Western New York

Western New York (WNY) is the westernmost part of the U.S. state of New York. It includes cities like Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Jamestown, along with many surrounding towns and rural areas. The exact boundaries of Western New York can vary, but it often includes places like Rochester and the Genesee Valley, though sometimes these are considered part of the Finger Lakes region.

The state of New York has defined WNY in different ways. Sometimes it includes just five counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara. Other groups and organizations often include more counties, up to a total of 17. This larger area covers a land space of 11,764 square miles (30,470 km²).

Western New York is part of what people call "Upstate New York," which means all of New York State outside of Long Island and the New York City metropolitan area. The area is mainly served by media from Buffalo and Rochester, with some influence from nearby Toronto. It includes several important statistical areas such as the Buffalo–Cheektowaga–Olean, NY, Rochester–Batavia–Seneca Falls, NY, and Elmira–Corning, NY regions.

Subregions

Western New York is usually split into 2 to 4 smaller areas. These are:

1. Greater Niagara
2. Chautauqua–Allegheny
3. Genesee
4. Western Finger Lakes (sometimes seen as part of Central New York)

The Greater Niagara Region, also called the Niagara Frontier, includes Niagara and Erie counties and parts of Genesee and Wyoming counties. It is named after the Niagara river and Niagara Falls. Buffalo is the biggest city here.

The Chautauqua–Allegheny Region, sometimes called Southwestern New York or the Western Southern Tier, includes Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, and Allegany counties. This area is hilly and mountainous. Jamestown is the largest city, with Chautauqua Lake and Allegany State Park being important places.

The Genesee Region includes Monroe, Livingston, Wayne, Orleans, Ontario, and Yates counties, along with parts of Genesee and Wyoming counties. Rochester is its largest city, and Letchworth State Park is a well-known spot.

The Western Finger Lakes Region covers parts of Seneca, Steuben, Schuyler, and Chemung counties. While some parts of the Finger Lakes are in Western New York, the eastern parts are usually thought of as part of Central New York.

The Genesee region and the Western Finger Lakes region are often grouped together as the Finger Lakes region.

Western New York also has several areas that belong to the Seneca Nation of Indians.

Population

If we thought of Western New York as one big area, it would have just over 2.6 million people. That would make it the 24th biggest group of cities in the United States, sitting between the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and the Sacramento, California metropolitan area. But the U.S. Census Bureau sees the Buffalo and Rochester areas as two separate groups.

If Western New York were its own state, it would be the 37th most crowded state in the United States.

Incorporated places

Western New York has many cities and smaller villages. Some of the larger cities include Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Jamestown. There are also many smaller villages such as Batavia, Canandaigua, and Geneva. In total, there are 17 western counties with many places to live and visit.

Climate

See also: Climate of New York (state)

Western New York has a humid continental climate that is shaped by Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. The winters here are long and cold, usually starting in mid-November and lasting until early April, with snow often falling before and after these months. The area is famous for its lake effect snow, where cold air picks up moisture from the warm lake waters, creating heavy snow in certain spots. This effect is strongest between November and February and lessens once the lakes freeze. The most snow usually falls near the southern part of Erie County and in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Wyoming counties.

Spring and fall tend to be brief and can change quickly. The lakes help protect plants by slowing frost, which is good for growing fruit and making wine. While winters are snowy, summers in Western New York are often sunny and comfortable. Breezes from the lakes keep temperatures cooler, making summers here more pleasant than in many other places with the same climate.

Transportation

Major highways

Western New York has several important roads. Some of the main ones are:

Interstate System

• Interstate 90, also known as the New York State Thruway
• Interstate 86 in the Southern Tier
• Interstate 190 in the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan area
• Interstate 290 in the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan area
• Interstate 390 (the former U.S. Route 15) in the Genesee Valley region
• Interstate 490 in the Rochester Metro area
• Interstate 590 in the Rochester Metro area
• Interstate 990 in the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan area

U.S. Routes

• U.S. Route 20
• U.S. Route 20a
• U.S. Route 62
• U.S. Route 219

Major airports

Western New York has two big airports. The Buffalo–Niagara International Airport is the busiest, helping people travel to and from the area, including many visitors from Canada. The Greater Rochester International Airport is smaller but still important for people living around Rochester.

