M.J.
A.,
I live in Orchard Park, welcome to the area! OP and Hamburg are both nice suburbs so I don't think there are any "bad" areas to stay away from. I live in the village of OP, which is my preference. We like to walk to church and the library. In the village of OP are a number of nice apartment complexes, although none of them are newer. In OP I personally would not want to live in the area around the stadium (Bills) because of obscene traffic on game/event days and noise. In Hamburg, I prefer to stay away from the area around McKinely Mall and the busier more industrial areas of South Park Ave and Camp Road. I just drove by a duplex for rent on Clark Street in the village. I believe those are newer but across the street from the fairgrounds (NUTS during the fair in August). If you are inclined, there is a housing boom going on in the city with awesome new loft apartments and little villagey areas sprining up. Even if you have never been a city dweller, it might be worth considering. I could recommend a realtor to help you if you need (my step mother).
I can't help with daycare because I am blessed enough to have my mother caring for my children (two girls ages 3 and 15 months) while I work part time. But I do know that Edukids has a good reputation. In OP there is a really neat converted school that is now apartments. Edukids is on the first floor. I lived there myself. It's called The Village Pines on S. Lincoln Ave right in the village. Very nice apartments, some even have large outdoor areas on the roof (fenced, I even let my dogs lounge around up there).
I happen to think THE WORLD of my ob/gyn, Nicholas Cromwell. I have difficult pregnancies and he has been there every step of the way for me. He would call just to see how I was doing and was always available for my calls. He is in practice by himself which I especially liked because that meant he would be delivering my babies. I have delivered at South Buffalo Mercy and I thought the maternity floor was excellent. I have been hospitalized there once for other reasons and wasn't thrilled. Sister's and Children's are also good for deliveries.
There is loads I could tell you. Have you ever been here? Where are you going to school? Where will you be working? Do you have any family here? Let me know if you would like phone numbers for anything.
Good luck and WELCOME to Buffalo,
M.