Thinking about moving to Buffalo, NY

[bteeter]

You couldn't pay me to live there. Don't.

This.

I grew up between Rochester and Buffalo, NY. The weather sucks. SUCKS. Am I clear? If not let me spell it out for you:

October -> March: Varies between Cold and Snowy, fucking freezing with snow and ice everywhere, and just cold and wet if it somehow gets above freezing.

Have fun driving! Everything will take 2x-3x longer because you have to deal with deicing your car and you have to drive at the speed of snails. Being that everything is 20 miles away from everything else, this sucks.

April: Alternating Cold and Ice and somewhat less cold.

May: Sort of decent

June -> August: Humid. Hot and Humid. More Humid. No wind to speak of. Lots of rain.

September: Possibility of decent with a chance of sucky. Goes from Hot and Humid early in the month to cold as shit by the end of the month.

Oh and also, prepare to never see the fucking sun again. Its just west enough of the Appalachains so that the weather fronts always come along the mountains almost always keeping the city cloud covered. Don't believe me? Check out where Rochester, NY shows up on this list:

http://www.worldfactsandfigures.com/weatherfacts/numbersunny_city_desc.php

only 61 days of sun in the year. How about Buffalo? 54 days. That's like 1 in 7 folks.

OK, lets talk about jobs. There fucking aren't any. I don't know what part of Buffalo you visited. It clearly wasn't the grown over, delapitated, empty factory part. The city has lost half its population in the past 30 years. Its because the jobs are gone. They don't call it the rust belt for nothing.

Seriously. DO NOT DO IT. There are plenty of better places to go than Buffalo.

(In case you didn't already guess, I got the fuck out of there a long time ago and I'm never going to live there again.)

 

[moshquerade]

~20 years give or take. A few years in Rochester, a few in the hellhole of the rural world known as Watertown, and a year in Ithaca... "buddy".

Watertown, home of the 10th mountain division, Ft. Drum.
Awesome place.

Glad you moved. You seem a lot happier where you are.

 

[manlymatt83]

Boston

 

[waggy]

Don't.

Buffalo is nice, but NY is expensive. Buffalo gets dumped on from lake effect snow during the winters. Summer lasts all of about 2-3 weeks tops. Winter lasts all of 6-7 months minimum. Western NY is nice, lost of green during the summer... plenty of camping, etc.

thats not exactly right. though it sure seems like it hehe. i went to college in Rochester. yes the snow sucks but there is far more then 2 weeks of summer.

there is no way in hell i would move back to NY area though.

 

[SunnyD]

Watertown, home of the 10th mountain division, Ft. Drum.
Awesome place.

Glad you moved. You seem a lot happier where you are.

You mean Ft. Scum? Home of the sleaziest men on earth? Let's see how many local girls we can knock up before we get deployed!

I am a lot happier. After living almost 5 years in Florida, I moved back (the Ithaca stint). I liked the area a lot. Beautiful, scenic. But I realized the people in "upstate" NY are simply assholes. They are not friendly at all, and treat others with a sort of apathy that is indescribable. I thought moving back would be a nice sort of homecoming. Then I realized a few months later exactly how bad it was, and quickly decided I needed to look elsewhere again.

By the way, you NY posters seem like a friendly enough sort, so present company excluded. But try this next time you walk down the street... try to see exactly how many people go out of their way to avoid making eye contact with you as you walk. Probably upwards of 80% I'd bet. Then if you REALLY want to freak them out, say "How's it going!" as you walk by.

 

[DrPizza]

For all the "ohhh, it's so cold" - I have a farm. I have a lot of animals. Animals drink water. My barn isn't heated. I think mid January through about the end of Feb is the only time it's really that cold. I know, because when it's really cold, I have to bust ice out of water buckets. Most of the time through the winter, it's upper 20's/lower 30's. It's awesome when it stays just below freezing for a while, because things don't melt & turn to mud.

