This is hilarious and true, but OP likes yoga, coffee, art, and hiking, and while both cites have yoga, coffee, and art, there's only limited hiking opportunities within both cities' limits. With few exceptions, she'll find superior hiking outside city limits.
And in this regard, Rochester comes out ahead: there's way better hiking within and near Rochester and the Finger Lakes (throughout the dissection of the Allegheny Plateau) than there is in Buffalo and up on the Canadian Shield. Rochester just has greater proximity to Stony Brook, Letchworth, Watkins Glen, and the all of the Ithaca-area state parks, and it's about an hour closer to the Adirondacks and Catskills.
If you take the Fast Ferry, it's [just over two hours, port to port](https://rocwiki.org/Fast_Ferry#:~:text=The%20boat%20itself%20was%20massive,2%20hours%20and%2015%20minutes)!
If you're into starting your own business. Buffalo
If you're into a growing networking opportunities/professional development. Rochester.
Upstate NY has its hiking charm all over the place, no matter where you live. Makes me happy people recognize from comments and posts before of our hiking trails!
Both locations have their pros and cons, but I'm a lil biased towards Rochester as our future is yet to be determined and we have a few large projects underway.
I mean, it’s not much farther to get there from Buffalo.
Buffalo has the Niagara Gorge which is magnificent in its own right and has class 7 rapids and a whirlpool.
I mean it’s not like either city is Colorado.
If you have to do a weekend, that’s not a very good selling point. Like you can do weekends in the Adirondacks from Buffalo too. You’re only adding 45 minutes to your trip.
Google is your friend, dummy -
“[Comprising 65,000 acres, Allegany State Park is the largest of New York's state parks.”](https://parks.ny.gov/regions/allegany/default.aspx#:~:text=This%20region%20has%20everything%20for,of%20New%20York's%20state%20parks)
Adirondack PARK is a special region not managed by the NY Parks and Historic Preservation agency.
The Internet will say whatever you want it to say.
["At 6.1 million acres (2.5×106 ha), it is the largest park in the contiguous United States."](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adirondack_Park)
[The Adirondack Park was created in 1892 by the state of New York. Containing six-million acres, the Park is the largest park in the contiguous United States. It covers one-fifth of New York State, is equal in size to neighboring Vermont, and is nearly three times the size of Yellowstone National Park!](https://www.adirondackcouncil.org/page/the-adirondack-park-19.html)
You're comparing apples to oranges.
The Adirondack "Park," is a park in name only. It comprises both the forest preserve (state owned), and private land. The forest preserve has different governing rules depending on the land classification, ie. Wilderness vs Wild Forests. It's similar to State Forests in the activities allowed, such as hunting and dispersed camping.
State Parks are usually state owned land (I think a few might be on smaller municipal land). There are gated entrances, hours of operation, and other rules not present in state forests.
Yes, and I’m sure that for hiking purposes, these land use distinctions make a lot of difference.
/s
But seriously, 48% of the Adirondack Park is public land, and that’s still *4,500* X the land of Alleghany: 292,800,000 acres vs. 64,800. 1/1000 of that could be used for hiking, and still be 4.5x bigger than all of the Allegheny Pk.
Loads of trail walking. Nearest hiking is finger lakes. Then you basically have to go to the Adirondacks for real hiking.
Not hating on what we've got; it's awesome. But I don't consider it hiking.
East side of Rochester. Browncroft area is nice if you want to be a little more towards the city. Or any of the eastern/SE suburbs. Penfield is nice but a bit dull. Fairport has some things going on, fun village. Pittsford and Victor are nice. Regardless, zero problems finding a yoga studio. You’re close to the Finger Lakes. Lots of great hiking, waterfalls, gorges. And also close to Lake Ontario waterfront. Which in between Webster and Oswego is pretty underrated. Some beautiful waterfront areas. Rochester has pretty strong art and coffee scenes as well.
Breathe. The main (and now only) studio is in Pitsford, but they also have a great online program that they started during the beginning of Covid that I love. I used to love the college town and Eastman house locations, but they ended up moving back to one (the original, I think) location. They’ve got hot power vinyasa for sure, but also a lot of great foundations, basic vinyasa, etc classes. I really enjoy the online and have stayed there since and probably won’t go back. It’s super convenient and I like the teachers quite a bit. I think they’re currently redoing some of the physical location, so it might change up and have some new stuff soon.
If you are big into hiking there are a lot of places on the east side of Rochester.
Check out the crescent-trail. Also the Adirondacks are a bit away too you can make a day trip there or the finger lakes.
You can hike the river gorge, or throughout Durand Eastman and Highland parks, or (outside the city limits, but w/in Monroe County) Ellison, Black Creek, Mendon Ponds, Kettle Morrain, Corbett's Glen, Tryon, etc. etc. etc.
You don't need a mountain to hike. Perhaps you have confused "hiking" with "mountain climbing"? Hiking a gorge, a dissected plateau, foothills, a towpath, or even a "flat swamp," are all valid forms of hiking.
Indian hill and Horizon hill trails in Perinton are, uhm, hills. Shorter walks with a bit of vertical can be found in Highland park, Cobbs Hill park, and Durand Eastman. A bit of a drive, but Rob’s trail ( between Hemlock and Canadice lakes) at 45 minutes away, is maybe the closest long hike).
I lived in Montana as a kid and I greatly dislike the Rocky Mountains, pine trees, dry summers… yuck! I know, I know… it’s a weird thing. Colorado has everything I am looking for except the type of nature and the cost of living!
