Whether it's an old house full of history, an apartment building owned by a local realtor, or just a complex, students are close to the heart of Buffalo on Elmwood Avenue. Elmwood keeps its residents connected to the cutting edge scene of the city that is located just around the corner.
Convenience:
According to Joesph Daham, a senior mechanical engineering major, most students are missing out on what Elmwood has to offer by living on North or South Campus.
"Living down here is 100 times better than campus in every way," Daham said. "My only complaint is that it's 20 plus minutes to North Campus every day - but it's totally worth it."
Jacob Bodway, a Ph.D. candidate and English Department teaching assistant, believes that the pros to living in the Elmwood area outweigh the cons.
According to Bodway, living in the Elmwood area puts students closer to the arts, museums, and bookstores.
"Overall you are connected and closer to a lot more places," Bodway said. "On the other hand, the only con is the traffic. It obviously takes a lot longer to get to campus."
Daham agrees that the nightlife around Elmwood offers a variety of bars for every age and taste. Whether it's a nice dinner at one of Elmwood's many restaurants like Torro or Ambrosia, or shopping in Elmwood's unique shopping district, there is something for everyone, according to Daham.
Mary Clare Fahey, off-campus services and relations coordinator of Student Life, said that students should take caution when choosing to live off-campus.
"It's easy to say 'I'll walk or take the metro bus everywhere', but when it's ten degrees outside in January, that can be difficult," Fahey said.
Living off-campus, however, can also give students a chance to explore what Buffalo has to offer and the independence that can't be found in the dorms. Most don't get the chance to experience all that the city has to offer, Bodway said.
Amenities:
When looking for an off-campus apartment, Fahey advises that students make sure they walk through the place they plan to lease and ask about included amenities.
"Make sure you check out everything about an apartment before you sign the lease," Fahey said. "Walk the apartment with the landlord, check electrical outlets, what kind of heat you have, the hot water heater and most importantly if there is a smoke detector in each bedroom."
Cost:
Since students are no longer just a bus ride away from their classes and there is no set cost for everything, it's important for students to factor in rent, utilities and transportation.
Daham lives in the Elmwood Avenue area on Norwood Avenue and pays $400 per month in rent for the entire house, and $200 for utilities, which include electricity, heat, cable, and Internet.
Similarly, Bodway lives near Elmwood Avenue in a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment owned by Ellicott Development Company. Bodway's rent comes in at $481 per month with heat and water included. His part of the utilities costs only $15.
A property at Colrentals (367 Elmwood Ave.) offers a three-bedroom, 2.5 bath apartment composed of 1200 square feet at $1400.00 per month, according to Property Manager Collin Jones.
Colrentals, many of which are situated in the Elmwood area, are furnished, allow pets, and include washer and dryer in unit.
Safety:
While it's important to make sure that students get along with roommates and can afford to pay rent and utilities, Fahey also advises visiting the apartment or house that students are considering during the day and night.
"Live some place that is well lit at night. Go look at an apartment in the day, but also go pass it at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. at night with a friend," Fahey said. "Make sure it is some place you feel safe. Students should also knock on neighbors' doors and introduce themselves."
Daham feels that safety isn't necessarily a big issue near Elmwood, but that students should still exercise caution.
Bodway had his bike stolen last summer and said that there were some safety concerns with living near Elmwood just as there are with living near any big city.
"As far as safety, you still have to be careful, but there's none of the nonsense that's going on in the Heights down here," Daham said. "There aren't drunken college kids breaking things and starting fights and being loud until 6 a.m. so that's definitely a plus."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
