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Buffalo has long been recognized for its vibrant community, diverse activities, and dynamic economy. The region consistently ranks as one of the top places to live in the United States.
However, city living isn’t for everyone. Many people prefer the suburban lifestyle found in the surrounding towns of Buffalo.
This raises an important question: Do these suburbs reflect the charm and appeal of their more renowned urban neighbor?
In this article, we will analyze data and trends to identify which Buffalo suburbs may need some improvement—essentially, the areas that might not shine as brightly as Buffalo itself. While not every suburb can match Buffalo’s allure, some, like Harris Hill, certainly strive to do so.
We reviewed the 30 largest suburbs of Buffalo to determine which areas rank the lowest in terms of livability. Although these suburbs may not be at the bottom of the list for New York as a whole, the following ten neighborhoods are notably lacking in quality of life:
- Sloan
- Niagara Falls
- Blasdell
- Lackawanna
- Tonawanda
- Lake Erie Beach
- Cheektowaga
- Wanakah
- Depew
- Lancaster
Continue reading to discover how we arrived at these rankings. Remember, this analysis is based on data and trends, not personal opinions. At the end of the article, you’ll find a comprehensive chart ranking all suburbs from worst to best.
Methodology for Identifying the Least Desirable Buffalo Suburbs
To evaluate the livability of these suburbs, we focused on factors that people generally consider important. This involved a thorough analysis of various criteria to yield the most accurate results. Using the latest data from the American Community Survey, here are the specific criteria we employed:
- High unemployment rates (indicating fewer job opportunities)
- Low median income (reflecting lower pay)
- Low population density (suggesting limited amenities and activities)
- Low home values (indicating less demand for housing)
- High rates of high school dropouts
We ranked each suburb with a population exceeding 5,000 in the Buffalo area according to these criteria. The suburb with the lowest average rankings across these factors was deemed the least desirable place to live.
Read on to learn more about these suburbs and explore the full ranking from worst to best.
This analysis is based on empirical data and remains unbiased, with a touch of humor for your enjoyment. Hold on tight!
1. Sloan
Population: 3,642 Median Income: $41,728
Median Home Value: $71,700
2. Niagara Falls
Population: 49,679 Median Income: $33,009
Median Home Value: $67,600
3. Blasdell
Population: 2,565 Median Income: $43,409
Median Home Value: $92,900
4. Lackawanna
Population: 18,037 Median Income: $36,640
Median Home Value: $84,200
5. Tonawanda
Population: 58,204 Median Income: $54,498
Median Home Value: $116,700
6. Lake Erie Beach
Population: 4,068 Median Income: $60,206
Median Home Value: $101,600
7. Cheektowaga
Population: 74,967 Median Income: $48,703
Median Home Value: $97,800
8. Wanakah
Population: 3,107 Median Income: $64,423
Median Home Value: $123,800
9. Depew
Population: 15,262 Median Income: $49,291
Median Home Value: $107,100
10. Lancaster
Population: 10,262 Median Income: $51,291
Median Home Value: $118,600
The Buffalo Suburbs You Might Want to Avoid
So there you have it—the suburbs surrounding Buffalo that rank the lowest in livability, with Sloan taking the top spot as the least desirable.
It’s worth noting that not all suburbs are lacking; Harris Hill is recognized as one of the best places to live in the Buffalo area.
For a complete picture, the chart below ranks these suburbs from worst to best.
Comprehensive Ranking of Buffalo Suburbs
| Place | Rank |
|---|---|
| Sloan | 1 |
| Niagara Falls | 2 |
| Blasdell | 3 |
| Lackawanna | 4 |
| Tonawanda | 5 |
| Lake Erie Beach | 6 |
| Cheektowaga | 7 |
| Wanakah | 8 |
| Depew | 9 |
| Lancaster | 10 |
| North Tonawanda | 12 |
| Young | 13 |
| West Seneca | 14 |
| Kenmore | 15 |
| Town Line | 16 |
| Clarence | 17 |
| Grandyle Village | 18 |
| Tonawanda | 19 |
| Tonawanda | 20 |
| Williamsville | 21 |
| Eden | 22 |
| Lewiston | 23 |
| North Boston | 24 |
| Clarence Center | 25 |
| Eggertsville | 26 |
| Hamburg | 27 |
| Orchard Park | 28 |
| Elma Center | 29 |
| Harris Hill | 30 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