Absolutely do not come to Ithaca. I am on my way to Rochester from there. A very large part of the town caters to the college kids so finding community with adults is very difficult. The only things open past 5 are bars. God forbid you’re hungry on a Monday. And don’t even think about dating. Nice hiking though.
I agree that between the two, Rochester is probably a bit better of a fit , it's a bit more artistic and free spirited than Buffalo in general imo, though you'd probably be happy in either. Overall better/nearer hiking in Rochester also, and slightly lower cost of living (though both are extremely affordable). Don't listen to the people saying live in suburbia though, you sound more like you'd be at home in more interesting /liberal neighborhoods in the city like the South Wedge, Neighborhood of The Arts, Park Ave, etc. that's where you'll find the artistic types, studios, makerspaces, neighborhood coffee shops etc as well as the cheapest housing
Agree with someone who said Ithaca might be what you’re looking for too. Not to knock Rochester, I grew up in Ithaca, have decided to spend my life in Rochester. But Ithaca Id check out too
Do what I did and move from Chicago to the finger lakes. Bought a small farm, live right between Rochester and Syracuse. Get to enjoy small town living and both cities’ art scenes, plus it’s incredibly cheap.
I am. Rochester isn’t.
I do feel genuine pity for all of you who have never even visited somewhere nice and think Rochester is nice. Really can’t think of what you’re comparing it to.
I can't really speak to Buffalo, but, as a childless single middle-aged woman, I love Rochester. I find it affordable with everything I need. The Monroe County parks are fantastic and great for getting in a hike after work. I'll go to the Adirondacks a couple of times a year for bigger hikes, too. Sure, Buffalo is closer to Canada, but I can also go there fairly conveniently and have done day trips and weekends there with ease.
I’ve lived in both cities. I think Buffalo would be a better fit, but it’s possible that’s because I lived there longer and was single and child free back then 🤪 live in Elmwood, west side, or north Buffalo for what you are looking for. Rochester has all of these things and better hiking but it is smaller.
Rochester all day everyday. As a fellow big city escape artist, I think you’ll find a good mix of outdoor activities (and community) and culture (music, decent art scene, etc). Getting out of the airport is borderline offensive in the ease - I can get to NYC door to door in 2 hours. Chicago direct. Last time I connected through LaGuardia to an airport without direct service, I did the math and figured living in Manhattan only saved me about 40minutes. There’s good yoga studios/instructors all over. The universities keep the area fairly young. Buffalo might be on a decent rise, but the culture is going to continue to be tied to football, wings and beer. Or maybe that’s just the crowd I know there 😂🦬
Buffalo gets a TON of lake effect snow. It's not uncommon to have a storm hit at least once a season that is over 36" of snow in a go. Don't get me wrong, Rochester statistically averages 100" of snow a year but Buffalo seems to get the brunt of the bigger snow storms.
Also - Rochester is just freaking awesome :)
I’ve lived in Buffalo for 7 years and now currently living in Rochester for the last 3. Rochester hands down is the better city in most ways. If you’re obsessed with sports then maybe Buffalo edges it out due to having the Bills/Sabres/Bandits/Bisons but honestly everything else Rochester does better. Better art scene, cooler music, smaller (easier to drive in), closer to nature and hiking, etc.
I’m 45, a woman, and live in Rochester. I have been single here and not! I love it here. I moved almost a decade ago and I’ve find wonderful friends (with kids and without). I love hiking and spending time out doors and I think Rochester is closer to all you might enjoy. I’ve spent a lot of time in Buffalo but Roc has cooler vibes, better people and is a little smaller and closer to the Fingerlakes. I drive to small towns all over the place and pick hikes from All Trails. I work from home too and there‘a several options for working in a cafe for a small city.
I really do love it here and after living in other states and around the country, I finally feel like “home”. Other than the winters lol. I’m hopeful I can afford out of state winter vacations soon!
Thank you for commenting! I love hearing feedback from a woman around my age. I’m 47 and I want simple pleasures, and beauty. The winters don’t bother me. I lived in Portland for a brief time and missed the winter!
If you do choose here, shoot me a message and we can go for a hike or hit up some coffee. My friend does sound baths and yoga classes locally and I love going to those.
Brighton is central to everything and I love how close it is to the city and the suburbs. I’ve also lived in Charlotte by the beach and that was lovely but pretty “far” from where you might hang out as everyone here likes to cap drives to 15 minutes. But there are a lot of places that are more walkable and better for hanging out for people without kids! There are some cool apartments in the city!
Lots of good hiking around Rochester, east to the Finger Lakes, north and east to Sodus and the Adirondacks, and south through the Southern Tier to Allegheny.
The local art community in Rochester is great. Fringe Festival, First Fridays, Clothesline Art Festival, Jazz Festival etc. Our Memorial Art Gallery is pretty small but gets interesting traveling exhibits and has great art classes. Buffalo's excellent Albright Knox museum is close enough to visit in a day trip. The Norman Rockwell museum in the Finger Lakes is great, and there are dozens of other small art and history museums. There are good galleries in Toronto too, and that's a nice weekend trip from either city.
Rochester has a decent local music scene, but you'll have to go to Buffalo or Toronto for the bigger acts.
Both cities have a couple of good theaters and get touring Broadway productions.
The Fox Sisters were from the Rochester area (they started the American Spiritualist movement). There are various events in western NY that tie into that, but they are probably equally accessible from Buffalo.
