with valentine’s day around the corner, let's consider what we  love about our region

            In my December article for Homefinder readers, I featured a list of some of the special attractions in Western New York, with a kind of “These are a few of my favorite things” holiday tone sprinkled in.

            So it has me thinking: if there’s much to love about our region, wouldn’t it make sense to continue our love theme, with Valentine’s Day not far off? I say yes! Thus, as a relocation specialist for 21 years, let me answer this question for area newcomers: “What is there to love about Western New York?”

            Where to start?

            Of course, there are amenities and attractions wherever you turn here. The list is truly endless. For those who fancy the great outdoors, there’s everything from our blossoming waterfront and the Erie Canal, to Zoar Valley and Letchworth State Park. Not to mention that watery marvel to our north, better known as Niagara Falls. How appropriate any mention of the honeymoon capital of the world is, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner!

                Architecture buffs can marvel at Frank Lloyd Wright’s genius and legacy, showcased in the Darwin Martin House on Jewett Parkway in Buffalo, as well as his enchanting Graycliff Estate in Derby. The influence of Larkin, Stuart Sullivan and others of their contemporaries is equally impressive.

            Culturally, it’s difficult to decide where to begin. There’s the world-renown Albright-Knox Art Gallery, focused on modern art but with plenty of the Old Masters’ works, too…the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra…Theatre of Youth (TOY) Company…Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, itself a national landmark…and on and on.

            Sports fans enjoy the fast-paced action of Buffalo Sabres Hockey, Buffalo Bills football and Buffalo Bisons baseball. Athletics in our region – indoors and out – also spans lacrosse, rowing, and plenty more.

            History aficionados will enjoy Old Fort Niagara in Lewiston, among many other historical points of interest; and animal lovers can visit one of America’s longest-running zoos, plus the Aquarium of Niagara Falls, Marine Land, African Lion Safari and more.

            Now, I could list literally hundreds, perhaps thousands, of other tangible features that make Western New York such a great place in which to live. Yet no description of our first-class community would be complete without talking intangibles, too – the spirit of the people, the cadence of life here, the sense of real community.

            That’s what so many people love best about Western New York. We simply rank at the top when it comes to friendly people, befitting of Buffalo’s “City of Good Neighbors” moniker. There’s something about folks here that’s rare, that you just don’t often find in many other places. At Robitaille Relocation & Real Estate, we hear it all the time. People simply can’t say enough about how friendly Buffalonians and Western New Yorkers in general are.

We never get tired of hearing it!

            There’s noticeable warmth among Western New Yorkers that knits us together, while setting us apart from less friendly places. Despite some economic challenges – and yes, we have our share – Western New York is consistently the model of generosity when it comes to the annual United Way campaign, the Variety Club Telethon, and many other charitable campaigns and events.

            What’s not to love about the fine medical and educational institutions here? With a major research university, a host of more specialized colleges, excellent high schools, and some of the finest hospitals and medical research facilities in the country, they’re additional reasons why our region – like a box of delicious chocolates – is hard to resist.

            Finally, if love ever comes at a cost, well, it’s pretty hard to beat the low cost of living here. In a recent comparison between Buffalo and nine other major U.S. cities –San Francisco; Denver; Detroit; New York; Cleveland; Memphis; Salt Lake City; Juneau, Alaska; and Seattle – Buffalo’s cost of living was the lowest or nearly so. The cost of living index considered groceries, housing, health care, and miscellaneous goods and services, such as fast food, haircuts, toiletries, entertainment and other expenses.

            Just for the record, housing in San Francisco, according to the above-referenced study (from the second quarter of 2004 and first quarter of 2005), was over three times more expensive than Buffalo’s. The city by the bay is lovely, but the city on Lake Erie is lovely for a lot less!

            All of which helps paint a pretty clear picture: relocating to Western New York strikes a positive chord any way you look at it. “I Love New York” is indeed more than just a catchy slogan. So welcome to Western New York, and welcome home. We know you’re going to love it here!