 

[Anubis]

By the way, you NY posters seem like a friendly enough sort, so present company excluded. But try this next time you walk down the street... try to see exactly how many people go out of their way to avoid making eye contact with you as you walk. Probably upwards of 80% I'd bet. Then if you REALLY want to freak them out, say "How's it going!" as you walk by.

FWIW the entire north east is like that. Boston, NYC,... everywhere

 

[DrPizza]

You mean Ft. Scum? Home of the sleaziest men on earth? Let's see how many local girls we can knock up before we get deployed!

I am a lot happier. After living almost 5 years in Florida, I moved back (the Ithaca stint). I liked the area a lot. Beautiful, scenic. But I realized the people in "upstate" NY are simply assholes. They are not friendly at all, and treat others with a sort of apathy that is indescribable. I thought moving back would be a nice sort of homecoming. Then I realized a few months later exactly how bad it was, and quickly decided I needed to look elsewhere again.

By the way, you NY posters seem like a friendly enough sort, so present company excluded. But try this next time you walk down the street... try to see exactly how many people go out of their way to avoid making eye contact with you as you walk. Probably upwards of 80% I'd bet. Then if you REALLY want to freak them out, say "How's it going!" as you walk by.

You must have lived in a really bad neighborhood in the Watertown area. I vacation in that area. One of the reasons I fell in love with the area (besides the incredible fishing opportunities, and absolutely beautiful scenery) was because of how friendly people were.

Where I live now, I can't count how many times we've ended up just chatting with strangers who happened to drive down our road. A lot of times they'll stop their cars to look at the animals, and if they see us outside, they'll come over and chat with us. When I first moved here, I had "strangers" - neighbors from a couple miles up the road (yes, people living 2 miles away are considered friendly neighbors) - stop by and drop off fresh produce that they had an excess of in their gardens. We just had a new family move in down around the corner. One of their new immediate neighbors took them for a walk last night around the "neighborhood" - that walk probably took them 4 or 5 hours as a lot of people came out of their houses to chat with them. They were here for a good 20 minutes. (I offered them some pet rabbits for their kids.)

So, maybe my current neighborhood, and the previous two neighborhoods I lived in were unusual in their friendliness, and the people who have posted on the forum from upstate NY are unusual for their friendliness as well. However, I think that the truth is that you happened to live in an unfriendly neighborhood.
edit: Anubis's neighborhood too! People used to always say hello when I was out for a walk with the kids or dog in my old hometown. (Now, when I go for a walk, I don't usually see other people.)

 

[Glitchny]

I went to college ~30min south of Buffalo and it's a decent city. Has a Major sports team if you're interested in that and Winters aren't super horrible. There can be a lot of snow, and the occasional Ice Storm but it isn't that hard to deal with. Some of my fondest memories are driving around in the snow and getting stuck/power sliding around corners etc. Taxes in NY are kinda ridiculous though.

Also I lived in Upsate/western NY for 11 years along with Anubis up there and the summers were fine. I don't recall any summers where I hated the weather or anything like that. Autumn is gorgeous (Hell people take tours to look at the leaves) and the weather is perfect during the fall.

I also lived in Orlando for 2 years, and that is pretty damn awful. Horrible humidity, heat, tourists, white trash, and the entire area is a damn strip mall. Would never go back to Florida.

By the way, you NY posters seem like a friendly enough sort, so present company excluded. But try this next time you walk down the street... try to see exactly how many people go out of their way to avoid making eye contact with you as you walk. Probably upwards of 80% I'd bet. Then if you REALLY want to freak them out, say "How's it going!" as you walk by

I live in Reno now and people do that here just as much as they did in NY.

 

[DaWhim]

are you ready to retirement? if your answer is no, then don't move to buffalo.

you will probably be living in amherst, it was vote top 1 safest city to live in US. it has fallen a few spots, but pretty safe.

i only know people that have been moving away from there.

oh, i went there for school for 4 years. summer definitely makes up for the sh1tty winter for me.

 

[alm99]

Listen buddy, I know what I am talking about. Last summer did indeed suck. It was a rainy, cool summer. This summer is off the charts here. Ask people who live here, DrPizza, and Anubis for two in this thread.
Summer is NOT 2 weeks long here. It is moreso 3 months long.

