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Magazine lists Cheektowaga 17th most affordable town
By John J. Hopkins Times
What does Cheektowaga have in common with the Rochester suburb of Gates, the Detroit suburb of Lincoln Park and the Northeast Ohio town of Boardman? According to Money magazine, they are all among the top 20 most affordable towns in the United States.
The list is one of several sub-lists in the magazine's annual report of the "Top 100 Best Places to Live" in the United States. No Western New York communities cracked the top 100.
However, Cheektowaga is one of five Buffalo suburbs on the most affordable list, joining Depew, Kenmore, Lancaster and Tonawanda, which at third ranks highest of the seven New York State towns listed. Kenmore placed eighth; Depew 11th and Lancaster 14th.
The magazine noted that Cheektowaga has "hundreds" of multidwelling units priced at under $100,000 and an "amazing" number of homes priced under $75,000.
Homes in the "old railroad town" of Depew, the magazine reported, often sell for around $50,000.
To local officials, the designation is no surprise.
"I'm very happy for the Town of Cheektowaga, but the management of the town realizes we are an affordable town," Supervisor James J. Jankowiak said. "It's a good, solid town to settle in, and yet it doesn't take your pocketbook."
Depew Mayor Barbara Alberti said she was "Honored" that Depew made the list and added village residents not only have affordable housing, but they also receive personal service.
"I returned a phone call to a woman recently and she was surprised to find the mayor returning her call," Alberti said. "I told her that's what we're here for, to serve."
Both community leaders pointed out that there are additional assets that make the area an ideal place to live.
Alberti noted that the area's congeniality is a strong asset. She suggested that Buffalo's motto as "The city of good neighbors" should be modified to the "area" of good neighbors.
"People always help each other out," Alberti said. "This area has traditionally been that way."
The magazine used a simple formula of dividing the median family income by median home prices in 2006 to compile its list.
The median Cheektowaga family income is $53,039, with median home price listed as $88,239.
Depew's median family income was listed at $56,786, with a $90,149 median home price in 2006.
Taxes weren't considered, but both community leaders said that residents get a lot of bang for their bucks.
"Depew gives great service to its taxpayers," Alberti said. "For the size of our village, we have great DPW, parks, recreation and police departments."
Jankowiak also extolled the quality of town departments, stating that Cheektowaga has the best police department and court system in Erie County.
"Where else would you want to settle than Cheektowaga?" Jankowiak asked.
In addition, Jankowiak and Alberti said the fact that five Buffalo-area communities cracked the top 20 speaks volumes about the region's quality.
"We live in a unique area with four separate seasons that encompasses most sports," Jankowiak said. "Many people look at recreation on where to live and we live in a great area for recreational opportunities at affordable pricing."
Alberti said that the designation may also inspire
expatriates to consider moving back to the area. She noted that her son moved
briefly to Florida before returning to New York State.
"He said, 'What am I doing in Florida? I want to live in New
York,'"Alberti recalled.
Jankowiak said he hopes that the magazine's designation will inspire
businesses, investors and families to consider the region in their long-term
plans.
"Cheektowaga, Lancaster, Tonawanda and Erie County are a good value,"
Jankowiak said. "Hopefully it will get out nationwide that Western New
York is a great place to look at to settle and raise a family."
Topping the list is Northbrook, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. Also
listed from New York State were Corning (13th) and, at 16th, the Gates-North
Gates area near Rochester.
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