Here I describe some tips as of 2019 for newcomers.

(All the information here is based on my personal experience, and things might have changed recently. I will not be responsible for any damage caused, so please check official sources where possible.)

Life in Buffalo (Link to the UB website)

Weather

-14°C ~ 28°C - sometimes goes down to -20°C. Prepare show boots before winter. Typically it snows from November to April.

Housing - You can rent a good studio at around $900/month around UB. UB has on-campus dorms and buses to the shopping malls as well.

Links for housing:

Apartment.com

Zillow

Craigslist

Please check the crime rate map in Buffalo.

Transportation

It is not impossible to live in Buffalo without a car for a year or so. Buses, bike, Lyft and Uber (taxi-like apps) can help you. But having a car would significantly improve your life.

http://metro.nfta.com/

Payment - If you need to pay a large amount of money, use a credit card or paycheck (Do not use cash. Keep a record that you have paid to the right person; there are sometimes scams).

Car - Driver’s license

1. Get a social security number
2. Take the test on a computer screen and get learner's permit. Audit a lecture at a classroom.
3. Schedule and take a road test

It usually takes one month to make a reservation for the road test. You need to bring a car with a NY driver’s license holder. You can book a service at a company like AAA.

Buying a car - You can check the reasonable price of a car at Kelly Blue Book. I would recommend ~5-year-old car (around $10,000). Once you get a car, go to a car shop like Firestone to check and replace broken parts. Use all-season tires and prepare for winter. Car registration (once in two years) and car inspection (every year) are mandatory.

Stores

Wegmans, Whole Foods Market - good food (could be pricey)

Asia Food Market - good Asian food

Target, Walmart - Kitchen, bath, bedroom supplies, household appliances, and clothes as well as some food

Amazon prime

Visa - if you are a JSPS postdoc, be careful about the “two years rule”