The summer like we had last summer was similar to the summer before, but they are not the norm. This summer is closer to that.

How long did you live in Buffalo?

I will vouch for this. Last year summer was lame. Cold, wet. One day it was what 85? The rest of it was low 70s. This year has been amazing. Hot from the start of June. Still hot now. mid 80s. Summer lasts until about Labor day and then drops off quick. By November the high is usually 45-50.

 

[alm99]

~20 years give or take. A few years in Rochester, a few in the hellhole of the rural world known as Watertown, and a year in Ithaca... "buddy".

I share your view of this state though. Horrible.

 

[Svnla]

OP, aren't you in northern part of La? Did you try to look at oil/gas companies regarding the Hainsville shale jobs?

 

[SunnyD]

FWIW the entire north east is like that. Boston, NYC,... everywhere

I do concur with this, except for Boston and NYC where people WILL look you in the eye as they tell you to "get the fuck out of my way".

 

[JS80]

Buffalo? Why?

If you want opportunity move to San Jose or Santa Monica. If you're scared of COL try Denver.

 

[thepd7]

~20 years give or take. A few years in Rochester, a few in the hellhole of the rural world known as Watertown, and a year in Ithaca... "buddy".

Watertown, home of the 10th mountain division, Ft. Drum.
Awesome place.

Glad you moved. You seem a lot happier where you are.

You must have lived in a really bad neighborhood in the Watertown area. I vacation in that area. One of the reasons I fell in love with the area (besides the incredible fishing opportunities, and absolutely beautiful scenery) was because of how friendly people were.

Where I live now, I can't count how many times we've ended up just chatting with strangers who happened to drive down our road. A lot of times they'll stop their cars to look at the animals, and if they see us outside, they'll come over and chat with us. When I first moved here, I had "strangers" - neighbors from a couple miles up the road (yes, people living 2 miles away are considered friendly neighbors) - stop by and drop off fresh produce that they had an excess of in their gardens. We just had a new family move in down around the corner. One of their new immediate neighbors took them for a walk last night around the "neighborhood" - that walk probably took them 4 or 5 hours as a lot of people came out of their houses to chat with them. They were here for a good 20 minutes. (I offered them some pet rabbits for their kids.)

So, maybe my current neighborhood, and the previous two neighborhoods I lived in were unusual in their friendliness, and the people who have posted on the forum from upstate NY are unusual for their friendliness as well. However, I think that the truth is that you happened to live in an unfriendly neighborhood.
edit: Anubis's neighborhood too! People used to always say hello when I was out for a walk with the kids or dog in my old hometown. (Now, when I go for a walk, I don't usually see other people.)

Agreed, I visited watertown and it was delightful. I know most of it shuts down in the winter but I'm sure that's everywhere up there since it's pretty touristy.

 

[SunnyD]

Agreed, I visited watertown and it was delightful. I know most of it shuts down in the winter but I'm sure that's everywhere up there since it's pretty touristy.

Watertown? Delightful?

Oh hai... lol I get it. None of you actually ever lived there. Makes sense now. (Alex Bay != Watertown by the way)

 

[PingSpike]

You should look into Fargo, North Dakota if you hate the heat. I think it actually has a reasonable cost of living, low crime and decent economy.

 

[Wyndru]

There's only two seasons in NY. Winter and Construction.

So true.

I went to school in Utica, and hated it. Winters suck much worse than NYC, even worse than Albany where I live now.

I had roommates from Rochester and Buffalo, and they thought Utica winters were mild.

I couldn't imagine dealing with the shit ton of snow they get out in Buffalo.

 

[moshquerade]

You mean Ft. Scum? Home of the sleaziest men on earth? Let's see how many local girls we can knock up before we get deployed!

Wow, your hate for the U.S. Military surpasses your hate for the weather in Buffalo, NY. :hmm:

I am a lot happier. After living almost 5 years in Florida, I moved back (the Ithaca stint). I liked the area a lot. Beautiful, scenic. But I realized the people in "upstate" NY are simply assholes. They are not friendly at all, and treat others with a sort of apathy that is indescribable. I thought moving back would be a nice sort of homecoming. Then I realized a few months later exactly how bad it was, and quickly decided I needed to look elsewhere again.

