From 2012 to 2013 alone, 2.3 million people migrated to cities and metropolitan areas, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Buffalo, New York is one city that has significantly benefited from this trend. According to The Buffalo News, the city’s downtown district now boasts a 97 percent occupancy rate, and 643 apartment units have been created. Here’s how Buffalo’s revival happened, along with a few neighborhoods to visit if you travel there.
How the Revival Happened
In 2013, Governor Andrew Cuomo created the “Buffalo Billion” investment development plan. This plan invested $1 Billion towards the region’s economic growth and job opportunities. Over a five-year span, approximately 43,000 jobs have been created and unemployment dropped from 8.5% to 5.8%. The plan also focuses on accelerating growth within manufacturing, health & life sciences, and tourism. Some current projects include incentives for solar energy, biomedical research, and workforce training.
Canalside
This neighborhood was one of the main focuses during Buffalo’s revitalization. It lies right along the Erie Canal Harbor. Visitors can rent paddle and pedal boats and enjoy a leisurely ride along the Lake Erie Canal. There is also a bike sharing program that allows you to ride your bike along the waterfront and throughout other points of the city. There are also concerts every Thursday during the summer.
If you’re feeling hungry, there are plenty of restaurants. William K’s offers scenic views of Lake Erie and the Buffalo Skyline. You’ll be able to watch the sunset over Lake Erie from this restaurant. There are also spots like The Hatch, Templeton Landing, and the Swannie House for families. Adults can also enjoy the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.
Elmwood Village
This area is known as Buffalo’s art district and features many different outdoor cafes and galleries. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery features many post-war American and European pieces; along with Impressionism pieces from artists like Vincent Van Gogh. There’s also well-known works by Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Henri Matisse, and others.
Elmwood Avenue features many unique restaurants and shops. Start off the day by grabbing a Cup of Joe from SPoT Coffee. Then, visit unique shops such as Everything Elmwood, Blush, and The TreeHouse. Once you are done with your shopping, you can enjoy sushi at Kuni’s, pizza at Gino’s, and Mexican food from Agave.
Hertel Avenue
Hertel Avenue is considered the heart of Buffalo. The North Park Theatre opened back in the 1920’s and shows a variety of films from classics to ground-breaking documentaries. For shoppers, this street is well-known for home furniture and decor. There are great places like Michael Donnelly Interiors and Crowley Furniture to window shop for great ideas.
Hertel Avenue is also the best place in the city to grab Middle Eastern and Italian food. Hertel Avenue is considered Buffalo’s “Little Italy” and also features many great places to grab halal meat or a shish kebab.
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