North of Buffalo where I live is probably where you will find the best selection of 3/3 houses that are in good neigborhoods. Generally most of them for sale need alot of work to get them remodeled so you can get them pretty reasonable if your lucky. The better the neighborhood, the more you will pay.
Apartments are pretty reasonable in the area too, you can find a 1200 sq ft apt in good shape for anywhere from 500 to 700 in depending how nice they are. My zip code is 14216.
Elmwood area is nice also
Zip codes to avoid
14215
14201
14211
14212
14206
Sure theres alot more but thats just off the top of my head
If your apartment shopping pick up a artvoice, there usually a good selection of city apartments in it.