niagara Square, for example. Live in one of the loft style apartments converted from historic buildings. Live in a high rise and enjoy a view of the Lake. Walk to restaurants, bars, sporting events, and the theater. Ride the subway from one end to the other. Appreciate the commercial architecture: City Hall, Guaranty Building, Market Arcade, M&T Dome, Electric Tower, and more. Be in the midst of the city's events - Taste of Buffalo, St. Patrick's Day Parade, Canalside, First Night New Year's Eve Ball Drop, and many other fun events. If you need to be in the center of the action and enjoy being surrounded by charming high rise buildings, downtown is for you.

Elmwood Village

Boutiques, unique eateries, a large farmer's market, coffee shops, bars, summer concert series - this strip has so much to offer. Like Allentown, they have an annual Art Festival. With Buffalo State College present, this is a large college aged crowd area. (But, it is not a rowdy bunch). This neighborhood is home to the Albright Knox Museum and Historical society. Much culture and diversity.

Hertel/North Buffalo

Home to the Italian festival, but quickly becoming a much more diverse area than just "Little Italy." Numerous antique shops fill the area as well as boutiques, salons, restaurants, and bars. Close knit community. On the last Friday of the month, Shop, Rock, and Stroll through Hertel Ave, when shops stay open late and musicians line the street.

Black Rock

Black Rock is yet another up and coming section of Buffalo. The Amherst and Grant neighborhood is filling up with artists and restaurants. Further North, a community is under development with high end apartments and commercial space. This area, along with Riverside, are Buffalo's only true waterfront neighborhoods. Unfortunately, crime is still high in this area. But, investors are starting to recognize the ability this neighborhood has to sustain as a thriving and beautiful area. If you want to be part of a change for the better and willing to put up with some crime (for now), you may be making a great investment.

South Buffalo

This area has always been (and I guess, always will be) known for the Irish heritage. A running joke that a bar and a church could be seen on every corner. Reasonable pricing on homes, the large Cazenovia Park, and a laid back neighborly atmosphere.

The Buffalo Subway...."system"?

The definition of a system is: a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole.  I question if we are truly a subway "system" as we run one straight line.  We aren't connecting much of the city at all....just providing a commute option to downtown (if you already live within city limits and are near Main Street).  

But....hey its a start!  Although, it has been 30 years and we haven't seen it expand beyond the 6 mile stretch.  This was not how the subway was intended.  It was originally implemented with plans of expansion to over 45 miles (see here).  But, that has not happened.

Buffalo is growing, people are flocking to the city, tourism is rising, campuses are expanding.  We really need to see the subway expand with the city.  If we want to be a big city, we need to keep up with the rest.  Public transportation is a key factor to city living.

I live about a half mile away from a subway stop.  I have used it a total of two times.  The convenience isn't there.  It closes at midnight, therefore, not providing a solution for late night rides.  And to be honest, I don't feel safe using it.  Both times I have used it, it has an eerie feeling of emptiness and dirtiness.  Too often, I have driven by the stop and saw policy activity.  Taking the subway isn't "the norm" in Buffalo because it hasn't been worthwhile.  That needs to change.

I would LOVE if it had a direct line to the Buffalo airport.  I would use it every time I flew out to avoid the cost for parking.  I heard rumors of connecting the UB campuses by subway - which would be helpful to many students that are from out of town without cars.  I say, connect to Niagara Falls....to the Galleria Mall....closer to Elmwood....closer to Delaware Park....to anywhere!  Let's make the subway useful!

Buffalo: Born & Brewed

Buffalo has always had a reputation of enjoying their alcohol.  Heck, our bars are open til 4am. But, Buffalo is maturing in this scene.  We are beyond just the drinkers....we are the makers!

Breweries (Beer)
My favorite beer, Rusty Chain, is made by Flying Bison on Ontario Street in Buffalo.  I rarely drank much beer, but upon sampling this at a Parkside beer tasting event...I was hooked!

Stop by to fill up your growler at Community Beer Works on Lafayette.  Or try one of the newest Buffalo beers, which just hit the market: New Buffalo Brewing.  Dare to try some Buffalove flavors: loganberry wit, Sponge Candy Stout....visit the Resurgence Brewery on Niagara Street. It seems as though breweries in Buffalo are popping up everywhere.

Breweries (Ciders)
Our region has a lot of apple trees. So let's put them to good use - hard cider!  There are actually over 20 cider breweries in the area (and growing).  So far, I have only tried two: Blackbird ciders & McKenzie's.

