BILLS02138 Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 They left their hearts in Buffalo 12/20/2005 By MARY KUNZ GOLDMAN There's no place like home for the holidays. And that's not just a song. For people who have moved away from Buffalo, it's the truth. A few weeks ago, I listed a bunch of statistics about how Buffalo's economy and cultural scene compared with other cities. They were just facts and figures. But a surprising deluge of responses poured in. The column seems especially to have struck a chord with out-of-towners who, instead of just crunching the numbers, grew very emotional. Not all the feeling was positive. "I couldn't stop laughing at the fact that you have a control board. Isn't that like being 35 and living with your parents?" says Mark Thomas Jr., who thanks God his parents moved the family from Buffalo to Seattle when he was 11. "You people live in Buffalo. Get over yourselves. You guys are the "fat ugly women of cities.' " Well, Mark: If Buffalo's so fat and ugly, how come we're still under your skin? Former Buffalo folks are a strange breed. Here our city squats, ignoring our control board, shuttering our libraries and selling out our historic Cobblestone District to a casino, but darn it, these wanderers still miss us. Some even admit it. "I was born and raised in Buffalo, but have been away for most of the last 20 years," writes Bill Wessner. "We are in Savannah, Ga., and there is nothing here. It is extremely hot and humid for eight or nine months out of the year. There are no Bills, Sabres, ice rinks, Anderson's, Ted's, no zoo within 150 miles, no residential sidewalks, etc. "While the property taxes are lower, housing is more expensive. Gas is cheaper, but there are not a whole lot of places to go, so that doesn't matter. After I graduate [from nursing school], we will be moving back." John Klimczyk, a Buffalonian in Atlanta, is also homesick. He tells a great tale about a neighbor in Georgia who stored guns and ammo in a shed and almost burned down the whole block. And that's not his only problem. "Traffic is terrible down here," adds Klimczyk, who uses such Buffalo buzzwords as "anyways," "liquid refreshments" and "the wife." He goes on to gripe: "There are few corner restaurants or bars except in the city. Everything is a commute. We are moving back to the Northeast." Not long ago, the Wall Street Journal acknowledged the phenomenon that is Buffalo love. Reporting on our economic woes, the paper noted: "Buffalonians love Buffalo so much that they're often willing to work cheap just to stay in town." Buffalonians love Buffalo. It's a bittersweet truth, thanks to our taxes, fees and downwardly mobile environment. Messages of regret from the young can break your heart. Take Melissa Zajac, 24, who works in Phoenix and longs for Buffalo. "There is no place like the waterfront at night," she laments. "There is no safer place to have fun than Chippewa. Every bar is next to each other - no worries about driving. Supermarkets are open 24 hours! "Living in Phoenix made me appreciate Buffalo so much more than I could ever have anticipated. Similar to big universities, in Phoenix, you're a number and not a name. No one looks out for each other." It's funny. Here at home, we call our waterfront a mess. We fret over Chippewa. But nearly a continent away, a young woman looks at them and sees heaven. There really is no place like home, and not just for the holidays. Even Mark Thomas Jr., the guy who called our city fat and ugly, as good as admits that. "Merry Christmas! I just had lunch at Ted's Hot Dogs in Tempe," he writes in a follow-up e-mail. "I can't get away from Buffalo." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tennesseeboy Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 I love Buffalo and get up there at least three or four times a year. Grew up there, worked my way through school there as a Deputy Sheriff, and think it is one great city. That being said, I love east Tennessee. Got the Blue Ridge Mountains a half hour away with great skiing, got TVA lakes for boating and fishing, Got great medical care right down the street, no traffic, no snowstorms, no hurricanes. I love it here, south enough to enjoy great weather (went golfing on Sunday) and north enough to get a real change of seasons. But Buffalo will always have the special place in my heart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WWVaBeach Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 But Buffalo will always have the special place in my heart. 537918[/snapback] That is dead-on the way I feel. I left Buffalo in 1979 to join the Navy for what I thought would be 3 years. It ended up being a career, and now "home" is Virginia Beach. But I still like to get back to visit at least once a year (typically for a game). The thing that's missing here is the neighborhood corner bar. I can walk into any of my old hangouts in either the city or in Cheektowaga and I'll betcha I'll see the same familiar faces sitting on the same familiar stools. And thats alright cause thats part of what makes the area great. Now, how come I suddenly have a craving for wings? Is Louie's still in business? Used to love them dogs after last call. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBorn1960 Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 I haven't lived in Buffalo since 1982... I have lived in Va Beach, Boston, NY, Bethlehem, D.C. Detroit, Chicago, Albany and Houston since then.... All the while I tried unsuccessfully to get transferred back to Buffalo... Once I offered to take a big demotion to get back.... thats when they sent me to Albany... now my company no longer has an office there and its sad... one of my kids shares his love of Buffalo and memories of our trips home to see parents and friends.. He loved it so much, he now attends UB... I got him season tickets (Unfortunately he is seing the same Bills I say at his age... really bad!) Doesn't matter much to him.. win or lose it's OUR TEAM!!... He wrote home and told his mother he now understands why his dad loves this city and he plans to stay there if he can after school.... The tradition continues maybe our kids can make things better and restore Buffalo to its old glory!!.. I don't know why... I have this addiction to Buffalo... I lived in many areas and they are all nice in thier own way.... but nothing compares to the people and quality of life in Buffalo... It may sound sad to some... but the best things in my life all have a Buffalo tie.... I proposed to my wife in Buffalo, concieved my first two kids in Buffalo... funny we didn't live there at the time (did I mention its a great place to vacation)... Even funnier is they both decided to go to college.... there.... Maybe its time for Buffalo to talk proud again! I think all good things should be repeated on no more than 20 year cycles... LOL while were at it Bring Back Jimmy!!! I have now rambled on too long.... LETS GO BUFFALO!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 you ask anyone from Syracuse, Rochester & Buffalo what they miss most about thier respective home towns and I bet they will be very similar in answers. In no particular order: Neighborhood/Corner Bars, Bakeries, Butcher Shops, Wegmans, Hot Dogs. I know those are my biggest voids here in Richmond. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 I love and miss Buffalo and still consider myself a Buffalonian even though I am down here in Miami. Wouldn't it be great if all of the people who have moved from Buffalo could have their same jobs in Buffalo. It is sad, because (based on my discussions with other people from Buffalo), most people who have left would love to still live there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krazykat Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 Where's the comparison to Tupelo and Oxford Mississippi! Funny how most of the comparisons are with places so flat that you can put a beach ball down and watch it roll out of site with the wind or in places so small relatively speaking that of course there's not much going on there. Let's ask the ex-Buffalo people that moved to Boston, New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, San Antonio, Las Vegas, ... I wonder what they'd say. We had a Seattle guy chime in and it was biasedly dismissed. Instead this guy runs to the places around the country with the least going on and paints his picture. Face it, without the Bills and Sabres, Buffalo ain't exactly NYC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dabish105 Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 I was just in Buffalo for the game this past weekend and overall I liked the atmosphere out there.. I could see how people like it a lot out there.. Different then when you live in LA.. or any other big city.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet baboo Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 I'd love to stay here if I could find a job... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ima90sJezus Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 Funny how most of the comparisons are with places so flat that you can put a beach ball down and watch it roll out of site with the wind or in places so small relatively speaking that of course there's not much going on there. Let's ask the ex-Buffalo people that moved to Boston, New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, San Antonio, Las Vegas, ... I wonder what they'd say. 538310[/snapback] Living just outside of Washington DC - I would give anything to move back to Buffalo. There are tons of things to do here in DC and alot of money to be made - but nothing feels like home except Buffalo. I left in '88 and have lived in California, Connecticut, Mayland, and Virginia - it just isn't the same feel. I am currently looking to go back and will take a giant pay cut to do it - without hesitation... Anyone up there willing to hire me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 I live in Boston and if I could have my job in Boston moved to Buffalo I would move to Buffalo in a second. Things that are great about Buffalo are the ease of life, very good quality of life and of course the people! Yeah, it's not NYC or Boston or LA---but it doesn't claim to be! It is comparable