Situated on the shore of Lake Erie near the Niagara River, Buffalo is New York’s second-biggest city. It is a warm, friendly city with a rich arts and culture scene, and a thriving, diverse, LGBTQ community. If you’re interested in finding your place in Buffalo, read on about all that this Western New York town offers to see, do, and enjoy.
A Bit of Buffalo History
Buffalo was initially founded at the junction of the east-west transportation route of early French trappers and Jesuit missionaries. The first trading post in the area was established in the mid-1750s and eventually, by the time of the War of 1812, became the American military headquarters for operations on the Niagara frontier. The city was officially incorporated as the Village of Buffalo in 1816, named not after the buffalo or bison living in the area as many would expect, but from the French for beau fleuve, meaning “beautiful river”. Buffalo began experiencing rapid growth during the early 1900s, following the creation of the Erie Canal and the railroads. Today, Buffalo’s industry centers primarily on government, health, automotive, and financial businesses, although there are also plenty of opportunities in industries of all kinds.
Buffalo – A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Buffalo here.
A Look at Buffalo’s LGBTQ Community
Buffalo is a city that celebrates and supports its LGBTQ community in a variety of ways, including through a number of community resource centers and support groups. Some of those include:
The Pride Center of Western New York
The Pride Center of Western New York is a community center built upon the vision of an LGBTQ community where individuals can feel safe and affirmed in all aspects of their lives, and fully integrated into, and celebrated by the larger community of Western New York. The Center offers a variety of resources and community events, networking opportunities, support, and advocacy groups in furtherance of this mission.
GLYS Western New York is a community center for LGBTQ youth and young adults, ages 5-21. The Center has the mission of building supportive communities and affirmative cultures for youth of all ages and orientations. GLYS strives to be a safe space for youth to be who they are, and to build community.
What’s the Weather Like in Buffalo?
Those who live in Buffalo can expect mild and pleasant fall and spring weather, with beautiful blooms in spring, and crisp, brightly colored leaves in fall. In winter, however, residents should also anticipate plenty of cold and snow. In fact, Buffalo receives 85 inches of snow per year, which is significantly more than the national average of 28 inches. The trade-off for cold and snowy winters however are mild and pleasant summers, with highs in July typically only averaging out around 81°.
Buffalo’s Best Events
Buffalo Pride Week is the city’s annual LGBTQ Pride celebration, and it’s one Buffalo even that you’ll want to be sure not to miss. Pride Week is a celebration, but it’s also a mission – to uplift the LGBTQ community by raising awareness, providing access, and building relationships among the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies. With parades, parties, networking opportunities, activities, and more, there’s something at Pride for everyone to enjoy.
Brewer's Invitational Beer Festival
The Brewer’s Invitational Beer Festival is held each year near Niagara Falls. The festival celebrates Western New York’s thriving craft beer scene, and over 50 unique beers are offered to festival guests. For beer lovers, or for those who just enjoy festivals featuring great drinks, good food, and plenty of fun, this is a can’t-miss yearly event.
Where to Live in Buffalo
There are plenty of wonderful neighborhoods in Buffalo, depending upon your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle needs. If you’re looking for a more traditionally “gay” neighborhood, however, Allentown is your place. Allentown is a historic neighborhood located near the theater and the entertainment district, so there’s plenty to do near the area. It is also a very walkable area, home to many shops, restaurants, and nightspots, in addition to many beautiful green spaces to enjoy during the day. The current median sale price of homes in Allentown is around $392,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Buffalo United Artists is Buffalo’s LGBTQ theater. Since its founding in 1992, BUA has presented over 120 shows of all varieties in theaters all over the city, and it has employed more than 300 artists. There is always a wide variety of provocative, engaging, and inspiring shows for audiences to enjoy.
The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is a vibrant art museum in the heart of Buffalo’s arts district, and it has been actively collecting and showing art in Buffalo for more than 150 years. The museum showcases amazing and inspirational works of art from around the world in a wide variety of genres and styles for visitors to enjoy.
Parks and Recreation
Canalside is a waterfront park, shopping, dining, and outdoor recreation area at the heart of downtown Buffalo's waterfront area. Canalside hosts hundreds of events throughout the year, many of which are free or low cost, and include concerts and festivals, fitness classes, ice skating, children’s programming, history tours, and more.
The Buffalo Botanical Gardens are a beautiful display of nature’s beauty, designed by master landscaping architect Frederick Law Olmsted, architects Lord & Burnham, and famed botanist John F. Cowell. It is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon enjoying plant life and natural beauty from around the world, right in Buffalo.
Buffalo Nightlife
The Funky Monkey is a popular LGBTQ bar with a laid-back vibe, friendly bartenders and patrons, and a lively dance floor. If you’re looking for a fun, welcoming place to dance the night away, at The Funky Monkey, you can’t go wrong.
Fugazi Buffalo is a friendly, fun, and welcoming LGBTQ nightspot known for its excellent martinis, fun bar games, and nice outdoor patio. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the evening with old friends and maybe meet a few new ones too.
Contact a Buffalo Realtor Today
If you’re ready to make the move to Buffalo, there’s no time better than now to get started on your search for the perfect home in a neighborhood you’ll love. Contact a Buffalo gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
