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garyt22: congrats on being quoted in Fodors Toronto 2008 - I hope the travel guide you won helps you plan a trip to somewhere warm...LOL!
Great continued updates and posts, all. I saw the Falafel Bar on Sheridan when I drove by last wk - love that food so will have to drop in. Looks like we'll be staying! We'd like a small rancher in the burbs. Any advice on neighborhoods? Any anomolies in property tax rates we should know about? I know everyone is warm this morning - from all that ice chipping/snow clearing off of our cars from last nite's storm! Enjoy-la! |
Congratulations klam_chowder! I love it when I hear of people who move here and then decide to stay. I personally like the neighborhoods in Eggertsville/Snyder/Village of Williamsville, right off of Main St. You can find small ranches in those areas, as well as larger homes. Now is a great time of year to be looking, as many people put their homes on the market in the early spring. If you're not in a rush I would spend some time on Sunday afternoons going to open houses. You probably know to check the Home Finder in the Saturday paper. Good luck and keep us posted!
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Klam-good suggestions from Kathy K. I would add that ranches are in high demand and go fast when on the market. What's your price range. What amenities are you looking for. Are any of the patio home communities of interest. I"m in Williamsville schools because we wanted that school district and it was a good in between for my husband, who worked downtown, and me who lwrked in Lockport when we bought. Now the kids are in college, DH is no longer downtown, but we still like Williamsville. If I could buy something now, I would go for something close to one of the bike paths or parks because I like to walk with my dogs. I'm not sure if it's allowed on Fodor's rules, but I could refer you to a good realtor. Good luck.
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Thx for the posts and tips KathyK and Rachel!
I will look into those neigborhoods and sources. I would not have guessed ranchers to be popular so it's good to know we'd need to decide quickly if we see one we like. As for amenities, DH would love acreage in the middle of nowhere without neighbours, I prefer living in the city in a historic home, so burbs is the compromise. Sorry, I'm not familiar with the term "patio home communities" - what are those? Dealmakers would be a fireplace and a garage - that's it! We're flexible on budget. Likely we'll start going to open houses soon to see what the market is like here. How much house you get for how much $$ so when we walk into the one "that's it", we'll know what ballpark to offer. Rachel, I think it's ok to make a referral as long as it's not for your own services. People refer others to restaurants, hotels, etc. all the time on this site. I think posters are not allowed to advertise. Up to you, of course. If you're comfortable posting a link to one your agent's listings, I can contact her/him when we're ready. Happy Valentine's Day all - enjoy-la! |
klam_chowder, If you're not familiar with the real estate market here then I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. You can get alot of house for your money compared to other parts of the country. I'm not sure if you're from New England, once lived there, or if you're just a Patriots fan, but the cost of real estate in Buffalo is a fraction of what it is in Boston and other New England areas. Just start looking and you'll see! Too bad you can't talk your husband into the Elmwood Village area in Buffalo (although you won't find a ranch there). I think you'd love it, based on what I've read about you here. Happy house hunting!
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KathyK, LOL when you say I can't convince DH to move to Elmwood: when we drove out to the Toy Museum in East Aurora, DH commented repeatedly that we should buy there - yikes!
