Best Indianapolis to Buffalo Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Indianapolis to Buffalo Movers

Moving from the racing capital of the world, Indianapolis, to the snowy embrace of Buffalo, is an adventure filled with new beginnings and opportunities. You're leaving behind the Indy 500 for wings so authentic, they put bar food everywhere to shame, and trading the Crossroads of America for the City of Good Neighbors. To ensure this exciting transition is smooth and stress-free, it's crucial to hire trusted and reliable professional movers; that's where we come in, offering you the best movers, handpicked through our unbiased ranking algorithm, for your long-distance move.

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Best Indianapolis to Buffalo Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Bulldogs Moving Co.9.12NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Wayfinder Moving Services 9.03AAuthorized For HHGContact
Joey Z's Moving8.92NRActiveContact
Soft Touch Moving8.86A+Authorized For HHGContact
You Move Me Indianapolis8.75NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Buffalo to Indianapolis guide.

5 Best Indianapolis to Buffalo Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Bulldogs Moving Co. Logo
Exceptional9.12/10
based on 553+ data points

About Bulldogs Moving Co.

Bulldogs Moving Co., based in Lapel, Indiana, is a local moving company dedicated to providing high-quality services for residential and com...Read More >>

Services

  • Full-service Moves
  • Packing / Unpacking
  • Loading / Unloading

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3784131 / 1472268

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Wayfinder Moving Services  Logo
Exceptional9.03/10
based on 1,214+ data points

About Wayfinder Moving Services

Established in 2018, Wayfinder Moving Services has locations in both Buffalo, NY and Jamestown. As a business that specializes in customer ...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3104397 / 79366

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved220,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Joey Z's Moving Logo
Superb8.92/10
based on 214+ data points

About Joey Z's Moving

Backed by over 35 years of experience, Joey Z’s Moving serves all of New York State with reliable residential and commercial moves. It is a ...Read More >>

Services

  • Home & Apartment moving
  • Senior Moves
  • Business & Office moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/9/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3348965 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
3
Soft Touch Moving Logo
Superb8.86/10
based on 174+ data points

About Soft Touch Moving

Soft Touch Moving has more than 20 years in the moving and relocation industry. It has consistently provided quality full-service moving, pa...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/20/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

707793 / 331362

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
You Move Me Indianapolis Logo
Superb8.75/10
based on 1,372+ data points

About You Move Me Indianapolis

You Move Me Indianapolis is a professional moving company founded in September 2012 with the goal of revolutionizing the local moving indust...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Senior Moving
  • Premium Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3821121 / 1382732

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Indianapolis vs. Buffalo Neighborhood Comparison

Discovering a new city can be daunting, but comparing it to somewhere familiar can help. This guide draws parallels between Indianapolis, IN & Buffalo, NY neighborhoods, providing a framework to understand your new surroundings by referencing the familiar.

IndianapolisBuffaloHow They're Similar
Broad RippleElmwood VillageVibrant arts scene and eclectic shops
Meridian-KesslerParksideHistoric homes, community feel
Fountain SquareAllentownBohemian vibe, indie businesses
CarmelWilliamsvilleAffluent, family-friendly
FishersSnyderSuburban tranquility, good schools
ZionsvilleEast AuroraCharming, historic downtown area
Mass AveWest SideDiverse, emerging arts scene
IrvingtonNorth BuffaloResidential, historic architecture
WhitestownKenmoreGrowing, community-oriented
Beech GroveKaisertownQuaint, traditional feel with local businesses

Whether you're trading the artistic lanes of Broad Ripple for the similar vibes of Elmwood Village, with its plethora of indie shops and cultural festivals, or comparing the historic charm of Meridian-Kessler to Parkside's beautifully preserved architecture and tight-knit community feel, each neighborhood transition holds something unique. Elmwood Village, for example, boasts the renowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery and ultra-hip coffee shops like SPoT Coffee, echoing Broad Ripple's vibrant cultural scene and popular hangouts such as Brick House Coffee. In Parkside, you'll find intriguing parallels to Meridian-Kessler in the form of architectural tours and an abundance of green space, notably around Delaware Park, mirroring the homey and scenic atmosphere of the Indianapolis area.

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Things to Do in Buffalo

  • Explore Albright-Knox Art Gallery
  • Watch a game at Sahlen Field
  • Visit Buffalo Zoo
  • Stroll through Botanical Gardens
  • Enjoy Niagara Falls tour
  • Skate at Canalside
  • Taste wings at Anchor Bar

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indianapolis to Buffalo

Moving from one city to another brings its own set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Indianapolis, IN to Buffalo, NY . By evaluating both the pros and cons, you can make a well-informed decision that takes into account all aspects of such a significant change.