Wineries
New York state has the second largest wine production in the US, next to California.  In Buffalo, we have the Niagara Wine Trail to the north and Lake Erie Wine Country to the south.  Cross over the Canadian border and you have Niagara on the Lake's wine trail.  Travel a couple more hours east for the finger lake wine region.  Fairly unique to our general region is the ice wine, a sweet dessert wine made from frozen grapes.  We are also known for catawba grapes. What was once mainly sweet wines, we are seeing  a growth in drier wines too.

Distilleries
I was one of those that stood in line and luckily obtained two bottles of Lockhouse Distillery's vodka the weeks before Christmas 2013.  This was the first distillery to open in Buffalo since prohibition!  They used the concord grapes from our wine region, as opposed to the typical grains.

On 4th of July, BFLO Distilling Company released there first batch of The One Foot Cock Bourbon Whiskey.




Based on all this info, I think Buffalo is becoming self-sufficient in regards to sustaining our habits!

Tops Vs Wegmans

Ask most people in Buffalo what their favorite grocery store is and they likely respond: Wegmans. No surprise as Wegmans has repeatedly been rated the number one grocery chain in the country.  I agree with all the reasons people love Wegmans: the deli, the family packs, dinner meal options, the bakery, the organic foods, the service, etc.  But, in all honesty, I prefer Tops.  Shocking, I know.  But let me explain why.

#1.) I am a sucker for their Monopoly game.  Rightfully so - this year I won $5,000!

#2.) For every $100 I spend, I get 10 cents off gas.  I don't know about you - but 40 cents off each gallon is very appreciative.

#3.) Manager's Specials - There are always manager special barrels.  For example, I stocked up on 69 cent bags of frozen organic fruits, vegetables, and grains (regularly $3 a bag or more).

#4.) SALES.....they have so many weekly sales.  Yes, I know Wegmans, in general, has lower prices.  But I don't get that feeling of satisfaction when you stock up on a good sale price.

#5.) Taste of Buffalo is my favorite summer event....it's the country's largest 2 day food festival.  You know who is the largest sponsor?  Tops!

I, in no way, am anti-Wegmans.  I appreciate all they offer and their ability to secure a strong following. But, price is often my bottom line.  I am thrifty and frugal.  Tops always wins on that as I only purchase items if they are on sale.

And by the way....I also love Price Rite!  But, that's not as common a chain to compare.  But, if  you haven't shopped here - check them out.  Incredible pricing!

I present to you....the Queen City

I grew up hearing people refer to Buffalo as "The Queen City." Various stores and shops have used the term as well:  Queen City Wine & Liquor, Queen City Bookstore, Queen City Taxi, Queen City Farm, and so on.  Not until last week did I ever stop to wonder what "The Queen City" means.

What it truly means is a city that is the second largest city in the state (or region).  Buffalo is far from the only city to have had this title. Just Google"Queen City" and you will find numerous cities claiming Queen City title-ship.

Not only is Buffalo referred to as Queen City for being second largest to NYC, but we were called the Queen City of the Great Lakes for being second largest to Chicago (which is on Lake Michigan).

The first recorded usage of this term in reference to Buffalo was in the 1840s.  NYC had over 300,000 people.  Buffalo was the Queen with rapid growth occurring.  In 1845, it was almost 30,000 people and just ten years later...nearly 75,000 people.  Today, NYC is over 8 million and Buffalo remains the Queen city with approximately 260,000 people (1 million when counting the suburbs).  We are proud  of our nickname and with our continued upward growth....intend to hold on to it for quite some time.

Cheer(ios) for Buffalo!

We are well aware that Buffalo smells like Cheerios!   But did you ever really think about the history and impact it has on Buffalo?  While on vacation, did you ever wonder if their Cheerios came from Buffalo?  It is easy to tell.  On each box there is a code - if it begins with "BU" - it came from Buffalo.

Did you know that the oldest building on the Buffalo property is from 1903 and General Mills began flour production there in 1904 (Gold Medal Flour)? That's over 110 years. How many other companies in Buffalo can you name that have been in continuous  business that long?  Nothing comes to my mind.  They remained strong during the country's recessions and even during the Great Depression.  They stayed put in Buffalo, when many other companies left us.


Cheerios didn't begin production there until May, 1941 under the name CheeriOats. It would have been a year earlier if the building had not caught on fire, one week prior to opening.  The Edward M. Cotter fireboat actually helped put out the flames.

I, personally, would love to have an opportunity to take a peak inside this amazing piece of Buffalo's history and future.  But, there are no tours of the factory or visits allowed.  So, if any employee wants to sneak me in...let me know!

