Island named best inner suburb of Buffalo

by Dave Panzarella
Grand Island Dispatch, June 16, 2006

Buffalo’s Business First ranked Grand Island as the best inner suburb of Buffalo, based on its quality of life.

The study rated towns, cities and villages in the eight-county Western New York area based on 20 statistical indicators. The municipalities were then split into five categories based on size and geography to determine the final result.

“Affluence has some impact on the rankings, which reward places whose residents have large incomes, big homes and college degrees” said Business First, but racial diversity, short commutes, and availability of affordable housing also factor into the ranking.

“I think it’s great,” said Peter McMahon, town supervisor. “We knew that they were doing the ranking, but we didn’t know until the day before that Grand Island had been designated as the best community within 12 miles of downtown Buffalo. We’re very pleased with it, and we think it reflects the quality of life on Grand Island in general. And, we hope to keep it next year.”

Grand Island resident Emily Ciraolo attributes the Island’s success to its central location between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, “I think that’s a good thing for a lot of teens, like me, who can get to a lot of cool places in not a lot of time,” Ciraolo said.

Resident Mary Lou Ricigliano thinks the Island’s public green spaces improve the quality of life. “Walking on the beautifully kept bike path can relieve your stress and improve everyone’s health, including man’s best friend,” she said.

“We have that small town atmosphere,” said Grand Island Chamber of Commerce member Beverly Kinney. “You have access to the city activities like football, hockey and the theater. With the river and the state parks it gives you that feeling like you’re on vacation all the time. I just love living on Grand Island myself.”