Railroad service

Some train stations in Western New York still have service. These include Rochester, Buffalo–Depew, Buffalo–Exchange Street, and Niagara Falls. There were plans to add faster trains, but they haven’t happened yet. Some train services stopped many years ago.

The Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad and WNY&P run freight trains in the area. Smaller railroads also help move goods.

Bus service

Many bus services help people get around Western New York. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority runs buses in the Buffalo–Niagara Falls area. The Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority serves Rochester and nearby places, and the Chautauqua Area Regional Transit System helps people in Chautauqua County. Other companies like Coach USA, Fullington Trailways, New York Trailways, and Greyhound Bus Lines also offer bus trips to different cities.

History

Western New York was first home to native cultures like the Hopewell. Later, groups such as the Neutral Nation, Wenrohronon, and Erie Indians lived in the area. The Seneca people and their allies eventually took control through wars called the Beaver Wars.

French explorers visited the region in the 1600s, leaving behind relics like Fort Niagara. The land was later taken from the Iroquois through the Nanfan Treaty and became part of England’s territory. Over time, New York officially claimed most of this area, separating it from the rest of the state.

In the 1800s, cities like Buffalo and Rochester grew quickly thanks to the Erie Canal. Buffalo became a major port because of its location near Lake Erie and Niagara Falls, which gave it plenty of power. Rochester became known for its flour industry. Western New York also saw many immigrants from countries like Ireland, Italy, and Germany.

In the late 1900s, the area faced economic challenges as industries like steel and transportation changed. Many factories closed, but some companies like General Motors still play an important role in the local economy.

Culture

Western New York has a culture that mixes Great Lakes and Interior Northeastern traditions, with some influences from Appalachia in the Southern Tier. The city of Buffalo shares many similarities with other Great Lakes cities like Chicago and Milwaukee. These similarities come from a shared history in American history, including common industrial backgrounds in steel and automobile manufacturing, similar street layouts, architecture, and ethnic communities.

People in Western New York often support the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres for sports. Baseball fans in the area usually root for the Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees, or New York Mets, with some also supporting the Toronto Blue Jays because of the area’s closeness to Toronto. Other teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs also have fans there. College basketball is very popular, especially for teams like Canisius, Niagara, St. Bonaventure, and UB. Syracuse University sports are also followed closely, especially basketball. Interest in college football is smaller, and while the Buffalo Sabres are popular for hockey, fans also support the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins.

Food

Western New York has some special foods that people love. On Friday nights, many places serve a "fish fry." This is usually cod or haddock that is battered with beer, fried, and served with fries and coleslaw. This tradition started a long time ago and is especially popular during a special time called Lent.

Italian-American food is very popular here, and most towns have pizzerias. Another favorite is the "Texas hot," a type of hot dog that came from Greek immigrants in the 1920s. You can find Texas hots at places like Ted's Hot Dogs in Buffalo, Rigas in Wellsville, and Johnny's Lunch in Jamestown.

The region also grows many fruits and vegetables, like apples, cherries, and potatoes. Dairy farming is important here, and New York is known for its milk, maple syrup, and wine.

In Buffalo, the most famous food is Buffalo chicken wings, often called just "wings." Two well-known places for wings are Duff's and Anchor Bar. Another local favorite is "Beef on Weck," a sandwich with roast beef on a special roll with caraway seeds and salt.

In Rochester, a popular dish is the "Garbage Plate," created by Nick Tahou Hots. It includes various toppings and a special sauce called "hot sauce" (which is not like pepper sauce). Another Rochester treat is the "white hot," a type of hot dog that looks a bit different from the usual ones.

