From Brandon Moran:

Why do I choose to live in the Buffalo area? I could be pithy and say that I moved here a few months ago to be closer to my girlfriend, who is currently a graduate student at UB studying public health. I could say that, but I would not be doing justice to the city that I now call home. Growing up on the shores of Seneca Lake, in the middle of the beautiful and bucolic Finger Lakes, I have always considered Buffalo distant; an early-era industrial city nestled in the far west corner of the state, floundering on the idea of preserving a way of life that has become trite and hackneyed. Now that I live in the city of Buffalo, I have found this to be true. Vacant industrial buildings stand like giant ghosts along the waterfront, making for a vista that’s less-than-scenic. Rundown factories paint a picture of a once bright and virulent past. Younger generations are fleeing to other parts of the country and state, driven by the lack of jobs and economic growth. Budget shortages and political scandals plague an increasingly troubled system.

Sounds enticing, doesn’t it?

Then why would I even consider moving to Buffalo, you ask? (Besides being with my wonderful girlfriend, of course) Because I absolutely love this city. For one thing, Buffalo’s dining is enough to keep you coming back. Buffalo has something for everyone. Besides the food that bears the city’s namesake, we have almost every cuisine you desire, whether it be Greek, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, Creole, Thai, Japanese, or Chinese. Not to mention such wing dynasties as Anchor Bar and Duff’s.

After your stomach is filled, Buffalo is ready and willing to quench your thirst for entertainment and culture. For those with the wild streak, Chippewa street hosts a medley of establishments designated to facilitate the wildest of party people until 4am! For the more intellectual pursuits, Buffalo harbors over thirty institutions of higher education and more than 100,000 college students. For a little culture, you can visit any number of theatres or art, history, and science museums. There is also the architecture. From historic City Hall to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin Martin house, Buffalo is as unique and impressive architecturally as any city in the U.S.

But most of all, I enjoy the people of Buffalo. Besides some of the most horrendous driving I have ever witnessed, the people of this city make it a wonderful place to live. (Our neighbor down the street actually came out and told us his son had struck my girlfriend’s car and paid for the repairs!) Whether you refer to it as the “Queen City,” the “City of Good Neighbors,” or the “All American City,” Buffalonians love this city. And even after just a short residence, I have come to love it too. I may have come to Buffalo for the girl, but I have fallen in love with the Queen.