As residents of the city of Buffalo, you'll find that those of us who live out here in this area of New York State are familiar with all sorts of natural wonders - specifically, magnificent lakes and breathtaking waterfalls that exist all around us. As much as we love to hang out all along the waterfront, every now and then we like to switch things up and enjoy a more woodland setting. Highlighting an interesting piece of Western New York's history, it's time you see what noteworthy natural wonder is sitting in a small-town front yard just outside of Buffalo.
Loyal readers of Only In Buffalo know we like to showcase Western New York's most epic natural wonders, frequently featuring some of the area's largest attractions.
What many people may not be aware of, though, is the fact that the country's tallest black locust tree resides just outside the city of Buffalo in Livingston County.
Situated on the front lawn of a lucky Western New Yorker, the 99-foot-tall and 72-foot-wide black locust tree has been making a name for itself since it was first recognized as being the country's tallest tree of its kind back in 1975.
For 37 years, the small town of Dansville held the title of being home to the country's tallest black locust tree until 2012, when it briefly gave up its title of two years.
Throughout the holiday season, the city of Buffalo is one of the most magical cities that you can visit. All around town, you'll find twinkling lights strewn about, and how about the fact that the Queen City is the host of one of the largest New Year's Eve ball drops in the entire country? If you're ready to experience everything enchanting that exists within Erie County during the holidays, then check out this Christmas town near Buffalo and see why East Aurora Christmas events make it the best place in New York to spend Christmas!
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Less than a half-hour outside of Buffalo, the small town of East Aurora is one of the most wonderful destinations to explore here in Erie County.
For those who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Western New York's winter weather, you can go hiking through the scenic woods at places like Knox Farm State Park while others will whip out their skates and go ice skating at the Healthy Zone Rink in town!
...beginning on the Friday after Thanksgiving and running through New Year's Day on weekends, you can visit the theatre to enjoy free screenings of your favorite holiday movies like "The Grinch," "Elf," "The Polar Express," "It’s A Wonderful Life," "White Christmas," and more.
Wait, the fun's not over just yet! Mark your calendars because a great time to visit East Aurora is at the end of December when the town will be hosting its Annual Christmas Carolcade — an exciting event that takes over the entire town and draws out people from all over Erie County.
Do you agree that Aurora is the best place to spend Christmas in New York? Or is there another spot you love even more? If you're feeling up to checking out more magical ways to spend your time around Western New York this holiday season, then be sure to also read about the unforgettable Buffalo Christmas Train!
If you're all geared up for an exciting holiday season packed with fun activities but are still struggling on the gift front, we've got a great gift guide for travelers that has presents for every sort of adventurer on your list.
Have you ever wondered where the safest spots in our lovely city are? Recently, the website Niche took a look at FBI and U.S. Census data to compile a list of the safest suburbs in the Buffalo area for 2018. Some of the key indicators they used included statistics for crimes like robbery, assault, and murder, as well as rates of firearm and drug-related deaths, among others. Did your neighborhood come out on top? Here are the top 10 safest places in the Buffalo area:
Niagara Falls may be one of the larger cities near Buffalo, but it also happens to be the 10th safest suburb in the area. Niche stated that Niagara Falls received an overall grade of a B-, with residents enjoying the many outdoor activities at their fingertips and exciting attractions in the area. It's hard not to feel at peace when you have a gorgeous oasis like Niagara Falls right in your backyard!
Coming in at the 9th spot on the list, Lackawanna received an overall grade of a B. Home to roughly 18,000 residents, the suburb sits out along the waterfront and gives residents quick access to places like Our Lady of Victory Basilica, the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, and other scenic attractions.
One of our favorite places to visit when we're looking to take a quick drive north of Buffalo, Lockport is home to 20,000 residents who live in the 8th safest suburb in the area. Lockport received a B grade for both its overall grade and its public schools, with lots of families moving to this area to take advantage of the great school system.
North Tonawanda received an overall B grade, as well as a B- grade for both its public schools and crime & safety rates. People who live in North Tonawanda praise the suburb for its location, being only a quick drive away from all the other wonderful towns and attractions that are out in this area of New York.
A noteworthy suburb on this list, Kenmore received an overall A grade! Kenmore's public school rates earned the village an A-, while its crime and safety rates earned a B-. Most of the people who are lucky enough to call Kenmore home will tell you that this village has a very strong small-town feel, with most people knowing each other's names and neighbors always willing to lend a helping hand. You’re sure to feel safe here.
Another suburb that's praised for having a great school system, Tonawanda received an overall grade of B+ from Niche. A great area for buying a house and raising families, those who are interested in moving to this safe area will also be glad to know there are plenty of affordable apartments here as well.
Depew is home to only 15,000 people and is a place where things generally stay nice and quiet. The suburb has everything residents need right in town and the area offers peaceful walks through the woods at places like the Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve. Depew received an A- for its outdoor activities and a B+ when it came to the area's public schools.
With a population of over 40,000 residents, West Seneca is one of the larger suburbs that surround Buffalo. In town, you'll find lots of great mom & pop eateries that'll sweep you off of your feet. The town features beautiful outdoor spaces like Burchfield Nature & Art Center that you'll love having to explore. When it came to West Seneca's crime and safety rates, the town received a B.
This small-town area offers quick access to big-city attractions, but Lancaster residents love enjoying their peace and quiet that falls just beyond the city skyline. It’s a family-friendly area, with great places to eat and shop around town, as well as plenty of sidewalks that make for perfect places to take safe and quiet strolls down the street.
Yes, it's true - East Aurora was the suburb to take home the title of Buffalo's safest area to call home! A true gem of Erie County, East Aurora is known for being a wonderful and welcoming community that you won't regret moving to. With a population of just 6,000 residents and only a 20-minute drive from Buffalo, you'll love getting to enjoy the best of both small-town and big-city life while living in East Aurora.