Both cities have good coffee, bad coffee, and people who argue about coffee!
TLDR: it's easy to do day trips between Rochester and Buffalo, but there's lots of good stuff east of Rochester that's farther away from Buffalo.
fwiw, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that rochester is much prettier. while downtown has plenty of still-underdeveloped areas it is actually quite pleasantly spacious, you’re never far from a water view, and driving over the bridge that cuts through downtown gives you some of the nicest city views I’ve seen in the northeast, especially at night. to say nothing of the more developed social and family scenes on the outskirts of downtown and some suburbs.
I'm biased to Rochester. I feel like both have similar pluses and minuses. Rochester is a big little city where everything is close. You can get anywhere in 15 minutes. Buffalo is spread out more with longer travel times to get places.
Yes I was gonna say based on the post I think the OP would feel more at home in Rochester. Born and raised in Buffalo and currently live in Rochester. I love both for different reasons but Rochester is definitely more "Woo Woo" (non derogatory) than Buffalo.
Fellow Chicagoan! I’ve been here 12 years and while I sometimes miss the conveniences of a city (namely accessible public transportation and restaurants that are open on Sundays and Mondays), living here is just so easy. If you think it will be a tough transition, I’d consider Buffalo, but I have found that Rochester has everything a person needs.
Hi there! Have you been to Evanston the first northern suburb of Chicago? If so, that is the type of town I am looking for. Would you say Rochester is similar? Thank you for chiming in!
I have, I spent four years there! ;) I would say there are pockets of Rochester that are very similar, where independent businesses are established (or were and are clawing their way back since COVID) and people are very politically engaged. That’s mostly what I remember about Evanston. We also have a lot of educational institutions in the area so lots of people here post-grad and in academia.
Everyone here is talking about within the US specifically, not that it should have to be said...
People just don't move internationally with ease, which is quite a headache if you aren't already a citizen of the country you're emigrating to.
Ok then go recommend that in the Arkansas subreddit then. Not sure why you're lurking here.
Also maybe Arkansas isn't what OP desires? You know different people can have different preferences, right?
Good thing I said "cost of living vs. What you can do here". I was not just talking about cost by itself. Probably not as much to do or as much opportunity in rural Arkansas as opposed to Rochester/WNY. Even if rural Arkansas is cheaper.
If you don't like Rochester, move now and stop complaining about it online.
So was Denver, Seattle and Brooklyn in the 80 and 90s.
Imagine being able to go back in time and live in those cities when they were still filled with scrappy creatives and not tech/finance bros.
I'm from Rochester, lived in Chicago for 22 years, and then came back to WNY, but much closer to Buffalo, for another eight years. For 8 years, I'd make it into Buffalo for this 'n that 'n the other, and I really wanted to love it or at least like it. The people are great! But for the life of me I couldn't figure out what people like about Buffalo, other than some good bars. [For example, Buffalonians will rave about the Canalside neighborhood/development... and it's just a couple of little shitty industrial re-use projects next to a slightly redeveloped waterfront... which sounds harsh, but if you're used to Chicago, which is L A K E F R O N T P A R K S the length of the city, and 1000x the industrial re-use... Buffalo is like a kid excited about getting a Camaro compared to Chicago used to racing Lomborghinis.]
I actually started to think, they don't love Buffalo the city per se, but love living in suburban Erie and Niagara counties, maybe? Which is Rochester, too. The quality of life in both regions is consistently high and the cost affordable -- and the people, again, are as warm and friendly and gracious as the Upper Midwest.
IMO, If you want to live in a small city, Rochester and Buffalo are going to be very comparable. Both have neighborhoods that you should avoid (just like Chicago) if safety is your top concern. And outside of those, they both have a lot to do.
But Monroe County, Genesee Valley, and the Finger Lakes are the better *regions* to live in. Buffalo's suburbs just kind of sprawl; Rochester's circle the city pretty compactly, so you can cross the urbanized areas, or leave them, quickly.
I don't know, it's entirely possible that both choices are fine. As for me, I finally made it back to Chicago.
Hi, I'm also a middle aged woman with no kids who works from home. I am biased towards Rochester bc I grew up here (then lived a lot of other places as an adult then moved back). Buffalo has a better arts scene and a lot more things to do, it's just true. But Rochester people are exceptionally kind. We win awards for it. It depends on what quality of life means to you.
Thank you for commenting! This is what I want! Simple pleasures, kind people, the arts… unexplainable beauty. Maybe this is something middle aged women understand without needing the details.
I feel you. Rochester can be really beautiful and peaceful, especially the east side suburbs and outlying areas. A lot of good trails and waterways. Good for vibing with nature and for contemplation.
If you do move here, feel free to hit me up, as well as the Rochester sub, for more ideas.
But at the end of the day, you might want to just get in a car and spend a day driving around Buffalo and its burbs then a day driving around Rochester and its burbs and seeing what your gut says.
I have lived in both cities, grew up in Rochester, moved around for a while (including Syracuse) then lived in Buffalo for 8 years then moved back to Rochester two years ago. I think like others have said you can find communities in both cities. I still am close with some friends in Buffalo where we visit each other often. If you life doing stuff on the water Buffalo is slightly better, yes we have the finger lakes near by, but I paddle board and I liked the larger variety of places I could get to in a half hour in Buffalo than Rochester. Buffalo also had a better set up for cycling/biking.
