My favorite part of Buffalo is the Allentown Elmwood area, bounded by Richmond Ave. to the west, Chippewa St. on the south, Main St. to the east, and Forest Ave. on the North.

I live in Allentown, and I couldn't be happier. The neighborhood is old and robust, and the architecture is fascinating, and the people are friendly. Allentown is densely populated but also has beautiful parks and quiet tree lined side streets. The homes in the neighborhood are ornate treasures, many of which were built between 1860 and 1930. The people who live in this area take great care of their property and the unique urban village that we all inhabit.

During the summer in Allentown, there is an annual tour of gardens, and another tour of beautiful old homes in the neighborhood. Also, for 3 days in June the entire area is turned into a giant art festival with local and national vendors and people from all over the country to attend the Allentown Art Festival. Allentown is an easy place to appreciate, and living here is far better than visiting.

Allentown has dense residential apartment buildings, mixed with expensive condos and single-family homes, as well as affordable apartments for low-income students and workers. The buildings range from 3-20 story apartment buildings with retail on the lower floors, to old 3 story mansions and estates from the 1800's when this area looked more like countryside than a dense residential neighborhood.

There are also one and two story single-family homes. Some of these homes can be expensive to buy but attractive to live near. The neighborhood does have some smaller and less expensive homes mixed in as well. Many people are also starting to move into houses in fringe areas that need some work, and then transform their homes into masterpieces that brighten up the whole street.

My daily routine of walking to the store is brightened by the neighborhood I walk through and the community lives here. Allentown was built before the automobile, and thankfully is more convenient for pedestrians than cars. Almost everything is within walking distance.

There are tons of local businesses selling everything from groceries, clothing, and hardware, to antiques, gourmet coffee, trendy home furnishings, gifts, musical instruments, CDs, art supplies and everything in-between. All of which are short walk away so you will not have to rely on a car to go shopping.

There are also plenty of restaurants and bars, diners and eateries, as well as some coffee shops, beer and wine cafes, and small art galleries. Not to mention Kleinhans Music Hall, which is the premier music venue in the city and home of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

The downtown center is just a 20-minute walk south, or a 5-minute subway ride down Main Street. In the summer months downtown hosts a free weekly outdoor concert series, Thursday at the Square, which brings in big name bands from around the country. Also in July you will find the Taste of Buffalo downtown, where local restaurants showcase their best dishes. And many other events like Buffalo Rocks the Harbor, and the New Years Eve Ball Drop take place throughout the year as well.

Another great thing about Buffalo is that the price of real estate is very cheap. You can find a one-bedroom apartment from $300 - $600 per month. Or you can buy a single family home in a nice area from $55,000 - $150,000.

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