Advice on moving out

Hi all, I’m a 25-year-old from Orchard Park, NY, working in Amherst. As you might guess, it’s time to move out of my parents’ house and into my own apartment. After months of searching, I’m stuck on where I really want to live in the Buffalo area and could use some advice.

I’ll be renting alone with my two cats. I’ve looked at Elmwood/Allentown/Parkside, and am currently considering Kenmore, specifically Tudor Gardens North on Sanders Road. While the city appeals to me for its charm and midpoint location between Amherst and my parents, I’m hesitant about walking to my apartment at night and dealing with noise. Kenmore feels like a good compromise, with houses that have more character than Amherst’s uniform apartments, but it's still completely new for me.

Does anyone have advice on moving from the suburbs to the city or living in Kenmore? I’d also love to hear about your experiences in Elmwood, Parkside, Allentown or other areas you would recommend in the area/closer to Amherst than Orchard Park. Thank you in advance!