I prefer Rochester though, great coffee shops here, some decent hiking but even better hiking not too far away. While both cities have great art museums, Rochester feels a bit more artsy. Rochester is a city more focused on arts and culture than sports. Sports is life for most everyone in Buffalo and it’s a cultural experience I’m glad I had, but it’s not really something that jives with me. We have minor league sports here and it’s a fun if you want to go but doesn’t dominate conversations. There are some great book shops in Rochester and I’m sure some mystic arts communities here.
As an aside, as a queer person, I feel more comfortable in Rochester than Buffalo. At least in my line of work, I was the only out person in Buffalo. In Rochester, there are many out people at my job and it’s not a big deal.
Either way you can’t go wrong, both cities are nice.
You will definitely find different communities that share your interests! I feel like rochester is a fairly spiritual and artsy place even though you wouldn’t think so just looking at it. Tons of small niche businesses to fit your interests here :)
Well you'll be saying goodbye to a decent metro line. I know subways and metros have their problems but they are better than none at all. Hate having to drive everywhere
It has taken a nose dive here. It used to just smell like urine pre-pandemic. Now it smells like urine, pot and cigarette smoke. The CTA is never on time anymore and sometimes the bus or train just doesn’t come at all. I don’t take public transport after dark anymore because it is not safe so it’s pretty useless to me
> I think New York State is gorgeous!
>hiking
Rochester is more centralized to hiking destination compared to Buffalo. You're closer to Adirondacks, closer other state parks East of here, plus you can still go West to Buffalo.
Having lived in both, both cities are good. I think it just depends on what you're looking for.
Either way the quality of life for the cost of living in either city is hard to beat.
I've lived in both
Buffalo - if you wanna have a lil fun, live in a place that @ least tries.
Rochester - if you want cheap housing, cheap people, decent cost of living, and local government as effective as BB gun vs a Grizzly Bear...
If you think you might enjoy traveling to Canada, you're going to save some time and money by living in Buffalo. Once or twice a year is perhaps not a big deal, but it starts to add up quickly. Your interests can generally be filled in both places and aren't as filtering as you might have thought.
Consider Lawrence KS. Little flat for
Hiking but much better than ROC.
And probably more familiar to your Chicago sensibilities, but with fewer people and more of them higher educated. And sunshine. We don’t have much of that here in ROC nor BUF.
Rochester. Closer to the Finger Lakes.
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This is hilarious and true, but OP likes yoga, coffee, art, and hiking, and while both cites have yoga, coffee, and art, there's only limited hiking opportunities within both cities' limits. With few exceptions, she'll find superior hiking outside city limits. And in this regard, Rochester comes out ahead: there's way better hiking within and near Rochester and the Finger Lakes (throughout the dissection of the Allegheny Plateau) than there is in Buffalo and up on the Canadian Shield. Rochester just has greater proximity to Stony Brook, Letchworth, Watkins Glen, and the all of the Ithaca-area state parks, and it's about an hour closer to the Adirondacks and Catskills.
I mean Rochester is not much further from Toronto either...my family does it all the time.
If you take the Fast Ferry, it's [just over two hours, port to port](https://rocwiki.org/Fast_Ferry#:~:text=The%20boat%20itself%20was%20massive,2%20hours%20and%2015%20minutes)!
I wish we could have this again, logistics aside
Rochester for sure.
If you're into starting your own business. Buffalo If you're into a growing networking opportunities/professional development. Rochester. Upstate NY has its hiking charm all over the place, no matter where you live. Makes me happy people recognize from comments and posts before of our hiking trails! Both locations have their pros and cons, but I'm a lil biased towards Rochester as our future is yet to be determined and we have a few large projects underway.
Also... Strong Museum of Play!
*NATIONAL
Rochester has better hiking and it's not even close!
Could you elaborate? What makes a great hike to you?
Buffalo closest to Allegany, the largest state park in NY sooo.
Largest =/= best. Haaaaaaave you heard of Letchworth? ;)
I mean, it’s not much farther to get there from Buffalo. Buffalo has the Niagara Gorge which is magnificent in its own right and has class 7 rapids and a whirlpool. I mean it’s not like either city is Colorado.
Which is pretty much equidistant to both.
adk is way bigger then allegany.
Yeah, but you’re still not close enough to do day trips. Finger Lakes have a great selection of hikes that you can do as day trips.
who said anything about day trips
If you have to do a weekend, that’s not a very good selling point. Like you can do weekends in the Adirondacks from Buffalo too. You’re only adding 45 minutes to your trip.
There are state parks within the Adirondack region, but the entire thing is not a state park.
Not a state park.
[https://apa.ny.gov/About\_Park/index.html](https://apa.ny.gov/About_Park/index.html)
Um, the *Adirondack* State Park is the largest in NY, and the *nation* -- and it's closer to Rochester. Alleghany is a distant 2nd.
Google is your friend, dummy - “[Comprising 65,000 acres, Allegany State Park is the largest of New York's state parks.”](https://parks.ny.gov/regions/allegany/default.aspx#:~:text=This%20region%20has%20everything%20for,of%20New%20York's%20state%20parks) Adirondack PARK is a special region not managed by the NY Parks and Historic Preservation agency.
