"Not about the debts you made/The car we never had/The house we never owned/Darling don't look so sad/It's about that day we kissed/Down by Niagara Falls/It's about the keys, the keys, the keys to my heart you hold." - (Patrick Wolf, "The City")
Theres just something inherently, almost indescribably romantic about watching 150,000 gallons of water spew over a cliff every second. What could that be? But theres more to Niagara Falls City than the irrepressible desire that results from those surging fluids, it also has a number of unique amenities and a somewhat serious desire to clean up its act and be the kind of top ten tourist destination America knows it can be. As of now, the city has crime, corruption and population problems. People are fleeing in droves for greener pastures. But theres so much potential here, and its finally looking like the people in charge are doing something about it. So dont just come here for a honeymoon, anniversary or couples retreat, head to the Canadian side for that. Come to Niagara Falls for the future prospects, historical charm and surprising culinary scene.
Moving to Niagara Falls
The city of Niagara Falls has perhaps the most potential for greatness of any city in America. The opportunity for green power, inexpensive power, which would result from harnessing the waters force is incalculable (at least by someone without a calculator). The natural beauty of the landscape begs for outdoorsy recreational possibilities from guided tours, hiking trails, fishing and more. And while in some ways these things already exist, theyre done so either to a very limited, half-assed degree or theyve been corrupted to prop up the entitled lifestyles of those in positions of power. Its a loss, for sure, but its turning around. This gem of New York State can bounce back better than ever, but the funds have to get there. People need to move here. Thats the bottom line. And with the cheap housing (no, seriously, holy cow, bargain basement housing prices), low cost of living and endless amenities it begs the question, why is everyone leaving?
Jobs are very slim pickings here. If youre planning on making your way to one of the awesome, charming, unique neighborhoods in Niagara Falls, you better already have a solid opportunity waiting for you there. Unemployment is 10 percent and rising, and the median household income is a fairly depressing $32,617. Fortunately, everything but the really touristy stuff is more than affordable. The problem is manufacturing. Its all gone the way of elsewhere, and the people followed.
The City is working on it though, and you could capitalize on this near-future renaissance by packing up today. The vacancy rates are certainly in your favor. Some of the ways the city government is pushing for improvement is through the USA Niagara Development Corporationwhich is admittedly having some trouble with that responsibility, but hey, baby steps. Another is the Niagara County Community College, which, thanks to the donation of a massive building, now has an exciting internship and work program that teaches essential skills for those living in a tourist-heavy location. And it is just that. Niagara Falls sees 10 million visitors a year. Theres just no reason for this city to stay depressed for long.
Neighborhoods
Count on this historical location to have distinctive neighborhood sections. In addition to Little Italy, there are seven other districts worth considering. Some are productively churning their way out of misery and into prosperity, and others are bogged down heavily by their myriad problems. Since housing here is cheap, and renters and owners are well mixed, its important to weigh your priorities carefully before picking a sticking point.
Little Italy:Fullest of flavor, Little Italy is the number one choice for Italian Americans who want a place steeped in their ancestral culture, surrounded by others with similar experiences. There are parks, pizza places and Italian joints, bocce courts and the like, but its currently pretty depressed around here. But if personality is the key, its a must-live spot.$$
The North End:This is definitely the location thats having the most trouble crawling out of the recession. In fact, its like those scuba divers that get confused in the dark due to oxygen loss or excess nitrogen or something, and its going deeper. Jobs are slowly coming back thanks to some green tech initiatives, but it will be awhile before this place is bringing a smile to anyones face. Stay away for now.$
Deveaux:Brick homes, early 20thcentury architecture and beautiful views of the Niagara Escarpment are the hallmarks of this neighborhood. All that goodness comes with a price, though. Of course, that price is still well below the national average, so maybe splash out a little and get a charming single family home or brick townhouse.$$$$$
La Salle:A bit more affordable than Deveaux, arguably on account of the Love Canal and its toxic waste issues, La Salle is a solidly middle ground neighborhood with lots of neat new retail options. Its heading on up to the east side.$$$$
Downtown/South End:In some cities the downtown area is highly prized with high prices and high density to match, but in Niagara Falls thats not the case. There are lots of tourists and a lovely large park, but it has declined significantly. Heres hoping that Seneca Niagara Casino can boost it back up.$$
East End:You can get your fancy on for real here in the East End. It has historic homes, retail options, students and more. The Europeans, mostly Polish and German, make up a strong percentage, so you know the schnitzels gonna be good. Youll be paying top dollar (Niagara style) for this area.$$$$$
Buffalo Avenue:Another reasonably priced locale, Buffalo Avenue is the last bastion of industry in Niagara Falls. It also has the distinction of having the worst streets, which are covered in potholes so large they rival some sinkholes. Thank goodness the town put up those signs warning you of bumpy roads!$$
Hyde Park:Well this sounds fancy! Its actually pretty moderate, but it sits around the largest park in New York aside from Central Park in Manhattan. Hyde has a unique, charming makeup with boutiques, independent shops, grocery stores and restaurants with strong European character. Its a great pick thats close to other sites and points of interest. The best bet for any new resident.$$$
The Hidden Magic
So, what is a typical year like in Niagara Falls City? Its actually really fantastic. People fall in love with the quaint charm of it all as readily as lovebirds do the falls. Neighborhoods boast style and culture, especially Little Italy, with its excellent food (obviously) and traditional entertainments like bocce ball and an Italian Festival in the summer. Speaking of summer, its hot. Like, humid hot, sticky. The only thing worse is the winters, cold and snowy. Of course, both seasons have their merits, and spring and fall are just gorgeous. But pack the appropriate clothes for four full and then some seasons. Public transportation is improving, and there are several options, so between that and short commutes, daily errands and work are rarely stressful with regards to travel.
One disappointment that has immediate ramifications is the education system in Falls. Its not terrible, but its at best middling, so if you're bringing kids you may want to add some extra cushion in the budget for tutoring or private school, if thats important to you.
Niagara Falls has sooo much going for it its almost unimaginable how far its fallen. No matter, its picking itself up, slowly yet surely, and these home and rental prices make it extremely attractive to individuals all over the state and country. It has plenty of exciting natural and historical recreational opportunities, good public transportation, cheap cost of living and a city somewhat committed to improvement. Ultimately, in the long run, Niagara Falls is going to be a high-flying city as well as one of the top ten tourist destinations in America. Get in on the ground floorer, more like basement floor and watch as home values, interest and prosperity rise before your very eyes.
