Hi all,

DH & I moving to Buffalo area, the job is in Getzville so would like to move to that community.

Any info on neighbourhoods, or local area info would be much appreciated. Will be renting (short-term contract position). We're late 30's, no kids, priorities are safe environment and affordability.

Enjoy-la!

Welcome to Buffalo!!!

Getzville is the name of an old village that is now a part of the Town of Amherst... Amherst is noted for being the Safest Town in America and has been in the top 5 for the last several years... Amherst is quite large and has several villages including Williamsville as well as the University of Buffalo... Getzville has great housing from late 19th to mid 20th century, but I can't think of anything directly in Getzville that would qualify as short term rental.... however...

Everything in the Buffalo area is only a 20 minute drive or less away... there is no substantial rush hour and you could live anywhere in the buffalo region and have no problems commuting...if you provide more info on your lifestyle, interests, and shopping and dining preferences, I can help you pinpoint good neighborhoods...I am guessing you may be Canadian by your spelling of neighbourhoods(or maybe just a bad speller)...

Thx a mint for your reply, garyt22! You're very astute - yes, we're Canadian.

We'd prefer to live in a condo/townhouse rather than apts (less transient, has in-unit laundry facilities, etc.)

I have found some in Getzville, both located near Millersport Hwy & Dodge Rd. How's that location?

Is there a good place to look on-line? I've checked Craigslist and The Buffalo News Classifieds but those were slim pickings.

Since you said Getzville is part of Amherst, I've expanded my search to include Amherst. The communities listed for some duplexes are Willowridge and Creekwoods. How do they compare?

Ideally, I'd like to live in a community that has people on the street where people walk around as opposed to community where you HAVE to drive to everything. I'd like to live in a community where taking public transit is an option.

I've found the transit authority website but its massive pdf maps aren't user-friendly to those not familiar with the area.

We like the outdoors, architecture, and enjoy good food whether hi-end or local eateries. It's not important for us to be able to walk to boutique shopping or have restaurants nearby.

Thx for any more insights.

This is just my preference, but if I were in my 30's and childless, I'd live in the City, in either the Elmwood or Hertel neighborhoods. I don't know that you'll find condos there for rent, but there are plenty of double and triple family homes for rent. Both are vibrant areas of the city, with interesting neighborhoods and young professional residents. Getzville would be no more than a 20 minute commute from the city. The rapid transit is very limited and there is only one line, running from the main St. UB campus to downtown. Working in Getzville, you're not going to find much use for it. If you want to live in the suburbs, try the Village of Williamsville or Snyder, both are part of the town of Amherst. They are more walkable than other parts of Amherst. The Buffalo News on Saturday has a "Homefinder" section where you can find rentals. When are you moving to Getzville? Will you have time to visit the area before you choose a residence? By the way, you'll find that Buffalo has many great restaurants. The areas that you have mentioned (Millersport, Willowridge) are not that interesting in my opinion and there is not much to walk to from there.

The areas that mention in your response are very suburban, mallsy type, with lots of driving and little neighborhood... Kathy is correct in pointing you more toward elmwood, hertel and also add allentown as well as williamsville village... the web site that you can start with is buffalo.com ... that's the Buffalo News site with links to the Homefinder... there is a decent listing of rentals in the back section...as well as a section on City Living

One additional consideration is the booming loft rental market in the city... there are dozens of conversions being completed each month...

If I was looking as you are right now, I would start with Homefinder and look for an agent that appealed to me in print and call them... I think they will be very helpful...

Welcome to buffalo. You should try to come in for a weekend to explore Amherst and Buffalo to see where you might be happier. Mass transit is awful here, but driving is relatively painless. Traffic is rarely an issue and if you live in the city, it will only be a short commute to your job, plus you would be going against any traffic. There are some nice looking apt /townhouse complexes in Amherst-Ransom Oaks has some, Dockside Village, a complex on Millersport, one on North French. Also, see what's avaialbe on Main Street in the Village of Williamsville. That might be a good compromise for city vs. suburban living. Also, see what your employer can recommend. Also, consider contacting the University of buffalo, whose main campus is actually in Amherst. You may be able to find a short term rental from professors on sabbatical. Welcome!