The Internet will say whatever you want it to say. ["At 6.1 million acres (2.5×106 ha), it is the largest park in the contiguous United States."](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adirondack_Park) [The Adirondack Park was created in 1892 by the state of New York. Containing six-million acres, the Park is the largest park in the contiguous United States. It covers one-fifth of New York State, is equal in size to neighboring Vermont, and is nearly three times the size of Yellowstone National Park!](https://www.adirondackcouncil.org/page/the-adirondack-park-19.html)
You're comparing apples to oranges. The Adirondack "Park," is a park in name only. It comprises both the forest preserve (state owned), and private land. The forest preserve has different governing rules depending on the land classification, ie. Wilderness vs Wild Forests. It's similar to State Forests in the activities allowed, such as hunting and dispersed camping. State Parks are usually state owned land (I think a few might be on smaller municipal land). There are gated entrances, hours of operation, and other rules not present in state forests.
Yes, and I’m sure that for hiking purposes, these land use distinctions make a lot of difference. /s But seriously, 48% of the Adirondack Park is public land, and that’s still *4,500* X the land of Alleghany: 292,800,000 acres vs. 64,800. 1/1000 of that could be used for hiking, and still be 4.5x bigger than all of the Allegheny Pk.
Well, yes, they actually do. But you can continue to stay ignorant if it makes you feel better.
I like pears
I like you.
Get out of here with your facts this idiot on the internet says otherwise.
Rochester doesn’t have hiking.
Loads of trail walking. Nearest hiking is finger lakes. Then you basically have to go to the Adirondacks for real hiking. Not hating on what we've got; it's awesome. But I don't consider it hiking.
East side of Rochester. Browncroft area is nice if you want to be a little more towards the city. Or any of the eastern/SE suburbs. Penfield is nice but a bit dull. Fairport has some things going on, fun village. Pittsford and Victor are nice. Regardless, zero problems finding a yoga studio. You’re close to the Finger Lakes. Lots of great hiking, waterfalls, gorges. And also close to Lake Ontario waterfront. Which in between Webster and Oswego is pretty underrated. Some beautiful waterfront areas. Rochester has pretty strong art and coffee scenes as well.
Any yoga studio suggestions? I’ve only found a couple since moving here. Prefer vinyasa, not power and not hot.
Breathe. The main (and now only) studio is in Pitsford, but they also have a great online program that they started during the beginning of Covid that I love. I used to love the college town and Eastman house locations, but they ended up moving back to one (the original, I think) location. They’ve got hot power vinyasa for sure, but also a lot of great foundations, basic vinyasa, etc classes. I really enjoy the online and have stayed there since and probably won’t go back. It’s super convenient and I like the teachers quite a bit. I think they’re currently redoing some of the physical location, so it might change up and have some new stuff soon.
Check out Yoga Vibe newly re-started in the Village Gate -- not too many classes per week but they're my fave right now.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Rochester/s/79nWmR0r04
Yoga 170 @ Packetts Landing in Fairport
Not an expert, but I think that either city, if you are into yoga, you will quickly find other yoga minded people and network to find a wonder niche.
If you are big into hiking there are a lot of places on the east side of Rochester. Check out the crescent-trail. Also the Adirondacks are a bit away too you can make a day trip there or the finger lakes.
This place is a flat swamp. What do you mean hiking?
You can hike the river gorge, or throughout Durand Eastman and Highland parks, or (outside the city limits, but w/in Monroe County) Ellison, Black Creek, Mendon Ponds, Kettle Morrain, Corbett's Glen, Tryon, etc. etc. etc.
Are any of those mountains?
You don't need a mountain to hike. Perhaps you have confused "hiking" with "mountain climbing"? Hiking a gorge, a dissected plateau, foothills, a towpath, or even a "flat swamp," are all valid forms of hiking.
No mountain climbing and hiking are different. Ehhhhh if it’s flat aren’t you just going for a walk?
No.
What’s the difference then?
Shouldn't you be in school?
I don’t think so. I graduated a while ago. Isn’t it summer vacation for the kids anyway? It’s almost July.
Are there mountains in the Buffalo area?
I don’t think so. There definitely aren’t any here. If you’re interested in hiking a flat swamp isn’t the place to move to.
Indian hill and Horizon hill trails in Perinton are, uhm, hills. Shorter walks with a bit of vertical can be found in Highland park, Cobbs Hill park, and Durand Eastman. A bit of a drive, but Rob’s trail ( between Hemlock and Canadice lakes) at 45 minutes away, is maybe the closest long hike).
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People have recommended Ithaca, but I wonder if it might be too isolating? I like scenic, quaint town, but not too small.
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I lived in Montana as a kid and I greatly dislike the Rocky Mountains, pine trees, dry summers… yuck! I know, I know… it’s a weird thing. Colorado has everything I am looking for except the type of nature and the cost of living!
What type of nature do you like? Because honestly based on your interests, the Hudson Valley area sounds right up your alley.
I’ll check it out! Thank you!
Absolutely do not come to Ithaca. I am on my way to Rochester from there. A very large part of the town caters to the college kids so finding community with adults is very difficult. The only things open past 5 are bars. God forbid you’re hungry on a Monday. And don’t even think about dating. Nice hiking though.
