The University at Buffalo has more than 230,000 alumni, who currently reside in more than 130 countries throughout the world.
Nothing beats life in a college town
The University at Buffalo has more than 230,000 alumni, who currently reside in more than 130 countries throughout the world.
Nothing beats life in a college town. From cultural opportunities to community spirit to exciting sports teams, the University at Buffalo is a great place to call home. Formerly known as the University of Buffalo, the institution is now part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. It was founded in 1846, first as a private university then moved under the control of the SUNY system in 1962. With more than 28,000 students, it is not only the largest university in the state of New York, but is also the largest public university in the northeastern United States. With more than 100 bachelor's, 205 master's, 84 doctoral, and 10 professional degree programs, it offers plenty of opportunities for all students. So feel free to take a class or two while living in town!
The University at Buffalo and the city of Buffalo are welcoming communities. Buffalo is located in western New York in Erie County. With a population of more than 260,000 people, and more than 40 square miles of land, it offers plenty of options from apartment rentals to condos to single family homes. Luxury apartments are available, some with all utilities paid. When looking for a condo for rent, look for one with amenities such as a pool and recreation center. The same is true when searching for an apartment to rent and other types of serviced apartments. There are also 1-3 bedroom houses for rent in the area to choose from.
Getting Started
Consider getting help from a licensed real estate agent. Using an agent can help make managing all the details of a home search much easier to handle. Both renters and homebuyers can benefit from the professional experience an agent provides, and help to find the right location and living arrangements, especially for those who are new to the Buffalo area. In a college town the housing market moves quickly so it helps to be organized and have a plan!
Signing on the Dotted Line
Once the decision has been made where to live, take some time to read all the paperwork very carefully. Again, a real estate agent can be a big help at this time. Don't be afraid to ask questions so you understand all the terms and conditions. Even though a rental agreement can be hard to understand, it is important to be informed. There are some landlords that may ask for a background check and also a credit check, so don't be surprised if this is a requirement. The entire process may take a few weeks, and requires a little patience. But in the end, it will all be worthwhile and it will be time to move in before you know it!
Aside from living in a college town - which is a great environment to live in - the city of Buffalo also offers a lot of other exciting benefits. First, it is not too big and not too small, so residents can enjoy life in the city while still being small enough to feel like home. Here are some of the great neighborhoods in the Buffalo area:
South Buffalo: A former industrial hub, South Buffalo has recently undergone a revitalization effort that makes it a desirable neighborhood. The downtown is growing, beautification initiatives are underway, and McKinley Parkway has seen a dramatic change with new flowers and a children's park. With all of these positive changes South Buffalo housing has also rebounded and makes for a great place to settle down.
North Buffalo: Known as the place to go for tasty Italian restaurants, bakeries, and stores. It is well-known as a friendly neighborhood, and being close to the downtown area, the University at Buffalo, a growing number of office parks, and 1920's residential architecture, it is a desirable destination for young professionals.
Allentown: For those looking for a neighborhood with an artistic ambiance, Allentown is a great community. It is one of the oldest and largest residential areas in America, and draws a large number of artists and more of the "bohemian" crowd. With a selection of quaint art galleries, cafes, and gift shops, it has a very desirable small town feel. Add in the large number of smaller historic homes, and it is easy to see why this is such a great location. You can also stop by Days Park and soak in some sun.
Waterfront Village: As the name suggests, it is located on the water with great views of Lake Erie. The downtown offers a variety of shops, and a great selection of condominiums and townhouses. Nothing beats waterfront living in a great city!
Buffalo is a four season city, with warm enjoyable summers and crisp autumns with magnificent views as the leaves change colors. White winters are common, with plenty of cold weather activities for those who love the outdoors. And a beautiful spring as winter fades into summer. If you like the seasons, Buffalo is the place to be!
Of course, there is plenty to do in the surrounding areas as well. The city is known for incredible architecture, highlighted by the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. For those looking to enjoy the arts, check out the Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Shea's Performing Arts Center. The Grammy Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is also a great attraction, with shows throughout the year. And the shopping can't be beat, with small trendy boutiques in Elmwood Village, to a world class mall, the Walden Galleria.
Looking to get away? Buffalo is only a few hours from one of the worlds most popular cities, Toronto Canada. And it is close to one of the most famous and breath-taking sites in the world, Niagara Falls, less than an hour away. These waterfalls were formed when the ice receded at the end of the last ice age. This makes a great place to experience science, history, and the splendor of nature all at once. Buffalo is also a great sports town, with professional football (Bills) and professional hockey (Sabres) in town, and a minor league baseball team, the Bisons. The fans are very loyal and going to the games is a great experience for any sports fan. In addition, the University has several successful sports teams that are fun to watch.
From the quiet outdoors to the excitement of city living, the University at Buffalo makes a great place to settle down and make the most out of life.
