Free Vector map of the City of Buffalo, New York, USA.
Free, royalty-free, unlimited use.
The map is intended for editing, media, presentations.
File format SVG, Simplified version
Fully vector, editable.
See also: detailed vector map of the Buffalo
Download vector map in archive:
Free Vector map of the City of Buffalo, New York, USA.
The Buffalo area, located in western New York State, is a vibrant region known for its rich history, industrial legacy, and proximity to Niagara Falls. Situated on the eastern shores of Lake Erie and the head of the Niagara River, Buffalo is the second-largest city in New York and a significant economic and cultural hub for the region. Below is a detailed geographic description:
General Location
- Region: Western New York.
- Coordinates: Approximately 42°54′N 78°50′W.
- Proximity:
- 20 miles south of Niagara Falls.
- 60 miles west of Rochester.
- 100 miles south of Toronto (via the Peace Bridge and QEW).
Urban Core
- City of Buffalo:
- The city is centered around Downtown Buffalo, a mix of historic architecture, modern skyscrapers, and cultural landmarks.
- Canalside: A revitalized waterfront area along the Buffalo River with parks, museums, and entertainment venues.
- Elmwood Village: A trendy neighborhood known for boutiques, cafes, and tree-lined streets.
- Allentown: A historic district with art galleries, nightlife, and Victorian homes.
- Surrounding Suburbs:
- Amherst: North of Buffalo, home to the University at Buffalo’s main campus and sprawling suburban communities.
- Cheektowaga: East of Buffalo, a hub for shopping and home to Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
- Tonawanda and North Tonawanda: Suburban communities along the Niagara River, with parks and access to the Erie Canal.
- Orchard Park: South of Buffalo, home to Highmark Stadium, where the Buffalo Bills play.
Natural Features
- Waterways:
- Lake Erie: Buffalo sits at the eastern tip of this Great Lake, offering views of the water and access to boating and fishing.
- Niagara River: Flows north from Lake Erie, passing through Buffalo and connecting to Niagara Falls.
- Buffalo River: A historic industrial waterway that has been revitalized for recreational use.
- Erie Canal: Historically significant, it connects the Niagara River to other waterways and played a vital role in Buffalo’s development.
- Topography:
- The area is relatively flat, with slight rises in elevation to the east.
- Buffalo’s location near Lake Erie makes it prone to lake-effect snow, especially in the winter.
- Parks and Green Spaces:
- Delaware Park: Part of Buffalo’s park system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, featuring walking trails, a golf course, and the Buffalo Zoo.
- Niagara Reservation State Park: The oldest state park in the U.S., located near Niagara Falls.
- Tifft Nature Preserve: A reclaimed natural area south of downtown Buffalo with trails and wildlife.
Climate
- Type: Humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa).
- Seasons:
- Winter: Cold and snowy, with lake-effect snow contributing to heavy accumulations. Average highs in the 30s°F.
- Summer: Warm and humid, with highs in the 70s°F to 80s°F.
- Spring and Fall: Transitional seasons with fluctuating temperatures and moderate rainfall.
- Snowfall: Buffalo is one of the snowiest cities in the U.S., with annual averages exceeding 90 inches.
Transportation Geography
- Highways:
- Interstate 90 (I-90): Part of the New York State Thruway, connecting Buffalo to Rochester, Albany, and beyond.
- Interstate 190 (I-190): A spur route linking Buffalo to Niagara Falls and the Canadian border.
- U.S. Route 20 and Route 62: Major east-west and north-south routes through the region.
- Public Transit:
- Buffalo Metro Rail: A light rail line running from downtown Buffalo to the University at Buffalo’s south campus.
- Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA): Operates buses and regional transit services.
- Airports:
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF): Located in Cheektowaga, serving as a regional hub for domestic flights.
- Niagara Falls International Airport: A smaller airport with limited commercial service.
- Ports:
- The Port of Buffalo on Lake Erie handles cargo shipping, and the waterfront has facilities for recreational boating.
Economic and Demographic Landscape
- Population: Approximately 280,000 in Buffalo; over 1.1 million in the metropolitan area.
- Economy:
- Historically rooted in manufacturing, shipping, and steel production.
- Modern sectors include healthcare, education, technology, and renewable energy.
- Proximity to Canada fosters cross-border trade and tourism.
- Diversity: A melting pot of cultures, with significant Polish, Irish, Italian, African American, and Hispanic communities.
Recreational and Cultural Attractions
- Cultural Sites:
- Albright-Knox Art Gallery: A leading museum of modern and contemporary art.
- Buffalo Museum of Science: Focuses on natural history and technology.
- Shea’s Performing Arts Center: A historic theater in downtown Buffalo.
- Sports and Entertainment:
- Buffalo Bills (NFL): Play at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
- Buffalo Sabres (NHL): Play at KeyBank Center in downtown Buffalo.
- Sahlen Field: Home to the Buffalo Bisons, a minor-league baseball team.
- Outdoor Activities:
- Niagara Falls: One of the world’s most famous natural attractions, a short drive north of Buffalo.
- Outer Harbor: Offers waterfront trails, parks, and public art.
- Events:
- Taste of Buffalo: One of the largest food festivals in the U.S.
- National Buffalo Wing Festival: Celebrates the city’s culinary invention.
- Dyngus Day: A Polish-American post-Easter celebration.
Historical Significance
- Buffalo thrived in the 19th century due to its position at the western terminus of the Erie Canal.
- Once a major industrial city, Buffalo has embraced urban revitalization and preservation of its historical architecture, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Darwin D. Martin House.
Author: Kirill Shrayber, Ph.D.