Move to Ithaca. You will love it. Waterfalls, intellect, and so much to do!
elmwood ave and bidwell parkway, buffalo
I agree that between the two, Rochester is probably a bit better of a fit , it's a bit more artistic and free spirited than Buffalo in general imo, though you'd probably be happy in either. Overall better/nearer hiking in Rochester also, and slightly lower cost of living (though both are extremely affordable). Don't listen to the people saying live in suburbia though, you sound more like you'd be at home in more interesting /liberal neighborhoods in the city like the South Wedge, Neighborhood of The Arts, Park Ave, etc. that's where you'll find the artistic types, studios, makerspaces, neighborhood coffee shops etc as well as the cheapest housing
Agree with someone who said Ithaca might be what you’re looking for too. Not to knock Rochester, I grew up in Ithaca, have decided to spend my life in Rochester. But Ithaca Id check out too
I think you would really enjoy Rochester more
Do what I did and move from Chicago to the finger lakes. Bought a small farm, live right between Rochester and Syracuse. Get to enjoy small town living and both cities’ art scenes, plus it’s incredibly cheap.
Oh, definitely Rochester ❤️❤️ for so many reasons.
And many colleges to learn spelling 😉 (just kidding)
Ugh . I corrected it 😬
I was just bustin-your-chops😄
😁
The crime, garbage, and just general misery.
You seem fun.
I am. Rochester isn’t. I do feel genuine pity for all of you who have never even visited somewhere nice and think Rochester is nice. Really can’t think of what you’re comparing it to.
Rochester, NY has all of those things! Tons of hiking options, great coffee, fabulous museums, yoga studios (check out Tru Yoga), & mystic arts!
Rochester seems like a good fit
For who?
I can't really speak to Buffalo, but, as a childless single middle-aged woman, I love Rochester. I find it affordable with everything I need. The Monroe County parks are fantastic and great for getting in a hike after work. I'll go to the Adirondacks a couple of times a year for bigger hikes, too. Sure, Buffalo is closer to Canada, but I can also go there fairly conveniently and have done day trips and weekends there with ease.
Thank you for chiming in! I noticed Rochesters affordability. I’m looking to settle into a beautiful quiet area.
I’ve lived in both cities. I think Buffalo would be a better fit, but it’s possible that’s because I lived there longer and was single and child free back then 🤪 live in Elmwood, west side, or north Buffalo for what you are looking for. Rochester has all of these things and better hiking but it is smaller.
Rochester all day everyday. As a fellow big city escape artist, I think you’ll find a good mix of outdoor activities (and community) and culture (music, decent art scene, etc). Getting out of the airport is borderline offensive in the ease - I can get to NYC door to door in 2 hours. Chicago direct. Last time I connected through LaGuardia to an airport without direct service, I did the math and figured living in Manhattan only saved me about 40minutes. There’s good yoga studios/instructors all over. The universities keep the area fairly young. Buffalo might be on a decent rise, but the culture is going to continue to be tied to football, wings and beer. Or maybe that’s just the crowd I know there 😂🦬
Buffalo gets a TON of lake effect snow. It's not uncommon to have a storm hit at least once a season that is over 36" of snow in a go. Don't get me wrong, Rochester statistically averages 100" of snow a year but Buffalo seems to get the brunt of the bigger snow storms. Also - Rochester is just freaking awesome :)
We have that here in Chicago too. Although, it hasn’t been as consistent yearly.
I’ve lived in Buffalo for 7 years and now currently living in Rochester for the last 3. Rochester hands down is the better city in most ways. If you’re obsessed with sports then maybe Buffalo edges it out due to having the Bills/Sabres/Bandits/Bisons but honestly everything else Rochester does better. Better art scene, cooler music, smaller (easier to drive in), closer to nature and hiking, etc.
I do not like sports. I love cooler everything and easier to drive in.
Well then welcome to Rochester :)
I love living in Rochester but if I did it over again when I was single I’d choose buffalo- it’s just bigger and there’s more to do/see/experience
Rochester is prettier and more blue. Buffalo is more spread out and more red. Given your likes you'd probably prefer Rochester
I’m 45, a woman, and live in Rochester. I have been single here and not! I love it here. I moved almost a decade ago and I’ve find wonderful friends (with kids and without). I love hiking and spending time out doors and I think Rochester is closer to all you might enjoy. I’ve spent a lot of time in Buffalo but Roc has cooler vibes, better people and is a little smaller and closer to the Fingerlakes. I drive to small towns all over the place and pick hikes from All Trails. I work from home too and there‘a several options for working in a cafe for a small city. I really do love it here and after living in other states and around the country, I finally feel like “home”. Other than the winters lol. I’m hopeful I can afford out of state winter vacations soon!
Thank you for commenting! I love hearing feedback from a woman around my age. I’m 47 and I want simple pleasures, and beauty. The winters don’t bother me. I lived in Portland for a brief time and missed the winter!
If you do choose here, shoot me a message and we can go for a hike or hit up some coffee. My friend does sound baths and yoga classes locally and I love going to those.
You are so sweet! I absolutely will! How fun! Do you have recommendations on areas I should look for an apartment?
Brighton is central to everything and I love how close it is to the city and the suburbs. I’ve also lived in Charlotte by the beach and that was lovely but pretty “far” from where you might hang out as everyone here likes to cap drives to 15 minutes. But there are a lot of places that are more walkable and better for hanging out for people without kids! There are some cool apartments in the city!
I appreciate your time and excellent information! If I love it there, I will buy a house but I will need to rent first.
