Immigrate to Buffalo City: Guide to Settling in New York

Buffalo is the second most populous city in the state of New York, after New York City. According to the 2010 Census, Buffalo has a population of 261,310 and the larger Buffalo–Niagara–Cattaraugus has 1,215,826 residents. Buffalo originated around 1789 as a trading community on Buffalo Creek, and began to grow quickly in 1825 after the opening of the Erie Canal. By the 20th century, Buffalo became a major shipping hub and grew to be the 8th largest city in the United States.

From our many cultural institutions and our wonderfully diverse neighborhoods, thriving commercial districts and peerless urban architecture and artistic communities that continue to inspire and excite, Buffalo is a city with a renewed feeling of hope and optimism.  – Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown

Since the 1840s, Buffalo has commonly been referred to as “The Queen City”, because of the city’s status as the second largest city in New York State after New York City. In the early 20th century, the city began calling itself the “City of Light”, because it was the first American city to have electric street lights. Buffalo has also been called “The City of Good Neighbors”, because of the helpful and friendly spirit of its inhabitants. In fact, in 2001, USA Today declared Buffalo the winner of its “City with a Heart” contest, proclaiming it the nation’s friendliest city.