Walkable downtown and good schools of equal importance - is Saratoga Springs the only option? (Albany: home, neighborhoods)

[PeaG]

We're considering a move from the Boston area. I'm a SAHM and plan to go back to teaching in about 5 years. We LOVE our current area because we can walk/take transportation wherever we want to go, and because there's a fabulous bike trail. But we want to be closer to family, who are all in towns surrounding the Capital Region.

I know by moving we will be taking a loss on public transportation, but I refuse to compromise on the walkability factor. I want to be close to shops, cafes, activities, parks, etc. Proximity to a bike path would be wonderful, also. BUT, I also want a place with excellent schools, elementary through high school. From what I've surmised from this forum, it seems like Saratoga Springs is the best bet. (Although I still haven't read any really convincing testimonials about the schools, but they don't sound like they're bad.) But to live within walking distance of the downtown area will likely be too expensive for our budget (<$300,000). Walking distance to me is about a mile or less. Are there other towns that can meet both of these requirements that I'm missing?

Thanks!

Pea

[ckhthankgod]

Perhaps Delmar in the very good Bethlehem SD could be another option. It is close to Albany too.

I believe the older parts of Niskayuna would also work, as I believe that those parts of the town are close to the Upper Union area of Schenectady. Niskayuna is arguably the best SD in the area and it's most generally affluent community.

Scotia, Ballston Spa and Glens Falls might be other options.

[gp366]

Glens Falls has a decent downtown and the prices are less than Saratoga Springs. However, their schools are not up to par IMHO

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by gp366

Glens Falls has a decent downtown and the prices are less than Saratoga Springs. However, their schools are not up to par IMHO

Here's information on the Glens Falls City SD: Test Scores for Glens Falls City School District | GreatSchools

[Roland 544]

300 K will not give you walkability in 'Toga, you might be able to find a fixer uper on the east side. Schools are great. I would disagree with the prior poster about Scotia, that is NOT a nice town. As far as Schools go Saratoga, Ballston Spa, Shenendaoah (sp?) are some of the best of many average Education Centers, heavy on Sports, basic on Academia ( just like most places I have been...) kids will get an Education and move on to College,what else is there.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Roland 544

300 K will not give you walkability in 'Toga, you might be able to find a fixer uper on the east side. Schools are great. I would disagree with the prior poster about Scotia, that is NOT a nice town. As far as Schools go Saratoga, Ballston Spa, Shenendaoah (sp?) are some of the best of many average Education Centers, heavy on Sports, basic on Academia ( just like most places I have been...) kids will get an Education and move on to College,what else is there.

Shenendehowa SD/Clifton Park has walkable areas within the school district?

Personally, I probably would go with Delmar/Bethlehem Schools due to it's walkability and proximity to Albany and other cities. It's a very good SD too. Maybe the neighborhoods in Niskayuna near the Upper Union area would be great, as Niskayuna is arguably the best school district in the area and that area tends to be more walkable than other parts of the town.

This is the area of Niskayuna, I'm talking about: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...11,212.79,,0,5

Here's Delmar too: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...1,271.81,,0,10

[HomerBrink]

Sorry but what does SAHM mean? I would suggest Delmar as an option as well.

[gp366]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

Here's information on the Glens Falls City SD: Test Scores for Glens Falls City School District | GreatSchools

Here's the info on the same website for Saratoga Springs:
Saratoga Springs City School District Overview | GreatSchools

and neighboring Queensbury:
http://www.greatschools.org/new-york...hool-District/

and Clifton Park:
http://www.greatschools.org/new-york...hool-District/

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by gp366

Here's the info on the same website for Saratoga Springs:
Saratoga Springs City School District Overview | GreatSchools

and neighboring Queensbury:
Queensbury Union Free School District Overview | GreatSchools

and Clifton Park:
Shenendehowa Central School District Overview | GreatSchools

Are there walkable parts of the latter two school districts?

Here's Bethlehem and Niskayuna too:
Bethlehem Central School District Overview | GreatSchools

Niskayuna Central School District Overview | GreatSchools

[PeaG]

Thanks for all of your responses so far. I am finding a few properties that we might be able to afford near Broadway in Saratoga, but they're definitely fixers. *sigh*

SAHM = "stay at home mom"