Susana Ruano, MD

Growing up in big cities my entire life, I never expected myself to love Buffalo as much as I did.

I grew up in Toronto, and have lived in London and NYC, but I wouldn’t trade this place for anything. The people are all helpful and endearing, and the city truly offers everything you would like. During the winter, Canalside turns into a winter wonderland with skating (including ice bicycling), and during the summer, they have more concerts and festivals than you can count. There is always something to do year round.

The food scene here is impressive, given the size of the city. You can find most of your favourite ethnic food at the West Side Bazaar, and then everything in between will be around somewhere, either in Elmwood, or any of the many suburbs! I’m definitely in Buffalo for the chicken wings and am slowly working my way through the wing trail… and you can always find me at the annual Chicken Wing Festival at the Bison’s stadium.

If you like the outdoors, Niagara Falls is a quick drive with loads of amazing hiking spots. Even taking a trip to Ellicottville is convenient if you’re itching to get your skis on. There are even beaches along Lake Erie where my co-residents and I love spending our days off. If you’re lucky, you might even find a place (or a friend) with a pool.

If you’re a sports fan, Buffalo has every sport you’d like to watch - NFL with the Bills, NHL with the Sabres, minor league baseball with the Bisons (the Blue Jays farm team), and even lacrosse. During the winter, you can even try to take up curling at RiverWorks.

I love Buffalo and couldn’t imagine spending the next few years anywhere else.