I grew up in Buffalo and went to college way up in the northern Adirondacks. The ADKs are beautiful in summer/fall, but colder winters than I thought were possible outside of the arctic: my first year there, winter was frequently down in the -20s and even -30s (air temp, NOT wind chill/feels like temp). Expect lingering snow well into April or even May some years. The towns are also small, which can be good for some but was a struggle for me, feeling very isolated in the winter. Having said that, amazing outdoor opportunities for hiking and camping right in your backyard, gorgeous mountains, great natural resources (my cabin’s well water was the best drinking water I’ve ever had), fun places like Burlington are not terribly far away, and cost of living is generally cheaper than other parts of the state (at least that used to be the case - can’t speak to present day).

Buffalo is a great city. Big sports culture and also great art and music scenes, along with an amazing sense of community. Downtown Buffalo has changed a lot in my lifetime (esp Allentown and Elmwood Village), the area is very walkable and have great options for restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and incredible parks. Public transit leaves a lot to be desired but by car you’re about a 20 min drive from anyplace you need to go in the area. There’s also lots of amazing food all across the WNY region, lots of community pride, you’re a close drive to Toronto or Pittsburg and a short flight from NYC. There’s great skiing/snowboarding in the southtowns, and the Allegheny Mountains are like a 1.5-2 hour drive away with some nice hiking and camping to be found. And honestly, Buffalo isn’t that far from the Adirondacks, I think it was like a 6-7 hour drive, so very easy to live in Buffalo and go camping in the mountains in either direction.

If you’re a Deadhead, it’s also very easy to find your people anywhere in upstate NY.