to Pittsburgh and Cleveland. A small version of Chicago. Weather doea leave something to be desired but move to anywhere in the Northeast/New England?Midwest and the weather stinks for 5-6 months. That is not unique to Buffalo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweet baboo Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 I dunno why people complain about the weather so much. If you hate the cold and snow, move down south. Otherwise, take up some winter hobbies like skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and enjoy yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Info Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 you ask anyone from Syracuse, Rochester & Buffalo what they miss most about thier respective home towns and I bet they will be very similar in answers. In no particular order: Neighborhood/Corner Bars, Bakeries, Butcher Shops, Wegmans, Hot Dogs. I know those are my biggest voids here in Richmond. 538152[/snapback] Depends where you live in the Richmond area. I can walk to a bakery, a few bars and restaurants, and a butcher. But, I see your point. I purposely chose to live somewhere in this area that was similar to what I remembered. It is possible to find it, it just takes a lot of searching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiew Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 I'd go back. If I could find a similar job. And a single man over 45. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zonabb Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 A couple things on this one. First, I'm an urban planner and therefore a realist. Our waterfront IS a mess. We DO have a control board operating in some form in our city and county. Our leadership is pathetic, underskilled and over-matched. We need govt reform, bad. We need hired city (in all munis actually) and county managers with proven and successful track records of reform and cost savings and better service delivery at lower costs. Elected officials are usually unprepared to deal with tough issues and make tough decisions. The county fiasco is a perfect example. But I love this place! But if given the chance, I'd move to Boston in a minute. Downtown, Beacon Hill, Bay Back, Cambridge have it all. Great corner bars (The Sevens on Charles is great), great open space, walkability, economic and job growth. Was there two weeks ago for a conference and hated coming home to this disaster. Again, if the situation here was equal in terms of taxes and govt, who'd leave? But they aren't and I'm afraid never will be. I've dealt with our leaders, they're spineless, self-serving dimwits. Why waste the prime years of your life clinging to a 1000-lb anchor heading to the bottom of Lake Erie when the opportunities abound elsewhere? That's not a shot, but a realistic question, and one mosy young people are answering with their feet. So they guy from Seattle has it right in some sense. He got out early before the hooks got in him. But if you let them sink in and infect you, you're done! This place grows on you!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdelma Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 There's no place like home! even when you move away. The memories that you've obtained there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffaloBorn1960 Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Where's the comparison to Tupelo and Oxford Mississippi! Funny how most of the comparisons are with places so flat that you can put a beach ball down and watch it roll out of site with the wind or in places so small relatively speaking that of course there's not much going on there. Let's ask the ex-Buffalo people that moved to Boston, New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, San Antonio, Las Vegas, ... I wonder what they'd say. We had a Seattle guy chime in and it was biasedly dismissed. Instead this guy runs to the places around the country with the least going on and paints his picture. Face it, without the Bills and Sabres, Buffalo ain't exactly NYC. 538310[/snapback] I lived in a majority of the places you mentioned and whi;le I enjoyed Boston, New York and DC.. Chicago came close probably cause I went to school with the local ABC sportscaster's bro (MARK GIANGRECO) and he always highlighted the Buffalo teams... NONE of them hod a candle to what makes Buffalo Special... its the combination of all things... People, Places, Sports, Bars, Restruants, etc... If I could I would move back in a heartbeat.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Where's the comparison to Tupelo and Oxford Mississippi! Funny how most of the comparisons are with places so flat that you can put a beach ball down and watch it roll out of site with the wind or in places so small relatively speaking that of course there's not much going on there. Let's ask the ex-Buffalo people that moved to Boston, New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, San Antonio, Las Vegas, ... I wonder what they'd say. We had a Seattle guy chime in and it was biasedly dismissed. Instead this guy runs to the places around the country with the least going on and paints his picture. Face it, without the Bills and Sabres, Buffalo ain't exactly NYC. 538310[/snapback] Anyplace in Mississippi is fine by me....haven't been down that way in almost 2 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BEAST MODE BABY! Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 What upstate NY has going for it are the people. Very nice, down to earth type folks. After that, I think you're just waxing poetic. I lived in Rochester for 18 years before going to college. I have now lived in a number of cities...namely Atlanta, Phoenix, Chicago, Vegas, and Los Angeles. I am extremely biased against cold weather. That being said, Chicago is my favorite city behind Atlanta and Los Angeles. Chicago is like a Buffalo with more things to do and a slightly more white collar population. I have ZERO urge to move back to Rochester OR Buffalo. Maybe it's just me, but I don't miss it at all and I would rather sit in traffic in LA than live in Rochester. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Poojer Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 please do tell? where do you live? Libbe/Grove area? Depends where you live in the Richmond area. I can walk to a bakery, a few bars and restaurants, and a butcher. But, I see your point. I purposely chose to live somewhere in this area that was similar to what I remembered. It is possible to find it, it just takes a lot of searching. 538407[/snapback] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill from NYC Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 I'd go back. If I could find a similar job. And a single man over 45. 538415[/snapback] Stay away from older men. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BILLS02138 Posted December 21, 2005 Author Share Posted December 21, 2005 Where's the comparison to Tupelo and Oxford Mississippi! Funny how most of the comparisons are with places so flat that you can put a beach ball down and watch it roll out of site with the wind or in places so small relatively speaking that of course there's not much going on there. Let's ask the ex-Buffalo people that moved to Boston, New York, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, San Antonio, Las Vegas, ... I wonder what they'd say. We had a Seattle guy chime in and it was biasedly dismissed. Instead this guy runs to the places around the country with the least going on and paints his picture. Face it, without the Bills and Sabres, Buffalo ain't exactly NYC. 538310[/snapback] Um, why don't you just ask them? I LIVE in Boston and let me tell you: my heart still longs for Buffalo. After four years, I quickly discovered the grass is not greener. If you like to pay outrageous costs for rent and housing; move to Boston or any major metropolitan region. If you like to sit in traffic at all times of the day, move to Boston. If you like to pay over $4 a gallon for Milk, move to Boston. If you like to deal with miserable residents and unfriendly neighbors, move to Boston. If you're not a native to Southie, DOT, Everett, Cohasset, Quincy, Newton, Wellseley - then you're not welcome. @#$ that mentality. Yes, Boston is a beautiful city. Back Bay is special. Beacon Hill is incredible. The urban fabric of Boston and the landscape of New England is breathtaking. But with all the wealth, Bostonians cannot and will never compare to Buffalonians. And that is where it counts. It's sorta like going into a Museum - where everything is sterile. That's how I would describe this town. Heaven forbid someone smile or say hello. Also, note: Boston has some of the highest rates of single people. Buffalo is what it is. Who ever said it was anything more? I believe Buffalo will always be one of those underrated cities, the one that under promises and over delivers. It is a special place. Regardless of where one lives now (outside of WNY), it's NOT HOME. You will NEVER feel connected and you will ALWAYS feel like something is missing. Don't even try to bull sh-- me with - "I love LA traffic" or "my neighborhood Applebee's in VA is awesome." It's a crack of sh--. With or without our professional sports - Buffalo will always be special because of its natives. The people in Buffalo Niagara are real. They are some of the nicest folks around. Regarding our waterfront? Get your head out of your ass. Get a boat and enjoy the best part of our waterfront: the LAKES. I now live on the Ocean. I would trade the Ocean for Lake Erie/Point Abino/Buffalo Canoe Club/my skiboat ANYDAY. Regarding the control boards? HELLO, BLESSING IN DISGUISE. About fricking time. One way or another - the politics in WNY will change - it has no choice. And if you have any clue, there is a growing number of activits within Buffalo who MAKE a difference EVERY DAY: New Millennium Group Buffalo Rising Revitalize Buffalo Buffalo Pundit As soon as my term in Boston is over, I will move back to Buffalo and my family and close friends. Besides, VA, LA, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and DC and "lovely" Vegas (not) - they could care less about you. They don't need you and in most cases, don't want you. Buffalo does. