Cheektowaga, NYBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
Located just outside Buffalo in western New York, Cheektowaga provides suburban tranquility and urban conveniences. Cheektowaga’s family-friendly, laidback atmosphere is characterized by its strong sense of community, affordability and thriving economy.
Cheektowaga, NY, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Cheektowaga, NY, is garnering attention as one of the best places to live in the U.S., and for good reason. With a population of 76,482, this second-largest suburb of Buffalo offers one of the most accessible locations in the region. Cheektowaga is just a short commute into downtown Buffalo and a 20-minute drive to Niagara Falls. Additionally, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport is in Cheektowaga, so extended travel is also easy. Sports fans are also in luck, as Cheektowaga is just a quick drive to the Buffalo Bills’ Highmark Stadium and the Buffalo Sabres’ KeyBank Center.
What makes Cheektowaga such a livable city lies much more at the heart of this town. The people here are less focused on hip eateries (although there’s lots to eat!) and more on getting to know their neighbors and caring for one another. Cheektowaga is built on hardworking, blue-collar roots and offers a classically friendly suburb with affordable homes that make the sweet life accessible to most. With the median house price at $163,903, Cheektowaga provides incredible opportunities for young homebuyers to plant roots and build a life for themselves.
Cheektowaga is the kind of place where everyone has a favorite church fish fry or neighborhood pizza joint (Johnny’s, Gandy’s and Macy’s Pizzeria are just a few favorites). Known for its large Polish-American community, they also have homemade, authentic Eastern European offerings like the kielbasa at Polish Villa.
There’s always lots to do here as well. This community embraces the snowy winters with activities like ice skating in Cheektowaga Town Park and bowling leagues. When winter thaws, Cheektowaga offers a gorgeous park system with loads of outdoor fields and courts, trails, and recreational programming. Summer is filled with the always popular church and community festivals. In addition, families should take advantage of the very active Cheektowaga Youth and Recreational Services, which offer amazing and affordable summer camps.
Cheektowaga, NY Quality of Life LivScore
Cheektowaga, NY Top Categories
Amenities
Transportation
Economy
Cheektowaga ranks highest for amenities, transportation and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Cheektowaga, NY
Cheektowaga summers are warm and pleasant. However, the winters are very cold and snowy. The average summer high is above 70°F. July is the warmest month, with an average high of 79 and a low of 64. January is the coldest month, with average low temperatures of 20°F and highs of 32°F. The winter average daily high temperature is below 41°F.
The average annual snowfall in Cheektowaga is a staggering 85 inches due to its location in the snowbelt region of upstate New York.
The average annual rainfall in Cheektowaga is a moderate 40 inches, which is on par with the national average.
Cheektowaga averages 157 sunny days a year.
Cheektowaga has an extensive park system, including Stiglmeier Park (Losson Park), which extends over 308 acres. This park includes open areas, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts and a 2.4-mile running, biking and walking trail. There are also lots of smaller parks, such as Knob Hill Park, that have basketball, tennis and street hockey courts, as well as ball fields and playgrounds.
Cheektowaga Weather
157 days
Average Annual Sun
40 inches
Average Annual Rain
85 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Cheektowaga, NY
Fun fact: The town’s name originated from the Erie-Seneca word, “Ji-ik-do-wah-gah” which means “place of the crabapple tree.”
The Cheektowaga Polish American Arts Festival has been an annual tradition since 1979. Residents can enjoy classic Polka music, traditional dance performances and delicious, hearty Polish foods each summer.
Try the legendary Charlie the Butcher for their classic Beef-on-Weck sandwich. While this sandwich is not as well-known as Buffalo’s ubiquitous chicken wings, it’s no less delicious. This delicacy is perfect for a laid-back meal with friends.
When it’s too cold to enjoy the excellent park system, families should check out Get Air Trampoline Park. Kids can use their energy on trampolines, foam pits and ninja obstacles.
The Local and State Economy in Cheektowaga, NY
The region’s largest industries are health care, retail trade and manufacturing.
In 2023, the sales tax rate in Cheektowaga is 8.75%. New York has one of the country’s lowest overall state sales tax rates, at 4%.
Yes, New York has a state income tax.
As part of the Buffalo-Niagara region, Cheektowaga residents have access to several top providers, including Catholic Health’s St. Joseph Campus, which has been recognized for its high-quality care in areas like cardiology, orthopedics and stroke care.
Although there aren’t any major colleges or universities in Cheektowaga, there are several higher-education institutions in nearby Buffalo and Amherst.
Quick Facts About Cheektowaga, NY
- Median Household Income
- $60,233
- Median Home Value
- $161,857
- Average State Property Tax
- $5,884
- Total Population
- 76,482
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $801
- Average Commute
- 17.95 minutes
Cheektowaga is one of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks partly to its diverse amenities and excellent schools. It is also the only city in New York featured on the list. Learn more about living in Cheektowaga or how to test-drive a city before you move there. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