Thx a mint for info on neighborhoods, KathyK. We'll def check them out. My DH will be arriving at the end of the month and will checkout some communities while I tie up the loose ends here. I'll hope to visit for a w/end too before we choose the place.

garyt22, I appreciated the extra info and your suggestions (=

Rachel, thx a mint for the welcome - Buffalo sure seems like a friendly place! Your specific recs are appreciated and I will check into those areas.

Before we rent, my DH will just be in a "room" type rental. When I phone to ask about where rentals are, I'd like to check it against an on-line map. Every city has "bad" neighborhoods - can anyone let me know where they are?

Thx again all.

If you choose to live in the city of Buffalo, the nicest and safest neighborhoods are in North Buffalo and what is known as the "Delaware District". Allentown is also nice, the waterfront area has nice condos (but no where to walk to) and there are some loft rentals right downtown. I would stay away from the rest of Buffalo, particularly the east side. In my opinion, the nicest suburbs are Amherst/Williamsville, Clarence (not far from Getzville) and Orchard Park and East Aurora which are south of the City and would be more of a commute to Getzville. There are also some nice neighborhoods in Kenmore. Feel free to post again with specific locations and I'll see if I can help.

Hi, klam_chowder!

The area you're talking about is "anywhere" suburbia. I would rather watch paint dry than live in Getzville, but that doesn't mean it's not a great place to live!!!! And I know, you're talking short-term.

If you want to live near Getzville, but be in a "walkable" place, then the Village of Williamsville would be your best bet. I'm sure a good real estate agent can help you find a short-term townhouse or condo.

As a city dweller, I would love to steer you in that direction. But I gather from your posts that you would prefer a suburban location. The Village of Williamsville offers walkability, history, and at the same time accessability to Buffalo and all its' great offerings, including a bounty of architecture. You would be close to the thruway, or you could easily access the city via city streets or the rapid transit.

Like any city, there are neighborhoods to avoid.

KathyK, garyt22, and Rachel have given you great information, as well. Feel free to post back with more questions.

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know your posts helped a lot in focussing us on checking out specific neighborhoods/areas.

I agree that city-living would be preferable but DH definitely wanted the 'burbs. That's fine too. After beating the options to death, we've signed a lease for a place in Williamsville. Now looking forward to settling in and exploring the area!

Thx again - enjoy-la!

Congratulations on your decision! Where in Williamsville are you going to be? Post again if you have any questions about the area such as restaurants, activities, etc. Wegmans if the place to grocery shop!

KathyK, thx a mint for the Wegman's tip - I looked it up on-line and it's definitely the type of grocery store I like to shop at!

We chose Williamsville based on the replies on this board of course (= I'm not sure how to describe where the place is in Williamsville as I've not been there before. However, when I mapped it, it was just down the street from Wegmans - how convenient!

Do you have any suggestions on which national cellular carrier has good reception in the area?

Also who are the high speed Internet providers in the area (prefer cable over DSL) - I can look up the details on-line if I know the company names.

Okay one more question...LOL! I an on-line search for electricity in Buffalo and got 19 companies! I've only lived in places with monopolies on power; is one company better than another?

Thx for any possible insights - enjoy-la!

The best coverage seems to be from AT&T (formerly Cingular)for Cel

Time Warner is the Cable Provider however Roadrunner is pricy... DSL in Williamsville is Cheaper and faster thru Verizon ($14.95 intro offer)

National Grid is the power company and the others are resellers... you may get some cheaper intro deals by shopping around...

Good Luck

I have heard from many that Verizon has good cell phone service in the Buffalo area. I would stay away from Sprint. National Grid for electric and Time Warner for internet. Feel free to post again with any other questions. I know the Williamsville area very well (have lived here a long time) and can offer shopping/restaurant/recreational activities advice.

Thx a mint for the info garyt22 and KathyK! Help with the basics really helps!

Interesting that neither of you suggested Sprint and KathyK actually recommended against it. We have an old Sprint phone that we were considering reactivating simply because I can't stand the thought of tossing a perfectly good phone into the landfill.

Come to think of it, we didn't have very good reception on the phone (in the Greater Boston area) and we wondered if it was the phone. It is a Samsung and we're usually Motorola users - just shows the value of local insights and of course fodorites!

Anyone happen to know of a good local moving company? Maybe from their own experience or a recommendation from family/friends?

