From Shannon Shepherd:

I am not sure that I chose to live in Buffalo. I became a teacher thinking I’d be marketable just about anywhere, but in my heart I knew I wanted to be near my family. I grew up in Burt and Buffalo just happens to be the closest metropolis. I immigrated for college. I never left. I hope I never will.

I love Buffalo for what it is not.

Buffalo is not Crowded
The commute is incredible. There is ample room on our sidewalks and plenty of free seats on the train. As a customer in local shops, I am not taken for granted but treated with TLC. Plus, I rarely wait to snag a table at my favorite restaurants.

Buffalo is not Expensive
I love that the “dream house” my husband bought just before we got married was both adorable and affordable. And while we enjoy our home, we often imagine ourselves living in other houses around the city...affordable homes with rich histories. The natural resources in Buffalo’s neighborhoods make you feel wealthy no matter what your bank statement says.

Buffalo is not Boring
When we’re not imbibing at local bars or restaurants, we like to view art, listen to live music, play at parks, study architecture, enjoy our waterways, attend the symphony, frequent theaters, and cheer on local underdogs. Lately we, as a city, seem to enjoy tours…of gorgeous gardens, unique neighborhoods, historic homes, haunted haunts, and cool kitchens. But what we do best are festivals. No Buffalonian shall ever want for a festival. Weekends are double booked with musical festivals, art festivals, ethnic festivals, and—of course—eating frenzies. And we love to advertise them, often announcing, “Did you know that we have the second largest [insert title here] festival?”

But Buffalo is not Pretentious
More than being good neighbors, we’re good strangers. I’ve found myself conversing with strangers at coffee spots and bookshops. I’ve made friends from booths and barstools. Does this warmth radiate out of the cold? Or, does our size keep us intimate? Perhaps we are so comfortable with each other because we realize our synergy. We are Buffalo’s citizens. Her mighty army. At Delaware Park we train for battle. Stories of the city’s renaissance become our fight songs. We hear the drumbeats all around us. When another Olmsted gem is rejuvenated. When a Wright property is hosting tours. When a hip restaurant opens. When people gather, playing ball, reading books, listening to music, and walking dogs, along our green parkways. We’re joining together. As revolutionaries and ambassadors, we humbly hope for the Queen City’s revival.

In the meantime, we attend neighborhood meetings and congregate at eclectic tables. And even though I’m not sure that I chose to live here, I do feel as though Buffalo has drafted me to stay and fight for her. My only concern is, if Buffalo ever catches on…what will happen to this city I love so much?