The Discount Urban Dream Life

Over at New York Magazine, the number 1 most viewed, most commented and most emailed article at the moment is one that profiles Buffalo, New York as an ideal of urban living. A lot of people might be surprised at this declaration. Buffalo is seen by many as a post-industrial city, that’s cold and devoid of life. But he article goes a long way to disprove this view. Tantalizing stories of huge, beautiful $700 apartments, and stress free, amenity-rich living, portray Buffalo as the place to live the “New York City lifestyle” without all the accompanying problems.

Clearly, a cultural nerve has been hit. This idea of having a rich, cosmopolitan life without killing yourself to achieve it, seems like a dream come true. As is the case for many cities like New York, London and Tokyo, just making the rent can be hard enough. Many people are predicting about a great “return to the cities”, but maybe the return will be to smaller, cheaper, formerly forgotten places like Buffalo.

New York Magazine: “Where the Urban Dream Life Is Going Cheap”