I apologize to all those who don't like relocation questions. Please just ignore this post.
We are considering moving to Buffalo, NY for spouses job. We want to live in a place that:
Low cost housing in central city neighborhoods.
Low pollution and smog levels.
Compact city living with reliable bus/subway transit.
Please tell me if Buffalo fits these criteria. If any one has suggestions for neighborhoods, please advise also.
Artsy, funky community.

There's a website www.buffalo.com that may answer some of your questions although I know you probably want firsthand experiences.

Check out the Allentown/Elmwood area, especially (but not exclusively), if your're in your 20's or 30's.
Definitely a funky,artsy community.

Also, parts of North Buffalo, but that ends to be more family oriented.

The cost of housing in the desirable city neighborhoods is one the rise,so that might become a factor for you.

Rapid transit in Buffalo is a joke.
Haven't rode the bus in years, so I can't comment on that. But it's a pretty drivable city if you have a car.

Pollution in the city is probably better than most.

Good Luck.

Happiness is Buffalo in your rear-view mirror.

Yes, there is low cost housing in central city neighborhoods. The city is not as industrial as it once was; therefore, low pollution and smog (compared to larger areas). Yes, the city is compact. Yes, there is reliable bus service. The subway is clean and efficient, but there is only one route. The most artsy, funky community is definitely Allentown.

Let me know if you need any more info.

Buffalo Escapee has a point. Many of us have had that thought at least twice a day during the winter. However, the people are it's saving grace. To bad we couldn't get some of the politicians to follow Escapee.

In reference to the clean, "efficient" subway, a one-way route doesn't sound all that effective to me, and depending on where you reside now, you may feel the same way.

Try the Delaware District neighborhoods. Close to city buses and convenient to most city attractions. I think you'll find the housing below the national norm. Buffalo is a great place to live.

Homes in desirable neighborhoods in buffalo are hot, hot , hot and selling at or above listing prices (this is unusual. Allentown, Elmwood, Delaware Park and North buffalo are all nice and interesting neighborhoods, and even selling at or above listing prices, our cost of homes is very low. However, if you haven't checked out real estate taxes, they are quite high here. Another nice neighborhood, not in the city itself but nearby is Amherst, just across the buffalo Amherst border and the village of Williamsville, both of which Main Street (the one that goes all the way downtown) runs through. There are lots of shops and resaurants along main street and these suburbs have a nice feel to them also. Public transportation is not very good here, most people drive. city schools are a real problem and if I lived in buffalo, my kids would be going to private schools. the entire area is easy to get around and virtually everything is accessible to all-great theater, sports, parks, many street festivals during the summer(Allentown Art show, Taste of buffalo-one of the largest and best in the country, Eden Corn Festival, Italian Heritage Festival, Hellenic Festival, Canal Days, Old Home Days, and on and on), great restaurants,. Although we've had the opportunity to leave the area, we have chosen to stay because it's affordable to live here and so many things are so easily accessible.

Buffalo?

You do need some help matey!

Buffalo is a great place to live. Don't let the naysayers get to you. WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME.

Best advice. Take another job. Any other job.

For you Buffalo bashers, didn't you hear me from Canton Ohio yesterday. When I delivered my acceptance speech on my induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame I told the world just how great the City of Buffalo is. Did you notice that about 80% of the fans there were from Buffalo. Great people in that town!!

Way to go, Jimbo!!!!!!!!!!!!