CONs
PROs
Indianapolis, IN iconIndianapolis, IN
  • Less snowy winters
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Fewer waterfront areas
  • Lower food diversity
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • More snowy winters
  • Larger cultural scene
  • Access to Lake Erie
  • Greater food diversity
Buffalo, NY iconBuffalo, NY
  • Smaller city
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Lesser sports culture
  • Fewer parks and green spaces
Indianapolis, IN iconIndianapolis, IN
  • Larger city
  • More job opportunities
  • Better sports culture
  • More parks and green spaces

When moving from Indianapolis to Buffalo, one of the most noticeable differences you'll experience is in the winter weather. Buffalo's proximity to Lake Erie means you'll have access to stunning waterfronts such as Canalside and opportunities for winter sports that aren't as readily available in Indianapolis. The cultural scene in Buffalo also offers a massive upgrade, with venues like the renowned Albright-Knox Art Gallery and a thriving food scene that includes the famous Anchor Bar - the birthplace of the Buffalo wing. Though Buffalo is considered smaller in terms of population, the city punches above its weight in terms of job opportunities, especially in the education and healthcare sectors, not to mention a lively sports culture centered around the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. In contrast, while Indianapolis does offer larger city perks, those moving to Buffalo will find a tight-knit community with the charm of a smaller town but the amenities of a larger city.

Indianapolis vs. Buffalo Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Indianapolis & Buffalo to give you a taste of the culinary landscape of your future home. Food is a significant part of local culture, affecting daily life and social scenes. Understanding the culinary differences will help you transition more smoothly.

IndianapolisBuffalo
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichBuffalo Wings
Most popular meat dishSmoked BBQ RibsBeef on Weck
Most popular street food itemElotePierogi
Most popular vegan foodVegetable CurryVegan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Milktooth
  • Bluebeard
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Indianapolis to Buffalo, you'll transition from a love of hearty meat dishes like the famous Pork Tenderloin Sandwich to Buffalo’s quintessential Buffalo Wings. In Indianapolis, neighborhoods like Fletcher Place and Broad Ripple boast innovative eateries like Milktooth and Bluebeard. However, upon arriving in Buffalo, the Elmwood Village and Allentown areas await with their own iconic spots such as Anchor Bar, the birthplace of Buffalo wings, and Gabriel's Gate, known for its cozy, historical ambiance. The shift also brings you closer to a more vegan-friendly scene, with establishments offering creative plant-based versions of local classics, highlighting the adaptability and diversity of Buffalo's culinary landscape.

Indianapolis vs. Buffalo Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering its cuisine. This restaurant comparison guide between Indianapolis and Buffalo aims to ease your transition, helping you pinpoint locales in Buffalo that echo the culinary charm of your current Indy favorites. Whether you're craving a high-end dining experience or a cozy plate from a beloved diner, Let's embark on this flavorful journey from Indianapolis to Buffalo.

IndianapolisBuffaloWhat You'll Love
St. Elmo Steak HouseRussell's Steaks, Chops, and MoreBoth are renowned for their upscale steak dining experience.
BluebeardTempo RestaurantOffering a creative and modern dining approach with Italian influences.
MilktoothFive Points Bakery and Toast CafeBoth excel in breakfast and brunch, offering unique takes on traditional morning fare.
The EagleAllen Burger VentureKnown for their comfort food and casual dining atmosphere, with an emphasis on quality ingredients.
BeholderMarble + RyeA focus on innovative cuisine and cocktail pairings in a modern, chic space.
Café PatachouBreadhive Bakery & CafeBoth provide a cozy atmosphere and specialize in sandwiches and wholesome dishes.
Goose The MarketPublic Espresso + CoffeeSimilar in their dedication to high-quality, local ingredients for sandwiches and coffee.
MeshBlack SheepA place for contemporary dining, focusing on seasonal menus and local produce.
BRU Burger BarABVThey excel in crafting gourmet burgers with an extensive selection of craft beers.
Iozzo's Garden of ItalyOsteria 166Both offer a cozy and inviting Italian dining experience with a focus on traditional dishes.

In places like Russell's Steaks, Chops, and More in Buffalo, you'll find that the commitment to a high-quality steak dining experience mirrors that of St. Elmo Steak House, but with a unique Buffalo twist. If you’re after a more eclectic and modern dining atmosphere, Tempo Restaurant and Marble + Rye stand as Buffalo’s answers to Indy’s Bluebeard and Beholder, blending creative cuisine with stylish surroundings. For those who cherish a cozy breakfast nook, Five Points Bakery and Toast Cafe offers a similar charm and inventive morning dishes akin to what you’d find at Milktooth. This comparison not only uncovers Buffalo's culinary gems but also reassures that the essence of your Indianapolis dining favorites can be rediscovered in the heart of Buffalo.

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Ready to start your move?

Indianapolis vs. Buffalo Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate remains a crucial factor in any relocation journey. Understanding how Indianapolis and Buffalo compare in various housing characteristics could streamline your moving decisions. This guide focuses on housing cost, architecture, walkability, and other metrics to paint a clear picture of your potential new home.

