Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Buffalo, NY
Considering a move to Buffalo, NY? Home to 276,807 residents, Buffalo offers affordable living with median home prices around $174,000 and average rents near $1,050. Commutes are short, averaging just over 20 minutes, and the city is served by major hospitals and strong public schools. While the cost of living is below the national average, Buffalo’s property and violent crime rates are higher than average, so neighborhoods should be researched. Enjoy four distinct seasons, plenty of cultural amenities, and access to higher education in this vibrant Western New York city.
Demographics - Buffalo, NY
Demographics - Buffalo, NY
Buffalo is a diverse city of 276,807 residents, with a median age of 33.8 and a population density of 6,450 people per square mile. The community is composed of a broad mix of ethnic backgrounds and nearly one in five residents speaks a language other than English at home, offering a dynamic, multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
276,807
Density:
6,450 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.8
Gender Ratio:
91 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
17.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
44.5%
Black:
34.3%
Asian:
6.6%
Others:
14.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values around $174,000 and average rents at $1,050. Everyday expenses, such as groceries and utilities, are generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$174,000
Gross Rent:
$1,050
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,320
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,370
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$530
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
93.5
Grocery:
96.3
Housing:
78.9
Utilities:
108.4
Transportation:
98.6
Health Care:
104.7
Miscellaneous:
94.2
Crime
Is Buffalo, NY a safe place to live?
While Buffalo provides many amenities, its crime rate is higher than the national average, with a 1 in 99 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 26 chance for property crime. Prospective residents should carefully consider neighborhood safety when choosing where to live.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
1,011
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,874
Crime Index:
4,885
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 99
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 26
Weather
What is the weather like in Buffalo, NY year-round?
Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters with average lows near 19°F and warm summers reaching up to 81°F. The city sees about 39 inches of rainfall annually and roughly half of the days are sunny, offering a classic Northeastern climate.
Winter
Min:
19°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
61°F
Summer
Min:
60°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
39°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
39.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
Buffalo neighborhoods tend to be close-knit, with a median household income of $43,100 and an average commute time of about 21 minutes. While the poverty rate is relatively high at 27.8%, the majority of residents have completed high school, and public transportation is used by nearly 8% of the population.
Median Income:
$27,600
Household Income:
$43,100
Family Income:
$57,400
Per Capita Income:
$26,500
Income Male:
$38,800
Income Female:
$34,400
Poverty Rate:
27.8%
Non English Speakers:
17.2%
Rent:
$1,050
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
8.2%
Commute Time:
20.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.6%
Bachelors or More:
26.5%
Education
How are the schools in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo is home to strong public and private schools, including City Honors School and Hutchinson Central Technical High School, which offer favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Higher education is readily accessible, with institutions like the University at Buffalo and Buffalo State University located within the city and serving thousands of students.
Public Schools
Name:
City Honors School at Fosdick Masten Park
Street:
186 E North St
Phone:
716-816-4230
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Hutchinson Central Technical High School
Street:
256 S Elmwood Ave
Phone:
716-816-3888
Students:
1,250
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Canisius High School
Street:
1180 Delaware Ave
Phone:
716-882-0466
Students:
850
Colleges
Name:
University at Buffalo
City:
Buffalo
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
32,000
Name:
Buffalo State University
City:
Buffalo
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,300
Healthcare
Healthcare in Buffalo is robust, featuring major hospitals like Buffalo General Medical Center and Erie County Medical Center. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people and over 94% of residents having health insurance, the city offers strong access to medical care and emergency services.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Buffalo General Medical Center
Address:
100 High St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone:
(716) 859-5600
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Erie County Medical Center
Address:
462 Grider St, Buffalo, NY 14215
Phone:
(716) 898-3000
Type:
Trauma & General
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
94.3%
Health Care Index:
76.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Buffalo, NY?
Buffalo’s housing market is accessible, with a median home price of $174,000 and rents for a two-bedroom averaging $1,050. The city has a healthy mix of homeowners and renters, and home values have appreciated by 7.1% over the past year, indicating a stable and growing market.
Median Home Price:
$174,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,050
Owner Occupied Rate:
43.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Buffalo residents are served by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office located at 170 Pearl St. The DMV provides essential licensing and vehicle registration services, with information and resources available online and by phone for convenience.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
170 Pearl St, Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.