Embrace the Taste...of Buffalo

What's not to love at Taste of Buffalo?  It is an opportunity to eat from at least 50 different restaurants.  You spend as much, or as little money as you want.  Even if you don't eat anything (which seems impossible)....it is just fun to people watch and enjoy the entertainment: culinary shows, bands, a beer tent, a kidzone, and various vendors providing fun activities.

And then there is the food and the wine!  Each year, these are the standard items I always get:
1.) Merritt wine slushy (or 2...or 3 if it is a hot day)
2.) Junkyard dog from Ms. Goodies
3.) Hazlitt Red Cat wine
4.) Chester's crawfish (which is not going to be there this year)
5.) At the end of the weekend I always use up my remaining tickets at Bavarian Nut Company

For 2014, my "must-try" list includes:
1.) The Lodge's ceviche cup
2.) Sun Restaurant's black rice sun roll
3.) T.C. Wheeler's Nutella Pizza with almonds

The dish size you receive is pretty decent....or some items have a smaller sample size if you only want a bite or two.  There is a healthy option available at each tent...for those not willing to budge from their diets.  For me, healthy eating is thrown out the window on this weekend!  This is an opportunity to try out all the different restaurants and decide if they are worth visiting for a full meal.

This year, at the Culinary Stage, I am beyond excited to watch the canolli competition (one of my favorite desserts). My favorite juicery, Ashkers, will also be showcasing the health benefits of fresh squeezed juices.  Hey canolli makers....any chance you can prove health benefits of eating canollis? Haha!  And of course.....the beer and vodka demonstrations.  Lockhouse Distillery and Community Beer Works - two of my favorite Buffalo companies!

And you know what's REALLY GREAT about Taste of Buffalo??  They are not-for-profit.  The proceeds go to various organizations in Buffalo: Boy Scouts, Shea's Spotlight, Hospice, and Meals on Wheels to name a few of the 15 charities.  Plus, there are scholarships provided to high school students planning on attending college for hospitality. So the more you eat....the more you are helping people.  How awesome is that?

There have only been a couple years in which I missed attending Taste of Buffalo - the nation's largest 2 day food festival!  My family has been involved as far back as I can remember. Personally, I have volunteered with ticket sales, entertainment, logistics, and security.   This year is extra special, because it will be the first time my twins, Estelle and Louis, will start joining in on the tradition.  Hopefully I will see YOU there too!

To plan out your menu....check out http://www.tasteofbuffalo.com/app/restaurant

How Buffalo are you?

How many of the following 50 things have you done:

1.) The eternal flame in Chestnut Ridge Park
2.) Attended a Thursday in Canalside concert...or Thursday in the Square
3.) Took a tour of the WWII warships at the Naval Park (not just walk by....actually toured)
4.) Took a ride on the Miss Buffalo (or Spirit of Buffalo or Moondance Cat)
5.) Went to a Shakespeare in the Park
6.) Been to Food Truck Tuesday in Larkinville
7.) Rode the Maid of the Mist
8.) Walked the Cave of the Winds
9.) Been to the Erie County Fair....more than once
10.) Been to the St Patrick's Day parade (1st Ward or downtown)
11.) Rode in a float at the St. Patty's Day parade
12.) Ate until you were stuffed at Taste of Buffalo
13.) Put an entry in for the car raffle at Queen of Heaven lawn fete
14.) Toured the Darwin Martin House
15.) Been to The Buffalo Zoo
16.) Been to the Italian Festival on Hertel
17.) Seen Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup painting at the Albright Knox Museum
18.) Been to Allentown Art Festival
19.) Been to Elmwood Art Festival
20.) Walked through Griffis Sculpture Park
21.)Toured Forest Lawn Cemetery
22.) Ate at Anchor Bar...and Duffs....but don't know what the big deal is
23.) Took a day tip to Jamestown for the Lucy Desi Museum
24.) Took a field trip (or family trip) to Genesee Country Village
25.) Shopped at Vidler's 5&10
26.) Took the Niagara Wine Trail
27.) Been skiing at Kissing Bridge or Holiday Valley
28.) Been to a Dyngus Day celebration
29.) Taken the Buffalo subway....and wished it had more destinations
30.) Flown out of Buffalo Niagara Airport
31.) Sang "Low Bridge, Everybody Down" while on the Lockport Canal
32.) Been to Botanical Gardens
33.) Rode the carrousel at the Herschell's Museum
34.) Took a day trip to the Jell-o Museum
35.) Walked through Letchworth Park
36.) Been to the Original Kazoo Company Museum
37.) Watched a performance at Shea's
38.) Gone to a Tour of Homes...in Parkside, Linwood, or Delaware
39.) Shopped at the Southgate Plaza
40.) Been inside Central Terminal
41.) Been on the observation deck of City Hall
42.) Shopped at Niagara Factory Outlet Mall
43.) Been to Bidwell Market
44.) Been to a Sabres game
45.) Tailgated at Ralph Wilson Stadium
46.) Been to a Bison's Friday night fireworks show
47.) Been to a Buffalo Bandits game
48.)Been to a Darien Lake concert
49.) Watched a performance at Sportsmen's Tavern
50.) Gone to a comedy performance at Rob's Playhouse or Helium

