Buffalo, New York

Queen City rising

Northeast Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Metro

U.S. News (2025)

#77 Best Places to Live

Livability (2025)

#62 Top 100 Best Places to Live

WhereAtHome Score

74.2

C

out of 100

Overview

Buffalo has experienced significant revitalization after decades of decline, with a growing tech sector and medical corridor. The city offers extremely affordable housing for the Northeast, waterfront development, and passionate sports culture. Cold winters are offset by strong community spirit.

Key Highlights

  • Very affordable Northeast living
  • Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus
  • Waterfront revitalization
  • Close to Niagara Falls
  • Strong sports culture (Bills Mafia)
  • Growing tech and startup scene

Key Metrics

Population 2024

276,807

Source: Census ACS

Median Home Value 2026

$249,040

Source: Zillow ZHVI

Median Household Income 2023

$42,891

Source: Census ACS

Average Commute 2023

22.4 min

Source: Census ACS

Walk Score 2025

66

Source: Walk Score

Crime Level 2024

Moderate-High

Source: FBI CDE

School Rating

2025

C (4.6/10)

Source: Curated

Cost of Living Index 2025

88 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: Curated

2024 Presidential Election

Erie County (county-level results)

55%
45%
Democrat 248,651
Republican 204,774
Leans D+9.7

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Climate

Summer High

80°F

Winter Low

19°F

Annual Rainfall

40"

Sunny Days

155

Amenities & Infrastructure

180+ Parks

Green spaces and recreation

8 Major Hospitals

Healthcare access

5 Universities

Higher education institutions

Public Transit Available

Bus, rail, or metro service

Major Employers

Kaleida Health M&T Bank University at Buffalo Seneca Gaming

Score Breakdown

6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 82.5/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)

Income vs Housing 47.4/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)

Commute Time 65.6/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)

Crime 35/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)

Walkability 66/100

Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)

Purchasing Power 42.4/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)

WhereAtHome Score 74.2

Location

Buffalo, NY (42.8864, -78.8784)
View on Google Maps

Compare with another city

Start Comparison

Last Updated: 2026-07-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.

Nearby Cities

Lackawanna

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Niagara Falls

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Lockport

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C-

Jamestown

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C+

Rochester

NY

C-

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