Main article: Friday night fish fry

Main articles: Texas hot, Ted's Hot Dogs, Rigas, Wellsville, Johnny's Lunch, Jamestown, Upstate New York, dairy farming, Sanborn, Buffalo chicken wings, Duff's, Anchor Bar, Erie County Fair, Hamburg, New York, hamburger, Beef on Weck, Kummelweck, Butter lambs, Easter, Garbage Plate, Nick Tahou Hots, Rochester Red Wings, Frontier Field, pepper sauce, white hot, hot dog

Economy

In Western New York, cities like Rochester and Buffalo used to have many factories, but those jobs moved away after World War II. Today, these areas have companies focused on education, business, making things, and tourism. Big companies such as Kodak, Wegmans, Bausch & Lomb, Xerox, M&T Bank, KeyBank, and Moog have offices here. General Motors still runs three factories in the area.

Outside the cities, farming is very important, especially dairy farming. Western New York also has many ski places, like Glenwood and Ellicottville. In Niagara County, growing grapes for wine is becoming more popular, and there is even a Niagara Wine Trail. There is also a big salt mine in Livingston County.

Colleges and universities

Major businesses

Western New York has many different kinds of companies, from small to large. Some well-known businesses in the area include Bausch & Lomb, Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Computer Task Group, Incorporated, Cutco, Delaware North Companies, Ellicott Development Co., Fisher-Price, Kaleida Health, Kodak, M&T Bank, Merchants Insurance Group, Moog Inc., New Era Cap Company, Paychex, Rich Products, Sodexo, Tops Markets, Wegmans Food Markets, and Xerox. These companies help make the economy strong and provide many jobs for people in the region.

Major attractions

Western New York has many special places to visit. The most famous is Niagara Falls, which is on the border with Canada and is a top spot for tourists and locals.

Another beautiful place is Letchworth State Park, about 35 miles south of Rochester. It is often called "The Grand Canyon of the East."

Allegany State Park in southern Cattaraugus County has lots of things to do, like camping, hiking, and swimming. In winter, people can go snowmobiling and cross-country skiing there. It is next to the Allegany Indian Reservation and the Allegheny National Forest.

Near Jamestown, New York is the Chautauqua Institution, a special place for learning and culture. Jamestown also has the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum.

In Batavia, New York, you can visit the Holland Land Office, an important historic site.

Many towns along the historic Erie Canal have nice parks and bike trails by the water.

The Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford, New York is a living history museum where you can see how people lived long ago.

In Rochester, the George Eastman House is the oldest photography museum in the world.

In Buffalo, you can visit the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site, where Theodore Roosevelt became president after President William McKinley passed away.

Darien Lake is a fun theme park and concert place in Genesee County. It is popular in the summer and is located between Buffalo and Rochester.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Western New York

Major professional teams

Western New York has two major sports teams. The Buffalo Bills play football and are part of the NFL. They are famous for reaching the big championship game four times in a row from 1990 to 1993. The Buffalo Sabres play hockey in the NHL and are very popular in the area.

Minor professional teams and semi-professional teams

Baseball

There are three minor league baseball teams in Western New York: the Buffalo Bisons and Rochester Red Wings, both affiliated with big league teams.

Football

The area has several semi-professional football teams in different leagues.

Hockey

The Rochester Americans are a minor league hockey team.

Lacrosse

Lacrosse is popular here, with teams like the Buffalo Bandits and Rochester Knighthawks.

Soccer

Western New York does not have a major league soccer team, but there are lower division teams like FC Buffalo and the Rochester Lancers.

Other sports

Golf

The region has many golf courses, such as Oak Hill Country Club.

Motorsports

There are several race tracks, including Holland Speedway.

College and high school sports

College hockey is popular at schools like Canisius College and Niagara University. College basketball has several teams, known as the "Big 4." High school sports are organized by different groups in the Buffalo and Rochester areas.