Done ALL 50? - you should be crowned Miss (or Mr.) Buffalo!
Done 35-49 things?  You are a Buffalo Ambassador
Done 20-34 things? You are the average Buffalo citizen
Done 5-19 things? Time to venture out a little more
Done 0-4 things?  Have you even stepped foot in Buffalo?

How I Know Buffalo is on the Rise!

1.) The Housing Market
The city of Buffalo can't keep a house up for sale for more than a week.  People are knocking on doors and writing letters, asking to purchase homes that aren't even on the market.  Houses are selling for beyond the asking price. Even complete disaster zones are selling and being renovated into beautiful homes.

And rentals are seeing an all time high.  Rents in the new loft spaces are going for $1800 or more.

2.) Areas That Were Once Avoided are Flourishing
Black Rock has a huge art and restaurant scene.  The Westside is a hot spot for culture and art. The Old First Ward and Canalside have so many investors.  People are truly turning neighborhoods around....and at a fast pace!

3.)Our city is comparable to the BIG cities
At 18, I moved to the west coast. The whole time I was in Los Angeles, I kept thinking "If only Buffalo could have this....if only Buffalo did that."  I have been home 6 years now, and the transformation is unbelievable.  Now, if only Los Angeles can have what we have!

Trader Joes was my regular grocery store in LA....I am grateful to have them in Buffalo now so I can eat mochi ice cream every day.  I remember going to a hookah bar and thinking "wow, what a unique venue - Buffalo should get one."  Now we have a few.  I would go to comedy clubs and think, "what a simple concept." Welcome Helium.  There was such a diverse selection of foods in Los Angeles.  Well, Buffalo is definitely not far behind.  Since I have been home, I have tried: Lucy's Ethiopian Food, Kalypso's Carribean food, Pure Peru buffet, Saigon Bangkok for Thai, The Balkan for Turkish food....and more.  I attended open art shows in Los Angeles, where there would be food and drinks for the public.  Main Street Studios and 464 in Black Rock have similar events.  I no longer feel a cultural void living back in Buffalo.

4.) Medical Corridor
20,000 jobs projected in the next few years!  As recently reported in the Buffalo News - that's comparable to the amount of jobs provided by Bethlehem Steel when Buffalo was at it's high point.

5.) Preservation Efforts
The 2011 National Preservation conference was held right here in Buffalo.  We are seeing people bring old buildings back to life.  They are being converted to lofts, galleries, businesses, apartments. Theaters are coming back to their original glamour....North Park, for example.

6.) Population
For many decades, Buffalo's population dwindled.  People were leaving for jobs or more wealthy cities.  Since 2012, Buffalo is officially GROWING!  We even made the top 50 populated US metro areas.

7.) Buffalo Steel is No Longer a Thing of the Past
Buffalo's strongest era was connected to steel.  Many people believed that the closing of Bethlehem Steel was the end of the industry.  But, we are seeing the return to steel production: Niagara Metals, Welded Tube, Gibraltar and rumor of more to come (Nova Steel & Alita).

8.) BuffaLOVE Pride
You can't deny the tremendous amount of pride people have for this city.  Buffalonians are proud of our past, present, and future.  We have events such as Citybration and Buffalove Fest.  Any gathering you are at, I guarantee the topic of "Buffalo is really on the rise" will come up.

9.) Canada Seems to Like Us Now
We were picked on for many years by Canada....most notably as "Barfalo."  Well, not any more.  Even our friends from the North have shown their appreciation for Buffalo in recent years.  We have read articles by Canadian authors, praising our: revitalization, good food, and hospitality.

10.) Sports
Who am I kidding?  We aren't "on the rise" yet in Buffalo sports.  But we still love them!  And yes...we will continue to boycott Bon Jovi until he leaves us alone!

10 Reasons I LOVE Parkside!

1. Neighbors

I just came home from a walk in my neighborhood.  My "walk" turned into a porch crawl.  I absolutely love that I have a close friend at every turn.  Buffalo is known as the "city of good neighbors" but I never truly understood the extent of the meaning until I moved to Parkside. I regularly have meals dropped at my porch,"just because."  People getting together to paint the house of a terminally ill neighbor, receiving a phone call of sincere sympathy when your dog is hit by a car, or running out to lend a helping hand when your hands are full.  It is an amazing community here in Parkside that I could never express in words...you just have to live here and experience it.

