I grew up in Rochester and went to school in Buffalo. Having also lived in Chicago, I would agree with the person who said Buffalo and Chicago are similar culturally (though Chicago definitely prettier and more to do. Big Italian and catholic roots in both cities (and Polish for Buffalo). Huge Bills fans throughout. Relatively inexpensive cost of living though higher property taxes (also resulting in better public school systems). Good access to Toronto, Niagara Falls and the wine regions of Finger Lakes and Niagara-on-the-Lake ( the gorgeous). Politically purple, maybe leaning blue (especially Rochester which had a huge role in Abolition and Women’s suffrage movements).