ComparisonIndianapolisBuffalo
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanVictorian, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, GaragesHistoric details, Accessibility

When comparing Indianapolis and Buffalo, it's evident that each city holds unique appeal in the housing market. Indianapolis offers more modern dwellings with an emphasis on spacious yards and garages, catering to those who value privacy and storage. Alternatively, Buffalo's real estate market prides itself on historic charm and accessibility, highlighting Victorian and Craftsman-style homes that echo the city's rich history. Although Buffalo has a slightly higher cost of living in terms of median monthly rent, it compensates with a stronger emphasis on walkability and bikeability, which could be advantageous for those seeking an urban lifestyle with easier access to local amenities.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Buffalo, NY

1. Elmwood Village: Known for its walkable streets and the Elmwood Village Farmers Market, where you can often find pet-friendly vendors and plenty of space for your furry friends to explore.

2. Allentown: This vibrant neighborhood not only boasts a variety of pet-friendly dining options but is also home to the Allentown Association, which organizes events that are welcoming to pets.

3. Hertel Avenue: Famous for its Hertel Avenue Poutine & Cream, which offers outdoor seating where pets are welcome, and its close proximity to several parks where you can enjoy a day out with your pet.

Indianapolis vs. Buffalo Weather Considerations

When preparing for a move from Indianapolis, IN, to Buffalo, NY, understanding the differences in weather conditions is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight how your daily life and seasonal activities might shift. Weather comparison between Indianapolis and Buffalo is essential for planning ahead and ensuring a smooth transition to your new environment.

Summer icon
85°F / 65°F

Indianapolis, IN

80°F / 60°F

Buffalo, NY

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35°F / 20°F

Indianapolis, IN

31°F / 18°F

Buffalo, NY

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
42

Indianapolis, IN

40

Buffalo, NY

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Indianapolis, IN

95

Buffalo, NY

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIndianapolisBuffalo
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornados, FloodsSnowstorms, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While Indianapolis and Buffalo share similarities in humidity levels and top seasonal allergies, the stark difference in annual snowfall stands out – Buffalo experiences over four times the snowfall of Indianapolis. This significant shift means you'll need to prepare for more robust winter weather activities and possibly adjust daily commutes or travel plans during the winter months. Additionally, the lesser number of sunny days in Buffalo might affect your outdoor activities, suggesting a possible need to find more indoor hobbies or ways to enjoy the winter landscape.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Indianapolis to Buffalo

When planning a move from Indianapolis to Buffalo, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in cost of living, taxes, and economic factors between Indianapolis and Buffalo, helping you make an informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonIndianapolisBuffalo
Avg. Household Income$58,479$40,669
Cost of Living Index87.295.8
State Income Tax3.236.33 to 8.82
Avg. Property Tax0.871.68
Avg. Sales Tax78.75
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, RetailHealthcare, Education, Manufacturing
Affluencemoderatelower
Povertylowerhigher
Homelessnessmoderateconcerning

Moving from Indianapolis to Buffalo, you'll likely notice a significant difference in the cost of living and tax rates. Although the average household income in Indianapolis is higher, Buffalo offers a lower cost of living index, which could help balance your finances. However, the state income tax in New York varies and can be higher than Indiana's fixed rate. Both cities share healthcare and manufacturing as leading industries, but the economic landscape in Buffalo is slightly more challenging, with higher poverty and homelessness rates. This information could be vital in planning your budget and expectations for your new life in Buffalo.

Indianapolis vs. Buffalo Political & Religious Comparison

As you consider moving from Indianapolis, IN to Buffalo, NY, understanding the comparison of the politics between Indianapolis & Buffalo as well as the religious makeup of each city can provide you with an insightful glimpse into the community you're about to join. This quick snapshot aims to help you gauge the general atmosphere of both locations.

IndianapolisBuffalo
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsModerately progressive urban policiesProgressive urban policies
ReligionChristianity dominant, with a mix of other faithsChristianity prevalent, diverse religious communities

In terms of political makeup, both Indianapolis and Buffalo lean toward Democratic values, with Buffalo typically exhibiting a stronger Democratic orientation. This could influence local policies and the overall community vibe. Buffalo is known for its progressive stances on urban development and social issues, potentially a bit more pronounced than what you've experienced in Indianapolis. Religion plays a significant role in both cities, with Christianity being the predominant faith. However, both cities celebrate religious diversity, hosting various places of worship that cater to multiple faiths. Understanding these dynamics can help you anticipate the cultural and social climate of your new home.

Indianapolis vs. Buffalo Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Indianapolis, IN to Buffalo, NY brings about many changes, including in the way you commute daily. This guide will help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, offering a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Indianapolis & Buffalo.

ComparisonIndianapolisBuffalo
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingModerately possible

When it comes to commuting in Buffalo as opposed to Indianapolis, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised by the slight ease in daily travel. Although both cities have their challenges, Buffalo offers a somewhat better scenario with shorter average commute times and a bit lower traffic congestion. The availability of public transit in Buffalo, rated slightly higher than Indianapolis, means if you're considering leaving the car behind on occasion, this city facilitates that choice a bit more feasibly. It's crucial to consider these factors, because they can significantly impact your daily life, possibly freeing up more time for leisure or letting you explore Buffalo's diverse neighborhoods and attractions more freely.

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