Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The City of Buffalo is in the national spotlight as one of the best places to live in the United States, according to Money.com.
Money.com released this year’s 50 Best Places to Live list on Monday, which "celebrates cities and towns where a thriving economy meets affordability, diversity and an exceptional quality of life." The list is backed by research and data-driven analysis from staff members at the website.
Author Mary Ellen Cagnassola called Buffalo a "revived Rust Belt gem with affordable housing and great food," when introducing the city in her write up.
"In Buffalo’s glory days, hydroelectric power from the nearby Niagara River made it the first U.S. city with an extensive system of electric street lamps. Challenges stemming from the decline of American manufacturing cast a shadow over the 'City of Light' in the decades that followed. Lately, though, Buffalo’s impressive urban renewal plan and an influx of newcomers have shown that this Rust Belt relic isn’t letting the past determine its future."
Visit Buffalo Niagara president and CEO, Patrick Kaler feels this distinction for Buffalo is really important in the bigger scope.
"I think it shows the quality of life, which is what the tourism industry is able to provide for residents. We've got great outdoor recreation, restaurants, things to do, our cultural attractions that make it an appealing place for people to live, work and play," said Kaler in an interview with WBEN. "I think it's a great opportunity for us to, again, highlight that as part of our tourism story as well."
A number of different aspects go into the listing of Buffalo as a top destination to live in the U.S., according to Kaler, including cost of living expenses. Money.com lists three other elements as a driving force for the rise in popularity: Population (276,486), median listing price ($170,000) and unemployment rate (4.40%).
Kaler says whenever the City of Buffalo can be featured on a list such as this, or have an opportunity to showcase itself in the news on a national or international level, like with the Total Solar Eclipse this past Monday, it always helps with getting more people interested in the region.
"We always will see an uptick in visitation to our website, and that is always a positive for us. Even with the eclipse, leading up to the eclipse, we had so much attention on Buffalo, along with all of the other cities that were in the Path of Totality. But the lead up to it was really great," he said. "I mean, the fact that we were in the New York Times and so many other national and international publications, that just gets people to think about Buffalo. So we're, at least, in their mind, and they think about it. They might come for the eclipse, or they might come at a different time, but, at least, we're top of mind now."
And while Buffalo and its surrounding areas already have plenty to offer visitors and residents alike, Kaler feels the region continues to evolve and change.
"You look at the waterfront and how that continues to evolve, the Ralph Wilson Park and the impact that will have when that's completed for more outdoor recreational opportunities. The fact that the state is looking at bringing in Great Lakes cruising, another opportunity that's unique to our destination, to bring in cruise ships and another different visitor profile. That's been what's exciting for VBN is to watch the evolution of our destination, and every year, it seems like we have something new to talk about," Kaler said.