As a Canadian who has visited several U.S. destinations, Buffalo is definitely the most depressing. On my first trip there to visit the shopping center, I found the city to be mostly deserted. What is most sad is that as I visitor, I could see remnants of a proud past, but what is left now are boarded up homes, abandoned buildings, and empty streets.
I've lived in Buffalo for most of my life, but have visited and lived around the world and back. But back I always come. And when I say Buffalo, I mean the city of Buffalo -- not the suburbs, the city is the place to be. It's true that if you're looking for an NYC this is not the place to go. This city has a small population and covers a big area. It's filled with the friendliest people you will meet, trust me, I know. Almost anyone will help you. And yes, there are crazies in the city. But I'm not scared when walking around downtown at night. Go out on Chippewa at night, and then have some Mighty Taco (which by the way every Buffalonian knows dominates Taco Bell), or some Jim's Steakout. This city has the most amazing food and chill spots from Pano's to Spot Coffee. Don't overlook all the historical spots and do not miss all the festivals and shindigs. The Elmwood Art Festival, The Chicken Wing Festival, The Italian Festival, The St. Patrick's Day Parade and Shakespeare in the Park…
I have lived in the Southern Tier of New York State near Hornell most of my life. I now live in Charlotte, NC where A LOT OF WNY people are moving to. Its a shame. The Pataki screw me tax, the government corruption, the welfare, and the crappy weather. When I come home to visit relatives who live in Rochester, NY... it's depressing and I can't wait to get "home." NC home that is. Buffalo has always been known as the armpit of the earth. The only thing I like about Buffalo is KB1520 AM and Danny Neaverth. I have been reading about the corruption of Niagra Falls. Just make that city a complete landfill!!! You people are crazy to continue to live there. Get out.
I lived in Buffalo for a few years. I felt it was dangerous and had many friends mugged at gunpoint or their houses broken into. On the surface, the city seemed surreal and depressing, but in retrospect, I can see that it has a lot of character and beauty. There is also something very genuine about the city, that you just don't find in more commercial cities. If your travel goal is to be safely entertained and impressed with typical tourist stuff I would not recommend Buffalo, but if you are traveling for experience of a deeper sort, I would.
Buffalo is boring only to those who are boring. There is a load of cultural things to do but be aware, it isn't NY City. It's got it's own pace and is a small town with big city things to do.
I heard someone say Buffalo is the third cleanest city -- third cleanest air, not cleanest as in street cleanliness. I hated Buffalo. All I need is one word to describe it -- depressing.
Buffalo is a small, quaint city. Good food, good scene, and great people!
Today as I went online looking for something to do as I sit in my house being bored once again in Buffalo. I realized there is absolutely nothing to do in Buffalo. The list of attractions or events in Buffalo are slim and not up to par with other cities. In Buffalo, fun is associated with drinking and without drinking there is nothing to do that is really fun. The lack of things to do in Buffalo really can get you down and be quite frustrating. Yeah, you can go to the beach during the summer but it’s not something you have the time or money to do more than one or two times a week. So it's true, us Buffalonians are or can be a mean population, if you lived in a city of depression for over fifteen years you would develop the same sort of aggravation. Plus all the sport letdowns, wide right, no goal and home run throwback, no wonder. But the best thing about Buffalo is the food -- home of the chicken wing and about everything else Italian and Polish and everything in between…
There's no getting around the reality that Buffalo has ben in rapid decline for the last 70 years. That being said, I can't wait to go back. The people in Buffalo are the nicest I've ever met - helpful, polite, generous, and fun to be around. How people can be so nice while their city crumbles around them is dumbfounding. I will definitely be going back, just to chill with Buffalonians.
I was born in Buffalo, moved to Texas at 19 and I have just recently moved back to Buffalo. I have read everyones comments and I have to agree with Ibby the most. If you're looking for trouble in Buffalo you can find it... but for the most part Buffalo is full of history and culture and the city was built by hard working individuals who cherish family and tradition. The dividing lines are clear... unfortunately... but some of the nicest people live here. There is always a festival or carnival going on.. .and there are 4 seasons. The fishing is great and Buffalo is close to some of the most fantastic mountains and lakes in the country. 3 of the 5 Indian Nations are in this region. Buffalonians will treat you with respect and they make great neighbors. Yes, Buffalo has it's "bad" areas but all cities do... it's a city with a small town feel who takes care of their own. Buffalo has economic problems... a lot of cities do, however, Buffalo's rich heritage and strong sense of…
Syracuse is a very upbeat, small city with lots of young entrepreneur energy and vision. There a great potential here for innovative city-center redevelopment and interaction with the many colleges and universities nearby.
I visited Buffalo whilst traveling in the states. It is a strange town and was fairly deserted. The bus station was certainly full of characters although none menacing. In general, I found the people to be super, super friendly. People would just strike up conversation on public transport, which to me, coming from London, was very nice to hear. From speaking to locals it's a big University/drinking town. I did see several other tourists visibly nervous walking around at night, but I think this is due to the surreal, deserted nature of the place.
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