Erie County, New York is located in the western portion of the state, and is part of the Buffalo-Niagara region. It is bordered by Niagara County to the north, Chautauqua County to the west, Cattaraugus County to the south, and Genesee County to the east. The county seat is Buffalo, which is also its largest city with a population of over 261,000 people. The total population of Erie County in 2020 was 950,265.
According to theinternetfaqs.com, the area was first inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Seneca Nation and later settled by Europeans in 1789. During this period it was part of Ontario County until 1808 when it became its own county. Since then it has been an important cultural center for New York State due to its close proximity to both Canada and Lake Erie.
Erie County’s main attractions are its many cultural institutions such as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo Zoo, Buffalo History Museum and Shea’s Performing Arts Center. It also has numerous parks and outdoor recreation areas such as Delaware Park and Tifft Nature Preserve for visitors to explore. In addition to these attractions there are also several notable landmarks including Buffalo City Hall and Electric Tower that are popular tourist destinations.
Famous people from Erie County include former President Grover Cleveland who was born in Caldwell; musician Rick James who grew up in Lackawanna; actress Katharine Hepburn who lived in Buffalo; comedian Drew Carey who attended Kent State University; author F Scott Fitzgerald who lived on Grand Island; actor Michael Keaton who attended Pittsford-Sutherland High School; singer Ani DiFranco who grew up in Buffalo; actor Robby Benson who attended Amherst Central High School; singer Chaka Khan who moved to Buffalo when she was a teenager; author Toni Morrison who attended Syracuse University; actor Martin Sheen who attended St Mary’s High School in Lockport; and actress Glenn Close whose family moved from Connecticut when she was seven years old.
Climate and weather in Erie County, New York
According to ehuacom.com, the climate in Erie County, New York is classified as a humid continental climate. This means that the area experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer months is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius), while the average temperature in the winter months is around 25 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 degrees Celsius).
The area receives an average of 40 inches (102 cm) of rainfall per year, with most of it falling during the spring and summer months. Snowfall occurs from late November to late March, with an average of 86 inches (218 cm) per year. The highest recorded snowfall was 149 inches (379 cm) in 1976.
The area is often subject to strong winds due to its proximity to Lake Erie and other large bodies of water. This can lead to dangerous conditions such as high waves on Lake Erie, which can cause flooding along the shoreline. Severe thunderstorms are also common during the summer months, bringing with them hail, damaging winds, and occasionally tornadoes.
Erie County has a mild climate that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year. Winters are cold but not too extreme for most people’s comfort level; while summers are warm but not overly hot or humid. Despite some extreme weather conditions at times, it is generally a pleasant place to live and visit due to its mild climate and beautiful scenery.
Transportation in Erie County, New York
Erie County, New York is well connected in terms of transportation. The county is served by three major airports: Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Greater Rochester International Airport, and Niagara Falls International Airport. These airports offer domestic and international flights to many destinations around the world.
The county is also served by two Amtrak routes, the Empire Service and the Maple Leaf. These routes provide service between New York City and Buffalo, Rochester, and Niagara Falls. Amtrak also operates a station in Buffalo for passengers traveling to other cities such as Cleveland and Chicago.
The area is also well-connected by roadways with several major highways running through or near the county including Interstates 90, 190, 290, and 390; US Route 219; and NY State Routes 5, 20A, 33A, 77A, 78A, 98A and 104A. In addition to these highways there are many local roads that provide access to all parts of the county.
Public transportation within Erie County is provided by NFTA Metro Bus which provides bus service to various locations throughout the city of Buffalo as well as suburban towns such as Cheektowaga and Amherst. There are also express bus services that connect downtown Buffalo with cities such as Niagara Falls and Rochester.
Finally, there are a number of taxi companies operating within Erie County that offer reliable transportation services at competitive rates. Taxis can be found at most major airports or can be booked online or via phone for pick-up from any location throughout the county.
Erie County has an excellent transportation infrastructure that makes it easy for residents and visitors alike to get around no matter what their preferred mode of travel may be.
Cities and towns in Erie County, New York
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Erie County, New York is home to a variety of different cities and towns. The city of Buffalo is the largest in the county, with a population of over 250,000 people. Buffalo is known as one of the most vibrant cities in the state and offers a variety of entertainment and cultural activities for residents and visitors alike. Other cities in Erie County include Lackawanna, Tonawanda, West Seneca, Cheektowaga, Amherst, and North Tonawanda.
The town of Hamburg is located in the southern part of the county and offers a quaint small-town feel while still being close enough to Buffalo to take advantage of its offerings. The town has several parks and recreational areas as well as shopping centers for residents to enjoy.
The town of Orchard Park is located near Buffalo in the western part of Erie County and is well known for its outdoor recreation opportunities such as hiking trails at Chestnut Ridge Park or fishing at Ellicott Creek Park. Orchard Park also hosts several professional sporting events at New Era Field including NFL games featuring local teams such as the Buffalo Bills or the Toronto Argonauts from Canada.
The city of Lackawanna lies on Lake Erie just south of downtown Buffalo and is home to several industrial sites as well as recreational activities such as fishing or boating on Lake Erie. The city has undergone significant revitalization over recent years with many new businesses moving into the area including restaurants, shops, hotels, breweries, distilleries and more.
Finally, there are many smaller villages throughout Erie County that offer unique experiences for residents and visitors alike including East Aurora which hosts an annual festival called “Taste Of East Aurora” which showcases local food vendors; Grand Island which features historic homes; Williamsville which has charming boutiques; Tonawanda which has numerous parks for outdoor activities; Lancaster which hosts an annual strawberry festival; Elma home to a popular apple-picking farm; Clarence Center with its beautiful public golf courses; Alden with its small-town charm; Depew offering great shopping opportunities; Marilla with its picturesque views; Orchard Park known for its outdoor recreation areas; Cheektowaga filled with family friendly attractions; Amherst full of art galleries museums theaters parks gardens nature preserves golf courses etc.; West Seneca famous for its historic downtown shopping district etc.. All these towns provide unique experiences that make living in Erie County enjoyable year round.