Housing

Whether you are looking to live on campus or off campus, Buffalo is an incredible (and affordable) place to live!

The links below will provide a starting point if you’re seeking apartment rental or home purchase while attending the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Househunting in Buffalo

Some things to keep in mind when house hunting:

Consider what type of area you would like to live in to narrow your housing hunt. Below, you’ll find descriptions of the neighborhoods in and around Buffalo.
When looking for a place, consider if utilities are included with rent, especially heat and electric. Ask if there is central air, and if not then ask about your options for air conditioning (and if there are any extra installation or monthly costs). If heat is included, ask if you can actually control it. Some complexes control the heat overall and may turn it on late in the season, causing you to freeze in the early winter months.
Parking: Ask if there is off-street or garage parking available at the apartment/house itself. Some streets do not allow cars to park on the road overnight for street maintenance and plowing purposes. Note whether there is alternating or same side parking (this is usually only in effect from November to April so plows can get through).
Run the water at all houses/apartments. Turn the water on cold, hot and both at the same time to check things like water pressure and changes in temperature. Make sure the residence is well insulated for summer and winter months.
Don’t be afraid to take many pictures! You will likely be looking at multiple places and don’t want to forget what they look like on the inside.
Ask about safety measures like fire and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as locks and deadbolts.
All major cell phone companies work in Buffalo, so no need to change carriers.
Most importantly, have fun looking for your new home!

Neighborhoods In and Around Buffalo

In recent years, students have shown a greater interest in living downtown near the Elmwood Village, Delaware Park or Allentown areas. Many choose these areas due to close proximity to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus and the communities’ reputation for housing pre-professionals and young couples or families.

Elmwood Village

Elmwood Village is a very popular place to live for students. Elmwood is known for its farmer’s market, trendy boutiques and shops, coffee houses and fun places to eat.

The north end of Elmwood Village is considered a separate area. You will find more affordable housing, but be aware that the area has a higher density of undergraduate rental properties.

Commute to Jacobs School: 5-10 minutes

Allentown

Allentown features many bars, coffee shops, great food and live music. Check the area out for yourself and talk to current students who live there. Allentown offers diverse housing options including apartments and house rentals. The school sits directly above the subway station, so this is a viable transportation option to consider.

Commute to Jacobs School: <5 minutes

Delaware Park/Hertel Avenue

The Delaware Park/Hertel Avenue area is a very popular housing option for students. It is up-and-coming, and it is another common area for students to live. You will find a mix of residential and commercial streets featuring many restaurants, the Italian district and many antique stores and funky shops. Housing varies from apartments to three-bedroom upper/lower types of houses.

Commute to Jacobs School: 10-15 minutes

Amherst

Amherst has been consistently ranked among “America’s Safest Suburbs.” Located just outside the City of Buffalo, Amherst is a great place if you enjoy the neighborhood feeling of suburban living. Most of student living in Amherst is apartment style in small, residential neighborhoods.

Commute to Jacobs School: 15-20 minutes

Village of Williamsville

Williamsville is one of several suburbs near the north campus. Housing varies from split homes in residential areas to apartments on Main Street. If you are looking for a place to live with a family that includes children, this is a good school district.

Commute to Jacobs School: 15-20 minutes

Campus Housing

Campus apartments are an all-inclusive option. The apartments are located on North Campus, and although there are “graduate student only” clusters of apartments, you will be surrounded by undergraduates. A shuttle is provided from North Campus to South Campus daily, where you could then ride the subway to the school. Most apartments come fully furnished.

Commute to Jacobs School: ~20 minutes

University Heights District

The University Heights district is the area directly surrounding South Campus. It is within walking distance of South Campus and the subway. Check any prospective housing in person because like the Buffalo State area, you could end up living beside, beneath or above loud undergraduates and their respective fraternities. With careful checking, this can be an ideal area to live for anyone who wants to be in close proximity to campus and pay reasonable rent.

Commute to Jacobs School: 10-15 minutes

Kenmore/Tonawanda

Kenmore is a distinct village within the town of Tonawanda. It is divided into zones so all of the apartment-style living is grouped together. It includes a few apartments and a lot of family-oriented housing. The area is suburban and features a small “main drag” with restaurants and neighborhood bars.

Commute to Jacobs School: 20-25 minutes