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catholic Guilt Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 I live in Charlotte, NC and have for the past 17 years. I grew up in Allegany, NY - the sticks of WNY. I have very fond memories of my hometown and the entire WNY region. I like Charlotte, but it's a city without a soul. It has nice weather, but now because the city is growing at a rapid pace, so is the crime and traffic. Funny, but most of my friends down here are from up north. You can always tell the WNY'ers because they are down-to-earth and want to talk sports. I attended a party on Saturday night at a neighbor who is the Danny Neverth of Charlotte television. Tons of Charlotte TV folks, anchors attended. I spent the majority of the night chatting with his cameraman from Williamsville. We lamented about our Bills and didn't dare turn on a tv. We knew what the result would be, so we talked Sabres. My star-struck wife was bouncing from anchor to anchor and I worried about the Bills with a fellow WNY. Maybe it is a sickness? If I could find a job in WNY, I would consider moving back. I had a great childhood and want my kids to experience that joy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draconator Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Do I love Buffalo? I will always love Buffalo, but I don't exactly miss living there. The Bay Area has soooooo much to offer. You can literally go to a pro sports game of some kind every single weekend out of the year. People talk about driving for 30 to 45 minutes going from Buffalo to the country. Here, 1 1/2 hours and your from Downtown S.F. to the Napa Valley, and there isn't a more peaceful or beautiful place to visit. There are things I definately miss. The building architecture in and around Buffalo is the best anywhere! Although there are some very good restraunts out here, nothing compares to the amount of great restraunts in Buffalo! One thing that has changed since I've moved from Buffalo, is that I don't drink nearly as much as I did. I would be at the old Three Coins on N.F. Blvd. 3 to 4 nights a week, sometimes spending as much as $100 just on drinks (not all for myself!). Out here, a hard night of drinking is maybe 3 beers? The thing I definately see lacking is the widespread community support for teams like the Bills or Sabres. That's probably because there is such a wide choice, but the passion level doesn't even compare to those who are fans of Buffalo teams. Talk to a 49ers or Giants fan, and the overwhelming majority of them don't know a lick about sports. They just think they are better than everyone else. Also, I've lost track over how many requests the management of McCovey's in Walnut Creek have had asking the "loud and obnoxious fans of those Bills" to leave, because we were making too much noise, and thus disrupting their lunch! One time they brought me over to a complaining couple, and asked the couple to leave, because in their words, "These Bills fans bring the type of atmosphere we want on a Sunday Morning!" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bdelma Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 I live in Charlotte, NC and have for the past 17 years. I grew up in Allegany, NY - the sticks of WNY. I have very fond memories of my hometown and the entire WNY region. I like Charlotte, but it's a city without a soul. It has nice weather, but now because the city is growing at a rapid pace, so is the crime and traffic. Funny, but most of my friends down here are from up north. You can always tell the WNY'ers because they are down-to-earth and want to talk sports. I attended a party on Saturday night at a neighbor who is the Danny Neverth of Charlotte television. Tons of Charlotte TV folks, anchors attended. I spent the majority of the night chatting with his cameraman from Williamsville. We lamented about our Bills and didn't dare turn on a tv. We knew what the result would be, so we talked Sabres. My star-struck wife was bouncing from anchor to anchor and I worried about the Bills with a fellow WNY. Maybe it is a sickness? If I could find a job in WNY, I would consider moving back. I had a great childhood and want my kids to experience that joy. 539031[/snapback] I too live here in Buffalo South AKA Charlotte, NC Nice area but I wouldn't want to move back because of the economy and high taxes and heating bills. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuckinRedskinland Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 I have lived in the DC area for over 21 years and even the people here have no sense of community. Everybody is always in a hurry to get to the next traffic jam. I have helped out numerous motorists who have had a flat tire, and they always will say that they were there for over an hour and nobody would stop to help. People will stop and stare (and create a huge traffic jam) but nobody wants to get involved. When we come home my kids even call Buffalo home. They love the feeling of community, the sense that you belong and even though it may not be perfect, they love Buffalo for it's pride. I will wear my Bills or Sabres stuff around town and my kids laugh at how many people will either say they are from Buffalo or have visited Buffalo and love it. The only time anyone will wear any Redskins,Capitals or Ravens stuff is when they are winning. We hope to be moving back this year and grasp the feeling and meaning of belonging, something that we had lost 21 years ago. I am proud to be from Buffalo and my neighbors who always laughed at me for talking up Buffalo became Buffalo Backers. We brought them home over the summer. From fishing on the lake, to taking in the Falls, a trip into Canada and the Eden Corn Festival, they fell in love with it. Although taxes are a killer, it evens out because the prices down here are much higher. My neighbor laughed that we could feed a group of 15 people for a little over $30 (50 sings, sheet pizza, salad and pop). Enough gabbing I don't think I need to convince anyone reading this. Keep Talking Proud Buffalo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Um, why don't you just ask them? Regardless of where one lives now (outside of WNY), it's NOT HOME. You will NEVER feel connected and you will ALWAYS feel like something is missing. Don't even try to bull sh-- me with - "I love LA traffic" or "my neighborhood Applebee's in VA is awesome." It's a crack of sh--. 538947[/snapback] Man, I feel sorry for all you people who live somewhere else and pine to move back to B-LO. Lordy, If i missed it that much, why the hell are you living were you are. My guess is a concerted effort would land a similiar paying job to where you are, on a relative basis. Hell, even if you had to lower your standard of living just a wee bit, is that not worth it instaed of being miserable wherever you are now. Now, DC did become my home. I love that friggen city, and I love Buffalo too. Almost like I had two homes. Now, when I lived in the burbs, it sucked, but living IN the district for 13 years was awesome. Both neighborhoods were great, saw, played, drank, partied, dog sat, picked up the mail etc with many more neighbors than most folks do anywhere in subarbia. There are things I definately miss. The building architecture in and around Buffalo is the best anywhere! Although there are some very good restraunts out here, nothing compares to the amount of great restraunts in Buffalo! Allright now brother, I can by alot of arguments about why Buffalo is great, and I could live there in a heartbeat, but this is not one. If your definition of fine dining is wings and pizza and beer, I'm with ya. Or maybe big ole heaping mounds of lasagna and spagets, but brother you are living in one of the great cities in the world when it comes to restaurants, and that is the one thing I would really miss if I moved back there!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 please do tell? where do you live? Libbe/Grove area? 538914[/snapback] Pooj, hes in downtown HISTORIC ashland. Can't forget the historic piece, right Mr. Info. That would have been like the announcers saying, Don Beebe, from Chadron State, instaed of the obligatory "Don Beebe from TINY Chadron State. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCBillsFan Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 I grew up in Olean which is a little over an hour south of Buffalo but I love it there and miss it very much. Have been all over the world in the Marines since and would love to go back if there was a job for me. I have so many great memories of there, Niagara Falls, Bills games, Sabres games (at the Aud), Darien Lake, sitting on my Grandma's front porch watching traffic when it rained. There's NOTHING about living there I didn't like. Small town feel which I love and miss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 I grew up in Olean which is a little over an hour south of Buffalo but I love it there and miss it very much. Have been all over the world in the Marines since and would love to go back if there was a job for me. I have so many great memories of there, Niagara Falls, Bills games, Sabres games (at the Aud), Darien Lake, sitting on my Grandma's front porch watching traffic when it rained. There's NOTHING about living there I didn't like. Small town feel which I love and miss. 540290[/snapback] Hey USMC, just curious, have you really looked for a job there? I only ask cause I think most of us say no jobs there without really trying to find one Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Everyplace you live is a trade off. Every city has some excellent, some good, some fair and some awful elements about it. It all depends on which ones are most influential and important to you and your family. Buffalo has a ton going for it. But everyone should also be required by law to live in another city or in another state, just to see how other people live. There is a great story about Russert when he worked for Pat Moynihan as a young kid out of college. Russert was worried that his contemporaries, who were mostly rich kids and/or from Ivy League schools when he was from South Buffalo and from Canisius. Moynihan told him, "Everything those kids know you can learn in books, but they will never know what you