I've taken a look on-line at housing and definitely noticed, in some cases, prices are up to only 1/3 of other markets we've been in (yes, including a short stint in Boston) - that's why we have some flexibility in our budget. It was also a primary consideration of whether or not to stay here. Most listings have that automatic mortgage calculator on them and for some places we'd be paying about half of what our rent is now. We've done the big house/big mortgage thing before and now know we only need and prefer smaller spaces. The joke btwn DH and I is that we're always in the "same 4 sq ft anyways"...a living room away is enough distance apart for us...LOL! So no Elmwood for us, but I like Rachel's idea of being near jogging/park trails. I'll keep that on our radar as we start looking around. It'll be great to be in our own space again, and then we can get our pups! HVD - enjoy-la! |
<b> Settled in...Williamsville!</b>
Just wanted to post back and thank everyone again for all their info on the area. We ended up buying a place in Williamsville, off Maple. The market was quite active in the spring and we didn't find a rancher in Snyder or the Village that met our wants and some were under contract before we could even see them! The heavy discounting that seems to be hitting hot spots in other States didn't seem to be happening here. We're delighted with our new space even tho it's larger than we wanted. After a few hectic weeks of prepping, priming and painting walls so we could refinish some hardwood floors before the movers came in with the furniture, we moved in on the weekend. I re-read the previous posts and had to laugh when I realized that we've been eating our way thru Buffalo...LOL! Great recs so far; we preferred the Black & Blue to the Chop House. All the breakie places have been spot on - Betty's, Original Pancake, 1207, etc. A few things I've noticed about Buffalo: - the folk here are very friendly! Not only exhibiited here where Fodorites generously shared their insights but it seems people are very sociable and strike up a conversation even when lining up for the bookstore cashier, etc. - there seem to be a disproportionate number of funeral homes and landscapers here. I think we're the only ones on our block that mow our own lawn - oh no, the riff raff have arrived! We didn't have time to get to "the fair" this year, but will check out Darien Lake and the Buffalo Wing Festival this Labor Day w/end. Hope everyone's having a fab summer enjoy-la! |
Glad to hear you bought a house and are settling in. We also mow our own lawn and shovel & snow blow our snow also. You might want to consider a snow plow service if you dont have a snowblower (or dont want to buy one) or have back or heart issues which would make shoveling dangerous to you. Unfortunately the Farmers Almanac is calling for a cold and snowy winter (for what its worth).
Are you going to the chicken wing festival over labor Day. We've never been but it sounds like a hoot. Once gain, we have no time for it this year. |
we'll be at wingfest! heading to buffalo for a wedding, which is on sunday and it's perfect timing for wingfest! my fiance is all too excited! ha, as am i if i'm honest. ;-)
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Klam.... how about that!!! you added to the population of the Buffalo area.... now you can settle in... get your subscription to Buffalo Spree magazine and start to gain weight like the rest of us... also because you are originally Canadian, you get first dibs on all of the discarded clothing your countrymen and women leave in the parking lots at the Niagara Fashion Outlet!!! Glad everything worked out for you...
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Congratulations, klam_chowder!!! Loved your post - funny! There are a lot of funeral homes, aren't there? Have you noticed the "Amigone" or "Bury" funeral homes yet?
I haven't been on the boards in a while, and I was happy to log on tonight and see your post. As far as suburbs go, I love Williamsville. Good for you. There might not be the "heavy discounting" of properties that's happening everywhere else, but the prices here are so low to begin with....don't you think? I'm hooked on HGTV and I'm amazed at how much my old city house would cost anywhere else. My son mows my small city lawn, but we do have a snow plow service. The garages in the city are way in back of the houses; thus, long driveways. We pay only $200 per year to have our driveway done. The food here is incredible, isn't it? I love 1207 for breakfast. Did you check out the Elmwood Avenue arts festival this weekend? I'm dissapointed I didn't get there. A small "rancher" in Snyder is exactly what I would like when my so goes to college next year. I'm sick and tired of taking care of an old city home. I'm glad you find us to be friendly. Buffalo is the "City of Good Neighbors." We'll talk to anyone. I talk to everyone. Well, congratulations again. You know where to go if you have any questions about the area..... ! -). P.S. garyt22 - funny about the Canadian shoppers. :-) |
I recently heard that Buffalo clinched the #1 spot on a list of dying American cities so we thought we'd combat that by adding to the population...LOL! Not sure about that list but Buffalo was one of 3 finalists to get an entire fan-led episode on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. Didn't feel too bad when it was beat out by exotic Saudi Arabia tho!
