How and Why I Chose an Apartment in Downtown Buffalo.

I’ve shared quite a bit about my cross-country move, but one piece I haven’t gone into much detail on yet is where in Buffalo I chose to live — and why.

When you move to a brand-new city, it’s not just about choosing the city itself. You also have to pick a neighborhood, and in a place like Buffalo, that decision comes with lots of options.

From the beginning, I knew I wanted this move to change my life. That meant not just swapping zip codes, but intentionally choosing an apartment that would give me the lifestyle I wanted.

My Non-Negotiables

I made a list of deal-breakers and stuck to it:

• A building. I spent the last two years in Austin living in a suburban apartment with a flimsy door and a metal doorjam I used for peace of mind. I wanted the security and sense of community that comes with living in a proper building.
• Natural light and a view. In Austin, my view was a Taco Bell drive-thru and the backside of an Auto Zone. I wanted big windows, sunshine, and something to look at that felt alive.
• Walkability and public transit. I didn’t want to rely on a car anymore. If I picked a suburban neighborhood, it would’ve been impossible to get rid of my vehicle.
• A different life. Not just a new apartment — but a lifestyle that felt intentional, a place where I could live in a new rhythm instead of repeating the same patterns.

What I Learned About Buffalo Neighborhoods

From my research while still living in Austin, neighborhoods like Elmwood Village and Five Points looked really appealing — full of restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping, plus access to good schools(which doesn’t apply to me but it’s something people mention a lot).

But when I actually looked at apartments online, none of them offered what I wanted: a building with security, light, and a great view.

Downtown Buffalo, on the other hand, had exactly the types of apartments I was looking for. And while the internet told me downtown was “boring,” “unsafe,” and “didn’t have a grocery store,” I knew I had to see for myself.

My February Visit

When I visited Buffalo in February (the entire post is here), I booked a hotel downtown with the intention of feeling it out. Could I walk to places I needed? Did it feel safe? Was it too quiet?

In those three days, I got my answers:

• Even at 4 degrees, we walked to a hockey game and to the canal.
• I had conversations with bartenders and retail workers about what it was like to live downtown, and they reminded me that I wasn’t moving here for life to stay the same — I wanted change.
• While the weekends are quieter, there are still plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars open. For me, quiet equals peaceful.

I knew then that if I didn’t hate it, I should go for it. And I didn’t.

The Grocery Store Question

One of the most common things I read online (and was warned about by others) was: “There’s no grocery store downtown.”

It’s true — you don’t have a supermarket on every corner here. But there are solutions:

• Delivery: I signed up with Imperfect Foods during the pandemic, and they deliver to my current building.
• Nearby options: Tops, Aldi, and other grocery stores are accessible by bus, and I’ve already started planning trips that combine errands. (For example, my hair appointment in October is near a grocery store — perfect chance to stock up while I’m out.)
• Farmer’s Market: I love walking to my weekly market and picking up local goods.

Is it inconvenient sometimes? Sure. But for me, it’s worth the trade-off.

The Cost of Living Downtown

One of the main reasons i wanted to move out of Austin was to find affordability. Here’s a bit of the financials for Buffalo:

• The average rent downtown is about $1,321/month (with most apartments falling between $1,000–$1,500). Studios across Buffalo typically range from $1,080–$1,578 depending on neighborhood and amenities.
• My apartment is ~900 square feet, newer, and has great views. Rent is about $1,800/month, which includes water, internet, trash, and access to a full gym, among other amenities.

For context: I was paying $1,600/month in North Austin for ~600 square feet, plus utilities, with zero walkability.

Yes, my Buffalo rent is technically higher — but because I sold my car, I no longer have insurance, gas, or maintenance costs. My actual living expenses are less, and the quality of my life has gone way up.

Safety, Quiet, and Daily Life

Crime reports can make downtown look scary, but much of that is perception. Crime is reported more frequently where there are more police, and downtown has a high concentration of officers. In six weeks of living here, I’ve only had one moment where I felt uneasy — and nothing came of it.

Yes, Sundays are quieter. But I can always find a café, brewery, or restaurant open, and if not, four bus stops sit right outside my building. Transit is easy, cheap ($2 a ride), and reliable.

I have heard that transit is less-reliable during the winter months, which is understandable. I can also understand why folks think you MUST have a vehicle during those months; but, I’m very lucky to be able to work from home, so anywhere I go on transit is likely nowhere I really need to be at a certain time.

As far as Buffalo being “boring,” I actually love the quiet. I wake up, look out my curved studio windows, hear the buses rolling by, and feel like I’m part of the city.

Why Downtown Was Right for Me

I’ve had a few people ask why I didn’t choose Elmwood, Five Points, or a suburb. My answer:

• I don’t know anyone here. If I’d picked the suburbs, I’d risk isolating myself.
• I wanted to be in the middle of it. Even if it’s not bustling like NYC or Chicago, there’s energy here.
• I wanted to live downtown — it’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was young. Maybe I thought it would be New York or LA, but downtown Buffalo gives me the same feeling, at a fraction of the cost (and with a lot less stress).

Truthfully, this wasn’t the “safe” option. But I didn’t move here to play it safe. I moved here for change, and so far, I love it.

Looking Ahead

Downtown doesn’t have it all. It may never have grocery stores on every corner or trendy restaurants opening weekly. But it has beauty, architecture, history, and the hum of buses outside my window.

It also has potential. As more businesses return to offices, downtown will become increasingly vibrant. But even if it doesn’t change, I’m happy to be here.

When people seem surprised that I live downtown, I just smile. Because downtown Buffalo may not be for everyone, but right now, it’s exactly right for me.

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