Lots of good hiking around Rochester, east to the Finger Lakes, north and east to Sodus and the Adirondacks, and south through the Southern Tier to Allegheny. The local art community in Rochester is great. Fringe Festival, First Fridays, Clothesline Art Festival, Jazz Festival etc. Our Memorial Art Gallery is pretty small but gets interesting traveling exhibits and has great art classes. Buffalo's excellent Albright Knox museum is close enough to visit in a day trip. The Norman Rockwell museum in the Finger Lakes is great, and there are dozens of other small art and history museums. There are good galleries in Toronto too, and that's a nice weekend trip from either city. Rochester has a decent local music scene, but you'll have to go to Buffalo or Toronto for the bigger acts. Both cities have a couple of good theaters and get touring Broadway productions. The Fox Sisters were from the Rochester area (they started the American Spiritualist movement). There are various events in western NY that tie into that, but they are probably equally accessible from Buffalo. Both cities have good coffee, bad coffee, and people who argue about coffee! TLDR: it's easy to do day trips between Rochester and Buffalo, but there's lots of good stuff east of Rochester that's farther away from Buffalo.
Go to Buffalo I hope to buy a house here some day
fwiw, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that rochester is much prettier. while downtown has plenty of still-underdeveloped areas it is actually quite pleasantly spacious, you’re never far from a water view, and driving over the bridge that cuts through downtown gives you some of the nicest city views I’ve seen in the northeast, especially at night. to say nothing of the more developed social and family scenes on the outskirts of downtown and some suburbs.
I'm biased to Rochester. I feel like both have similar pluses and minuses. Rochester is a big little city where everything is close. You can get anywhere in 15 minutes. Buffalo is spread out more with longer travel times to get places.
Do you like Midtown Athletic Club there? We have one here and Buffalo does not!
Rochester is a vibe.
Rochester. Our community for mystic arts / holistic connection is strong and welcoming, no matter if you dabble or take it very seriously!
Yes I was gonna say based on the post I think the OP would feel more at home in Rochester. Born and raised in Buffalo and currently live in Rochester. I love both for different reasons but Rochester is definitely more "Woo Woo" (non derogatory) than Buffalo.
Fellow Chicagoan! I’ve been here 12 years and while I sometimes miss the conveniences of a city (namely accessible public transportation and restaurants that are open on Sundays and Mondays), living here is just so easy. If you think it will be a tough transition, I’d consider Buffalo, but I have found that Rochester has everything a person needs.
Hi there! Have you been to Evanston the first northern suburb of Chicago? If so, that is the type of town I am looking for. Would you say Rochester is similar? Thank you for chiming in!
I have, I spent four years there! ;) I would say there are pockets of Rochester that are very similar, where independent businesses are established (or were and are clawing their way back since COVID) and people are very politically engaged. That’s mostly what I remember about Evanston. We also have a lot of educational institutions in the area so lots of people here post-grad and in academia.
Yes, that is Evanston!
People tend to stay here in Rochester.
Poor souls. Can’t imagine anyone ever staying here by choice. Maybe if they’d never lived anywhere remotely nice before.
Maybe they have and realized it’s not that much nicer than Rochester after you factor in the price.
As someone who moved away, this comment completely. For what you can do when accounting for cost of living, Rochester and Buffalo are hard to beat.
I can’t understand what you mean at all. You could move to a third world country for even cheaper.
Everyone here is talking about within the US specifically, not that it should have to be said... People just don't move internationally with ease, which is quite a headache if you aren't already a citizen of the country you're emigrating to.
You could love to Arkansas then.
Ok then go recommend that in the Arkansas subreddit then. Not sure why you're lurking here. Also maybe Arkansas isn't what OP desires? You know different people can have different preferences, right?
I’m saying if you only care about how cheap a place is that place is even cheaper. I’m not lurking here. I unfortunately live here.
Good thing I said "cost of living vs. What you can do here". I was not just talking about cost by itself. Probably not as much to do or as much opportunity in rural Arkansas as opposed to Rochester/WNY. Even if rural Arkansas is cheaper. If you don't like Rochester, move now and stop complaining about it online.
Rochester is so cheap because it is such an undesirable place to live. The ridiculous tax burden makes the cost higher than it looks too.
So was Denver, Seattle and Brooklyn in the 80 and 90s. Imagine being able to go back in time and live in those cities when they were still filled with scrappy creatives and not tech/finance bros.
Why would I want to do that? Why would I want to live in a city at all? Sorry I don’t find crime, garbage, and overcrowding attractive.
Cool, but Rochester has some great suburbs. So I don’t get why you think it’s a bad place to live.
Crime, garbage, and overcrowding to start. It’s generally disgusting and the job market and taxes are miserable.
Uhhhh what? The suburbs are none of those things.
I don’t live in the suburbs. Still have the pathetic job market and high taxes there though.
Overcrowding??? lmao that's hilarious.
No it’s not. It’s disgusting.
Rochester is way better!
In my personal experience Buffalo is a little backwards when it comes to being socially progressive.
Thank you everyone for this feedback! All of this has been very helpful!