The last while has been nothing but a few weeks of vacation away and then house stuff, so apart from the Greek Fest, haven't made it anywhere else. DH declared Labor Day a work-free weekend already...LOL! Surprisingly I haven't made it to the Fashion Outlet yet. You'd think that shoppers would change in the washrooms and leave their clothes in there - at least more privacy...LOL! With this house, tho updated a few times since it was built in the 60's, my fave store is Home Depot - or at least that's what sucking up all our $$ I have seen Amigone and had the same feeling about the name, and I feel like a local cuz I'm complaining about the roads - "What's with bumpy Maple? Why don't they just fix it already?!" - I fit right in with the movers who were complaining too! When you decide to move, start looking early for that rancher in Snyder - they go fast! Have a great LD w/end all - enjoy-la! |
klam - Regarding Buffalo clinching the #1 spot of America's dying cities, please keep in mind the following:
Most of those people moved to the 1st ring suburbs. They didn't necessarily leave the area. I'm not saying people don't constantly leave for the Carolina's or Florida, but realistically they move to the burbs. The city proper is only 42 square miles in size. That is very, very small. And there are a lot of people squeezed into that very small space. Amigone.........it's an Italian name, actually. Probably not meant to be funny but, well, it is!!!!! Get used to the crappy roads. Sigh. Oh, and the Canadians leaving behind their old clothes? OMG. I'm real glad they're spending their money here, but those overflowing garbage cans are a whole 'nuther thing. Welcome to Buffalo!!! |
Congratulations on your new home! I'm happy to hear that you're enjoying living in the Buffalo area. You certainly seem to have embraced life in Western New York. And you're right, we are friendly here. Keep posting if you need ideas about restaurants, etc. It seems like you have done a great job of experiencing this area. Have you become a Bills or Sabres fan yet?
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I don't know where that dying city list came from just heard it mentioned on one of the morning radio shows. We think Greater Buffalo offers a lot and WNY too - I think we'll plan a couple of camping trips next summer: Lake George, Adirondacks, Lake Placid maybe.
We've even decided to stick around this Christmas and see how Buffalo celebrates. It'll be the first time in 6 yrs that we haven't gone away during the holidays. I'll cheer the Sabres on this year. As for the Bills? Well, I bought my tickets early this year - for Dec 28 - guess who's in town? :S- I guess y'all be heading out to catch the Lions game - hope the rain lets up for you. I have to head to a sports bar tonite to catch "my game", dang! Was going to go to Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar on NiagaraF Blvd since we've been to the one on Transit and it was good for it. However, wondering if there's any good sports bar closer to Maple & Millersport? Been to Alehouse on N French and it was a great rec but also a bit far now. Enjoy-la! |
klam - there's an upcoming event that I highly recommend:
http://www.allentown.org/SecretsOfAllentown.html It's a tour of historic homes in the Allentown district. Have you visited the Allentown neighborhood yet? The houses are incredible, and it's a great opportunity to get inside some of them. |
Your two choices for sports bars are Tully's on Niagara Falls Blvd...not far from the Mall ...and there's a Dave and Busters at Main and Transit... also at Main and Transit is the Buffalo Brew Pub...
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BuffaloGirl - Wow, I hadn't heard of it at all. That's my kind of event - when we travel I usually do a heritage home tour of some kind so this is great - I've got it on my calendar!
garyt22 - Excellent recs - I checked them out online and Tully's is very close so I'll be watching at least a few games from there (= Thx a mint all, again! Enjoy-la! |
klam - Allentown is the largest residential historic district in the United States.
I understand that the Birge mansion is one of the properties featured in the tour. If you go, consider walking around the corner to Arlington Park. You won't regret it. :-) |
BuffaloGirl - just wanted to post back to say the Secrets of Allentown is a wonderful event! Thx a mint for mentioning it. Some of the homes were amazing - makes me feel like our decor has the panache of a cardboard box. It sure had a lot of people out into that neighborhood. We were lucky with the sunny weather - even on Friday the forecast was for showers on Sun.
It was then a treat to get home to watch my Pats take on the Jets...LOL! And of course, 2-0 Go BILLS! garyt22 - Tully's will be our new sports bar home for catching the Pats games. Thx for the rec. The other places we'd gone to were always willing to try to put the game on but it was always an ordeal as only 1 person knew how to change the tvs/find the game, etc. At Tully's they actually went around at 12:50 and ASKED every table which game they wanted to watch. Then they would put the game on two tvs - one facing forward and one facing back so that customers on EACH side of the table could watch the game easily. Each customer gets to watch 2 tvs (at least) so it was great to watch the Bills game too. The fab server we had and the TV set up make up for the simpler food at Tully's - we're there for the game anyways - and the drinks are cheap! Hope everyone weathered the storm alright last nite - enjoy-la! |
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