We need to hire movers to unload the truck into the condo. It usually takes a 3-man crew about 3 hours.

Thx again - enjoy-la!

We haven't used a moving company in many years, but had a good experience with Herman Movers. Their phone number is 716-689-2121. Good luck.

I have Sprint. Hate it. But I'm stuck with it for another year.

I'll check with my SIL and see if she still has the number for "Larry the Mover." He's moved many family members over the last several years (including me 15 years ago). Everyone has been satisfied. (Well, I'll try to remember.....I'm not on here very often anymore).

So we finally made it!

Thx a mint KathyK for your Herman Movers rec - I phoned them but they weren't working Labor Day, like most moving companies, but we really wanted to unload that day so we could return the truck.

BuffaloGirl, I scoured the Net a bit for Larry the Mover but came up empty. Thx for the rec anyway.

I found a mover off Craigslist who works for a "national moving co" during the week and does moves on his own with a crew on w/ends ("Dan" last 4 digits of phone #: 4321). Disappointingly even tho I talked to him on the phone twice the wk before to confirm, he just did not show up. In all our moves, this is the first time movers were no-shows.

What a shock to us! We ended up spending the day moving most of the items ourselves, leaving the heaviest items for movers who we fortunately were able to secure thru emove.com. Turns out they were great - Helping Hands Movers.

So now I continue to unpack, and am ready to hear about Williamsville recommendations!

So far, Wegman's has been right on. Thx a mint for mentioning it KathyK - my DH who was living in Buffalo said he shopped at Tops which was very close by. Without your recommendation, I likely would have just shopped there too since Wegman's doesn't have a very appealing storefront and I had not heard of them before.

Wow, what's with Salavatore's Italian Restaurant?! From the outside, that place is crazie! Is it a "celebration dinner" type of place only? Is the food any good? Is it owned by the same people as Garden Place Hotel?

I've found Panera Bread to be a great place. What other casual places are good? I saw "Kabab & Curry", anyone been there? Any good Chinese food places? Weekend breakfast place (besides IHOP...LOL!)? I love to try them all!

End of my Fodors-break - back to the dreary unpacking...

Enjoy-la!

Welcome to Buffalo! Sorry about the problem with your movers. Yes, Salvatore's and the Garden Place Hotel have the same owner. I haven't eaten there in years but I've heard the food is good. There are so many great restaurants in Buffalo, I wouldn't put Salvatore's anywhere near the top of my list. They do alot of weddings and banquets there. The first thing you should do is find the July/August issue of Buffalo Spree magazine. They probably sell it at Wegmans, possibly Barnes and Noble or you can find it at the library. This is the "Best of Western New York" issue and you'll find great recommendations from dining to festivals, to recreation etc. Which Wegmans are you going to? If it's the Transit Rd. store also try the Sheridan Dr. store (very close). It's bigger with a better selection. As far as restaurants go, there are many locally owned restaurants. No need to go to all the chain restaurants on Transit and Maple Roads. And most importantly, don't limit yourself to Williamsville/Amherst. There are great restaurants a short 15-20 minute drive away in Buffalo. I like the Creekview and Trattoria Aroma, both in the Village of Williamsville. Grover's on Transit has great burgers and is very casual. Clarence Center Coffee Co. is nice for breakfast or lunch. For ice cream go to Jenny's on Spring off Main in the Village. For breakfast try The Original Pancake House in the Village on Main. In Buffalo there are some nice restaurants on Hertel Ave. LaMarina (seafood), lots of little Italian bistros (names are escaping me now but Buffalo Girl will help). For breakfast in Buffalo try Ambrosia on Elmwood, Kostas on Hertel and Betty's on Allen. For fine dining try Tempo on Delaware, Hutch's on Delaware, The Left Bank on Rhode Island or the Chop House on Franklin. There are alot of good moderate priced places on Elmwood. For pizza in Williamsville I like Bocce on Hopkins, Just Pizza on Transit or Mattinas on Sheridan.

I'm not sure what happened there, it posted before I wanted it too. Buffalo Spree named Kabab & Curry best buffet. Sorry my post is so rambling, I'm trying to get this off before I have to leave the house. Post again with any questions, it's not often I get to advise someone moving to Buffalo!