Body of Steel: From Steel King to dust-bowl-city to rebirth -- Lackawanna has been around the roller coaster "boom and bust." And one ride is enough! As new investors breathe fresh life into the city's manufacturing and railroad industry, Lackawanna is poised to produce 100,000 tons of steel pipes in its first year, steered by new entrant Welded Tube, USA Inc., while other enterprising forces join.
Lackawanna has more socio-economic opportunities going for it than its quirky name might suggest. This small, vivacious town of a little over 18,000 people generates employment across multiple industries, faring better than the nation's average. Its centrally located footing in the region provides residents with less than 20 minutes commute time, and access to the second largest city in New York to Buffalo, along with big brother's transferable local amenities. Now, let's see about places to live in Lackawanna!
Moving to Lackawanna
The cost of living in Lackawanna is well below the national average, with very affordable real estate. A home for rent here is quite possibly cheaper than your current location. Groceries, clothing and recreation are all below average.
Tips to Make Your Move Lighter
Research the neighborhood and be well informed of the area you are about to choose as your home. Make a checklist of all the things you have to do and the likely documents that will be needed. Also, a New York driver's license can be obtained at any DMV location if you're moving from another state. You also need proof of insurance that your license is valid in the state of New York.
Lackawanna's Neighborhoods
The neighborhoods of Lackawanna consist of both cities and towns that are unique in fundamental ways (that is, standard of living and choice of housing), yet joined at the hip via urban/suburban sprawl and border-sharing. Lackawanna is located south of the city of Buffalo and Tonawanda; it's also south of the towns of Cheektowaga, Amherst and West Seneca, and west of Orchard Park. You will find that apartments and home styles are as varied as night and day. Here are brief descriptions of each:
Buffalo: This area is north of West Seneca suburbs; it is one of the top cities in America for historic architectural homes. Architectural styles are expressed in residential communities, where homes retain a Victorian, colonial or country-style design. Modern designs can be seen in newly constructed townhomes and apartments.
Tonawanda: A city north of Buffalo with mixed-style residential homes that display various styles, such as bungalows, colonial and contemporary designs. You can easily find a two-bedroom apartment in this community given its wide housing options.
Cheektowaga: The second largest suburban town to Amherst; it is close to a large shopping mall and has convenient highway access. Formerly a rural farming area, this town displays cozy ranch-style homes, modern townhomes and apartment complexes.
Amherst: The largest suburban town in the area. Voted top 100 best places to live, it shares a border with Tonawanda. Homes are majestic, nestled on large plots of land that span the range of custom-built designs.
West Seneca: A centrally located suburb, south of Buffalo. The community offers a high quality of living and includes beautiful, trendy residential homes with cultivated gardens and playgrounds. Newly built apartments and townhouses for rent are options.
Orchard Park: An small, affluent suburb with convenient transportation routes running through it. Homes are luxurious multiple-level homes on large lots of land. Several rental condos are in the community for individuals not looking to buy.
Living in Lackawanna
Residents benefit from Lackawanna's prime location and natural setting. It's only eight minutes access to big-boy Buffalo, plus residents can commute easily to other nearby towns that share the Buffalo-Niagara Falls Metropolitan Area. Lackawanna has a growing art scene and hosts monthly Art Walks where galleries and shops provide entertainment. The city's natural environment encourages fun outdoor activities. Residents hike, hunt, run, ski and swim in the popular beaches. Lackawanna's funny name, derived from the Lackawanna River, speaks volume about the city's unpretentious nature and beautiful vistas.