Buffalo 79 Exceptional
Buffalo Livability #94 ranked city in Minnesota#2,114 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Buffalo

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.

  • Crime Crime

    With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.

  • Housing Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.

What's it like Living in Buffalo?

Located in the state of Minnesota, Buffalo is a mid-sized city with a population of 16,770 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Buffalo is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Buffalo, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 28 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Buffalo, Minnesota. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Buffalo, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, health & safety, education, employment, housing and more.

Using data and statistics Buffalo has received a livability score of 77/100. This score is ranked in the 91st percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Buffalo would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Buffalo also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Buffalo has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), education (A), employment (B) and housing (A+). Regrettably for Buffalo, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).

Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Buffalo shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 54 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Buffalo can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Buffalo is real estate affordability. The median home price for Buffalo homes is $362,258, which is 6.8% higher than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Buffalo, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.5, which is 5.4% lower than the Minnesota average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Buffalo

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Compare Buffalo, MN Livability

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      Buffalo transportation information

      Statistic Buffalo Minnesota National
      Average one way commute28min23min26min
      Workers who drive to work84.3%78.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.0%8.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.9%3.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.8%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.2%2.8%2.8%
      Working from home4.8%5.3%4.6%
      Source: The Buffalo, MN data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.