2. House character

There is no such thing as a "cookie cutter" home here in Parkside.  Every home is unique.  Come to Parkside's Annual Tour of Homes in May and see for yourself.  You will see beautiful woodwork, ornate fireplaces, large front porches (where neighbors actually sit and converse with each other), staircases that serve as a work of art, stained glass windows, original tile floors from 100 years ago, and more.  

3. Parkside Communnity Association (PCA)

A community association that works to maintain the beauty and historical significance of our neighborhood.  They host neighborhood events from a chili cook off to a gala.  They host community events such as the home tour, garden tour, a 5k, and a holiday craft fair.  Children get to attend a summer arts program or a Halloween party. Families can view free movies in the park or borrow a book from the numerous "Little Libraries" throughout the neighborhood.  The elderly have an aging in place program.  This is all because of the numerous volunteers that serve on the PCA board.

4. Diversity

True diversity - income, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, age, abilities.  

There are people living in Parkside that originated from different countries or states.  I have a Greek woman next door in her 90s.  I have multiple young families around me. There are single families and multi-family units.  Owners and tenants. On one end of my block is a Roman Catholic church and on the other end is an Episcopal church.  There are people practicing their Jewish faith, Methodist, orthodox, and many more. 

There are professors, lawyers, painters, teachers, doctors, students, homemakers, therapists, business owners, personal trainers, hair stylists, and more.  And believe me, the connections come in handy! 

It is this diverse setting I lacked growing up in the suburbs and am grateful my children will know as "the norm."

5.) Attractions in Walking Proximity

Darwin Martin House - a Frank Lloyd Wright  masterpiece that generates tourists from all over the world is right here in my neighborhood.  As is another privately owned Frank Lloyd Wright home.

The Buffalo Zoo - We get great use out of our annual membership. We see the transformation it is making on a daily basis.  We say hello to the giraffes and bisons as we take our walks.

Delaware Park - a beautiful setting for a walk, a picnic, or to play. With playgrounds for the kids, a golf course, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, bocce ball courts.....it is a childhood dream park!

Parkside Avenue - the commercial properties are on the rise - a cupcakery, a coffee shop, a photography studio, and a restaurant opening that has involved the community in every step of the way!  

Hertel and Elmwood are a stone throw away.  Close enough to enjoy on a regular basis, but far enough away to still feel the security of a neighborhood setting without excessive traffic or parking issues.

6.) WOW

Wine on Wednesdays, aka WOW was started by neighbors as a way to get together with one another in a social setting.  Every Wednesday from May to September, a different neighbor hosts a wine party.  Each neighbor brings a bottle to share and their own glassware.  No obligation to come - just join when you feel like it.  There are probably 50-60 regular WOW attendees, but over 300+ involved.

7.) History

We are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as Buffalo's first suburb and a neighborhood designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.  There are homes built by Frank Lloyd Wright, E.B. Green, H.H. Richardson, William Sydney Wicks, and Sears catalog homes. Many of the homes still have outlines of the 3rd floor servants quarters. Some have turn tables in their garages that predates the car's ability to safely go in reverse.  Upon remodeling projects, neighbors find remnants of items from the early 1900s.  We have found a newspaper from 1920 in our walls and a number of other neat items.

8.)Schools

Now, I am not going to lie....the schools pose a problem to young families in Parkside.  Buffalo city school district is suffering but there is always hope it will strengthen.  On the plus side...we have amazing private schools in the neighborhood, or nearby.  St. Mark's for elementary is literally across the street from me.  Elmwood Franklin School and Nichols are within walking distance.  There are charter schools that are great.  We can't allow a struggling school district to prevent families from moving to the city.  The amount you save in taxes can be put towards private education if need be.  But, I am optimistic that Buffalo schools will see some positive change.

9.) Work commute

We are right off the 198 with quick access to the 33.  For those needing to work downtown, its minutes away.  In the big picture, we are truly close to everything.  Lucky for me...I work remotely.  So I get to enjoy working from my front porch swing on the days I am not traveling!

10.) Landscape

We live in the city but are surrounded by greenery.  That's no mistake...Thank you Mr. Olmsted!  While I have a black thumb, I appreciate that many of my neighbors have 2 green thumbs. There are beautiful gardens everywhere - floral, stone, vegetable, ponds, trees.  It is truly a beautiful setting.  We finally invested in some landscaping this year so we aren't the outcasts.

I wake up everyday feeling I am so lucky to be living here!