Grand Island has the most clearly defined boundary of any Western New York community, surrounded as it is by the Niagara River. It also ranks first among all inner suburbs, thanks to its high income levels, strong educational system and ample supply of large houses. One-eighth of Grand Island's homes have at least nine rooms.

And there's the additional benefit of the town's unique setting in northwestern Erie County. "There's a great sense of community here," says Brooke Anderson-Tompkins, the president of Anderson Funding Ltd., who has lived on the island for nine years. "As with much of Western New York, there's a feeling of being at home. But I think it's heightened because of the island setting. There's a feeling of separation."