US News & World Report lists WNY as being in the top 1/3 of the 150 Metro Areas they looked at.  I agree there is something special about living in a mid-sized metro area. Access to cultural offerings like theatre, music, and arts are easy and affordable. Traffic is manageable ( being a native Long Islander I know what real traffic is! See photo below).

Hiking, bicycling (along outer harbor, Delaware Park, Niagara Gorge)  and pickleball are right here.  My whole family plays pickleball, travelin...