know." That about says it all about Buffalo. Mike Tirico on one of the drafts a couple years ago said something about "Most NFL players think and say terrible things about Buffalo when they are drafted or traded there, but never want to leave after they have played and lived there." Buffalo is not the best or the worst city in the country, but there are some elements to it that make it far better than bigger, prettier, wealthier cities. It's just a matter of what's important to you at a certain time in your life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCBillsFan Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Hey USMC, just curious, have you really looked for a job there? I only ask cause I think most of us say no jobs there without really trying to find one 540291[/snapback] I haven't aggressively yet. I have a little over two years until I can retire and if I can talk my wife into it, I will be. I know there's nothing in Olean because I have a lot of family there still but until I get to within about 6 months I can't look too much. I will try though, that's where I would love to live. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catholic Guilt Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 I haven't aggressively yet. I have a little over two years until I can retire and if I can talk my wife into it, I will be. I know there's nothing in Olean because I have a lot of family there still but until I get to within about 6 months I can't look too much. I will try though, that's where I would love to live. 540311[/snapback] Hey USMC - Did you graduate from Olean High or Walsh? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCBillsFan Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Hey USMC - Did you graduate from Olean High or Walsh? 540318[/snapback] I actually graduated from Portville. My Mom graduated from Walsh many moons ago... My brother graduated from Olean High.... I lived with my Grandmother for a while on state street right across the road from Mickeys... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catholic Guilt Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 I actually graduated from Portville. My Mom graduated from Walsh many moons ago... My brother graduated from Olean High.... I lived with my Grandmother for a while on state street right across the road from Mickeys... 540321[/snapback] Portville? I won't hold that against you. Yeah the Olean area - good times... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCBillsFan Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Portville? I won't hold that against you. Yeah the Olean area - good times... 540322[/snapback] haha... Thanks. I was up there over the 4th of July right before I came out here to Iraq and they put on the best freakin fireworks show I'd ever seen. I couldn't believe how good that show was. Olean is a very patriotic town. I love that.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catholic Guilt Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 haha... Thanks. I was up there over the 4th of July right before I came out here to Iraq and they put on the best freakin fireworks show I'd ever seen. I couldn't believe how good that show was. Olean is a very patriotic town. I love that.... 540324[/snapback] Have a Merry Christmas and thank you for your service. Come home safe, there are bigger things to worry about than Tm Donahue's future and Takeo Spikes ankle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCBillsFan Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 Have a Merry Christmas and thank you for your service. Come home safe, there are bigger things to worry about than Tm Donahue's future and Takeo Spikes ankle. 540328[/snapback] Thank you. You all have a great Christmas too. Actually Donahoe's future and Spikes ankle take my mind off the crap here. Only 7 weeks till I'm back.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plenzmd1 Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 I haven't aggressively yet. I have a little over two years until I can retire and if I can talk my wife into it, I will be. I know there's nothing in Olean because I have a lot of family there still but until I get to within about 6 months I can't look too much. I will try though, that's where I would love to live. 540311[/snapback] Think that may have a lot to do with why folks do not move back. Their spouse is from somewhere else, and most of them want no part of WNY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
\GoBillsInDallas/ Posted December 22, 2005 Share Posted December 22, 2005 After moving from Buffalo after graduating, my wife and I have lived in NYC; Greenwich, CT; and now Texas for the last 14 years. And quite frankly, after living elsewhere and going back to visit Buffalo once a year, I have found Buffalo and WNY to be one of the most bigoted and prejudiced places around. No other place that I have been to even comes close (and that includes the Southern U.S.). I hate to burst your bubble, but it's true (unfortunately). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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