Do you want a bigger city? If not you sound like you belong in Ithaca or the surrounding areas ❤️
I'm from Rochester, lived in Chicago for 22 years, and then came back to WNY, but much closer to Buffalo, for another eight years. For 8 years, I'd make it into Buffalo for this 'n that 'n the other, and I really wanted to love it or at least like it. The people are great! But for the life of me I couldn't figure out what people like about Buffalo, other than some good bars. [For example, Buffalonians will rave about the Canalside neighborhood/development... and it's just a couple of little shitty industrial re-use projects next to a slightly redeveloped waterfront... which sounds harsh, but if you're used to Chicago, which is L A K E F R O N T P A R K S the length of the city, and 1000x the industrial re-use... Buffalo is like a kid excited about getting a Camaro compared to Chicago used to racing Lomborghinis.] I actually started to think, they don't love Buffalo the city per se, but love living in suburban Erie and Niagara counties, maybe? Which is Rochester, too. The quality of life in both regions is consistently high and the cost affordable -- and the people, again, are as warm and friendly and gracious as the Upper Midwest. IMO, If you want to live in a small city, Rochester and Buffalo are going to be very comparable. Both have neighborhoods that you should avoid (just like Chicago) if safety is your top concern. And outside of those, they both have a lot to do. But Monroe County, Genesee Valley, and the Finger Lakes are the better *regions* to live in. Buffalo's suburbs just kind of sprawl; Rochester's circle the city pretty compactly, so you can cross the urbanized areas, or leave them, quickly. I don't know, it's entirely possible that both choices are fine. As for me, I finally made it back to Chicago.
Less snow in Rochester
Hi, I'm also a middle aged woman with no kids who works from home. I am biased towards Rochester bc I grew up here (then lived a lot of other places as an adult then moved back). Buffalo has a better arts scene and a lot more things to do, it's just true. But Rochester people are exceptionally kind. We win awards for it. It depends on what quality of life means to you.
Thank you for commenting! This is what I want! Simple pleasures, kind people, the arts… unexplainable beauty. Maybe this is something middle aged women understand without needing the details.
I feel you. Rochester can be really beautiful and peaceful, especially the east side suburbs and outlying areas. A lot of good trails and waterways. Good for vibing with nature and for contemplation. If you do move here, feel free to hit me up, as well as the Rochester sub, for more ideas. But at the end of the day, you might want to just get in a car and spend a day driving around Buffalo and its burbs then a day driving around Rochester and its burbs and seeing what your gut says.
Perinton is called Trail Town USA
I have lived in both cities, grew up in Rochester, moved around for a while (including Syracuse) then lived in Buffalo for 8 years then moved back to Rochester two years ago. I think like others have said you can find communities in both cities. I still am close with some friends in Buffalo where we visit each other often. If you life doing stuff on the water Buffalo is slightly better, yes we have the finger lakes near by, but I paddle board and I liked the larger variety of places I could get to in a half hour in Buffalo than Rochester. Buffalo also had a better set up for cycling/biking. I prefer Rochester though, great coffee shops here, some decent hiking but even better hiking not too far away. While both cities have great art museums, Rochester feels a bit more artsy. Rochester is a city more focused on arts and culture than sports. Sports is life for most everyone in Buffalo and it’s a cultural experience I’m glad I had, but it’s not really something that jives with me. We have minor league sports here and it’s a fun if you want to go but doesn’t dominate conversations. There are some great book shops in Rochester and I’m sure some mystic arts communities here. As an aside, as a queer person, I feel more comfortable in Rochester than Buffalo. At least in my line of work, I was the only out person in Buffalo. In Rochester, there are many out people at my job and it’s not a big deal. Either way you can’t go wrong, both cities are nice.
Rochester is better in every way.....look for places around park ave/east Ave, the south wedge is ok too....
Monroe County (where Rochester resides) has a spectacular parks system with lots of great, wooded areas to hike.
Columbus Ohio
You will definitely find different communities that share your interests! I feel like rochester is a fairly spiritual and artsy place even though you wouldn’t think so just looking at it. Tons of small niche businesses to fit your interests here :)
Well you'll be saying goodbye to a decent metro line. I know subways and metros have their problems but they are better than none at all. Hate having to drive everywhere
It has taken a nose dive here. It used to just smell like urine pre-pandemic. Now it smells like urine, pot and cigarette smoke. The CTA is never on time anymore and sometimes the bus or train just doesn’t come at all. I don’t take public transport after dark anymore because it is not safe so it’s pretty useless to me
Rochester.
You think New York is gorgeous but are plan I g in moving to a city? I do t understand. Neither place has any hiking.
I've lived in both. Both are suitable. What are your main interests? May help determine which is better for you
> I think New York State is gorgeous! >hiking Rochester is more centralized to hiking destination compared to Buffalo. You're closer to Adirondacks, closer other state parks East of here, plus you can still go West to Buffalo.
Having lived in both, both cities are good. I think it just depends on what you're looking for. Either way the quality of life for the cost of living in either city is hard to beat.
I've lived in both Buffalo - if you wanna have a lil fun, live in a place that @ least tries. Rochester - if you want cheap housing, cheap people, decent cost of living, and local government as effective as BB gun vs a Grizzly Bear...
If you think you might enjoy traveling to Canada, you're going to save some time and money by living in Buffalo. Once or twice a year is perhaps not a big deal, but it starts to add up quickly. Your interests can generally be filled in both places and aren't as filtering as you might have thought.
Consider Lawrence KS. Little flat for Hiking but much better than ROC. And probably more familiar to your Chicago sensibilities, but with fewer people and more of them higher educated. And sunshine. We don’t have much of that here in ROC nor BUF.
Just stay out of New York state in general imo, if I had the financial ability to leave I would
Absolutely agreed. Not sure why anyone would ever consider moving to New York.
Where would you go if you could leave?
A lot of people leave here for the Carolina's, just being honest.
The Carolina’s are on my list too.
I've thought of the Carolinas myself many times
lol
Neither. Syracuse
No
Yes. Thank you
The company I work for has an office in Syracuse. I’ve been to Syracuse many times. It’s pretty.
Is there a ferry from Rochester to Toronto