New York / Erie County

Moving to Buffalo, NY

Thinking of making a move to Buffalo, NY? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Buffalo, NY

Considering a move to Buffalo, NY? This welcoming community of 278,349 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $195,000 and average rents near $1,150. Commute times average 24 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (51% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Buffalo's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Buffalo, NY

Buffalo has a population of 278,349 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 35 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 42% White, 33% Black, and 7% Asian residents, and over 17% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
278,349
Density
6,400 per sq mi
Median Age
34.7
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
16.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
41.8%
Black
33.4%
Asian
6.8%
Others
18.0%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Buffalo, NY?

The cost of living in Buffalo is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.4. Median home values are around $195,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,150. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$195,000
Gross Rent
$1,150
Monthly Electricity Charges
$145
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 4.0%| High: 10.9%
Cost Of Living Index
92.4
Grocery
96.1
Housing
74.8
Utilities
105.7
Transportation
101.3
Health Care
98.8
Miscellaneous
96.0

Crime

Is Buffalo, NY a safe place to live?

Buffalo is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,050 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 29. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in New York.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,050
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,400
Crime Index
4,450
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 95
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 29

Weather

What is the weather like in Buffalo, NY year-round?

Buffalo experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and cold winters dipping to 17°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 51% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
17°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
81°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
51%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $53,500 and a low poverty rate of 28.5%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 32% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 24 minutes, and almost 10% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,500
Household Income
$53,500
Family Income
$66,500
Per Capita Income
$27,900
Income Male
$44,500
Income Female
$37,000
Poverty Rate
28.5%
Non English Speakers
15.8%
Rent
$1,150
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
Public Transport Usage
9.8%
Commute Time
23.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
86.1%
Bachelors or More
31.8%

Education

How are the schools in Buffalo, NY?

Buffalo offers quality education options, with public schools like City Honors School at Fosdick-Masten Park and Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University at Buffalo, Canisius University, and Buffalo State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
City Honors School at Fosdick-Masten Park
Street
1405 Sycamore St
Phone
716-816-4220
Students
650
Student Teacher Ratio
13.0
Name
Buffalo Academy of Science Charter School
Street
190 Franklin St
Phone
716-887-1400
Students
840
Student Teacher Ratio
12.4

Private Schools

Name
St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute
Street
845 Kenmore Ave
Phone
716-874-6600
Students
700
Name
Canisius High School
Street
1180 Delaware Ave
Phone
716-882-0466
Students
750

Colleges

Name
University at Buffalo
City
Buffalo
State
NY
Distance
0 miles
Students
32,000
Name
Canisius University
City
Buffalo
State
NY
Distance
2 miles
Students
2,500
Name
Buffalo State University
City
Buffalo
State
NY
Distance
3 miles
Students
6,000

Healthcare

Buffalo residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Erie County Medical Center, Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, and Kaleida Health Buffalo General Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.7 per 1,000 people and 94.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Erie County Medical Center
Address
462 Grider St, Buffalo, NY 14215
Phone
(716) 898-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Mercy Hospital of Buffalo
Address
565 Abbott Rd, Buffalo, NY 14220
Phone
(716) 826-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Kaleida Health Buffalo General Medical Center
Address
100 High St, Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone
(716) 859-5600
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage
94.1%
Health Care Index
76.3

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Buffalo, NY?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $195,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 51%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Buffalo offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$195,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,150
Owner Occupied Rate
51.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Buffalo handle vehicle services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Albany. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
New York
Department
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
6 Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12228
Phone
1-518-486-9786

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.

FAQs About Moving to Buffalo, NY

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Buffalo, review the core fields on this page: population 278,349, median home value $195,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,150, commute time 23.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 51%.

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