Buffalo

Buffalo
Nestled at the head of the Niagara River and on the eastern shores of Lake Erie is the New York States second largest city-Buffalo. According to US censes 2000 estimates, the city had a population of 292,648.

As of climate, the city experiences humid continental-type climate with sunny, dry and humid summers and cold and snowy winters. The city has rich culture, thriving performing arts scene and big-shoulder neighborhoods.

The Buffalo is sounded with eclectic music industry and is brimmed with uncountable enchanting attractions. Explore the city for yourself and take lifetime memories home if youre visiting it for the first time.

At the turn of 20th century, Buffalo was considered as a major railroad hub, the home of the worlds largest steel-making operation and countrys largest grain-milling center. However, the latter quarter of the 20th century witnessed a reversal of fortunes as the city had fallen back below its 1900 population levels resulting in the decline of steel mills and heavy industries. Also, the rerouting of Great Lakes shipping by the opening of St. Lawrence Seaway has notably contributed to the decline.

Economy
Buffalo and the area around once had a strong economy driven by steel manufacturers, railroad commerce, Great lakes shipping and grain storage industries and automobile production. However at the latter part of nineteenth century most of these industries moved to the other parts of the country.

Today no major steel mill exists in the city, although several units are producing steel but on a smaller scale. The conventional reputation of Buffalo as blue-collar industrial town doesnt really apply any longer. At present, the city has taken a diversified approach instead of relying on a single industry for its economic future.

Buffalo is continuously trying to create opportunities for expansion and growth to meet todays challenges. However, the regional economy can now best be demonstrated as a mix of high technology, light manufacturing, industrial, and private sector companies.

Standard of Living
High cost of labor as a result of loss of conventional jobs in manufacturing and growing suburbanization have led to economic decline, turning Buffalo to one of the poorest amongst U.S. populated cities. The estimates show that 30% of Buffalo citizens live below the poverty line. Today, Buffalos economy is undergoing renaissance and is facing issues with abandoned and vacant houses.

However, the citys move away from heavy industry and toward a bioinformatics industry and services has led to an encouraging environment allowing area dwellers to further enjoy the regions natural offerings. In July 2005, Buffalo ranked as the nations third largest clean city by Readers Digest.

Parks and Recreation
City of Trees is one of Buffalos many monikers describing the abundance of green in the region. The Olmsted Park and Parkway System is the hallmark of Buffalos three-fourths parkland spaces and is responsible for laying out a coordinated system pf public parks and parkways.

Buffalo is characterized for having over 20 parks including multiple ones which are accessible conveniently from any part of the city. Stroll along the tranquil lush green parks featuring top-notch facilities and amenities.

Buffalo celebrates many festivals and events throughout the year providing an opportunity to the people to forget their sorrows and double their joys. Among much-liked annual festivals is the Juneteenth Festival aiming to promote family bomding and cultural awareness withing African American Community.

Its history takes us back to 1865 when freedom from slavery as mandate by the Emancipation proclamation was first ever celebrated. Also, the vision of annual Buffalo Hellenic Heritage Festival is to have a festival which would portray to the regional community Buffalos heritage while giving everyone a choice to be acquainted with the Greek food, entertainment, culture and the Orthodox Christian Faith.

Arts and culture
Since the city of Buffalo has a strong sense of history thus is shown in many ways through its Art and Culture. Buffalo Museum of Science sets up to offer science-based workshops, programs and activities for all age-groups.

It also gives an opportunity to experience the new engaging programs that support lifelong learning across a vast array of science topics and match the neighborhoods thriving personality.

Another place to visit is the Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center which has a mission not only to provide a center for contemporary art but also to recognize a vital community artistic presence. The center sets up to show off new work such as visual arts, music, performing arts etc by local artists in addition to offer artists exchange programs.