Why did you move to Ithaca? college?
People in "upstate" aren't assholes. It just takes one to know one so that is probably your issue.

By the way, you NY posters seem like a friendly enough sort, so present company excluded. But try this next time you walk down the street... try to see exactly how many people go out of their way to avoid making eye contact with you as you walk. Probably upwards of 80% I'd bet. Then if you REALLY want to freak them out, say "How's it going!" as you walk by.

Seriously, I have never encountered what you are saying. I live here because it is the friendliest, safest place I've every been to. Cripes, I leave my keys in my vehicle overnight. (Not in the ignition, but in the vehicle). I leave my doors unlocked. Can you do that where you live now?

I think you are giving the area a bad rap on the whole when it's something I've rarely encountered living here.

And as far as your comment about the Fort Drum soldiers.... shame on you. They are the first to stop and help out. They are brave men and women who deserve our gratitude.

 

[moshquerade]

Watertown? Delightful?

Oh hai... lol I get it. None of you actually ever lived there. Makes sense now. (Alex Bay != Watertown by the way)

He said he visited Watertown, not Alex Bay.

Why did you live in Watertown? It's so crummy I can't imagine anyone moving there. :sneaky:

 

[SunnyD]

Wow, your hate for the U.S. Military surpasses your hate for the weather in Buffalo, NY. :hmm:

Why did you move to Ithaca? college?
People in "upstate" aren't assholes. It just takes one to know one so that is probably your issue.

Seriously, I have never encountered what you are saying. I live here because it is the friendliest, safest place I've every been to. Cripes, I leave my keys in my vehicle overnight. (Not in the ignition, but in the vehicle). I leave my doors unlocked. Can you do that where you live now?

I think you are giving the area a bad rap on the whole when it's something I've rarely encountered living here.

And as far as your comment about the Fort Drum soldiers.... shame on you. They are the first to stop and help out. They are brave men and women who deserve our gratitude.

Okay, I admit not every area will be the same. But to answer your questions...

#1 - I have no problem with the military at all. Good for them for what they do. However the boys up in Watertown will happily nail anything with a hole. Of course it goes two ways, since most of the gals up there would love to snag themselves a "baby's daddy" for some free child support money. Trust me, I know this from experience up there. It's rather disgusting.

#2 - Moved back to the Ithaca area for a job, to move back from Florida and hopefully feel like I was back at home. The job sucked, it was dreary and gray like I remembered, and the people were inhospitable as previously described.

#3 - Honestly, if you haven't lived outside of NYS, then you have no frame of reference. I remember being happy growing up where I grew up as a kid. But now when I look back on it, yeah, I was happy, but I realize that most all of what I said held true back then too - I was just too young and looking forward to the world to give a shit, nor did I have anything to compare to.

I'll be honest, NYS can be beautiful. Natural beauty of Upstate/Western NY can be spectacular, but then again so can just about anywhere in the US. As far as living there, it leave quite a bit to be desired for many reason. Of course, just about anybody can make the same argument about anywhere else in the world.

But again, just to reiterate - there are really only two seasons in NY. As mentioned, winter and construction be those two. I'm sure you can agree with me on that much.

 

[Analog]

Buffalo = snow NY = high taxes answer = no.

 

[OCGuy]

I thought the only reason someone would live in Buffalo is because they were born there and that is all they knew......or they were driving through and their car broke down and they couldnt afford to fix it.

 

[moshquerade]

SunnyD,
I have never lived in Ithaca, but I have a friend who goes to Cornell U. I think the people might be more snobby there just because of the elite Ivy League attitude they think they should have.

But you'll get some of that anywhere.

You've had a bad experience there, and I haven't. I just don't think you should paint the whole place so bleak because it's not.

As far as the military, the issue you described isn't unique to the base in Fort Drum, NY.