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.