Working in Amsterdam, NY....where should I live? (New York, Albany: for sale, real estate)

[leb5044]

Hello Everyone,
So I recently found out I am going to be offered a job in Amsterdam, NY. I've been doing some research and can't really settle on a place to start looking. Here is what I am looking for:

I'm looking to find a two bedroom apartment at a reasonable price.
I would like to be in a safe neighborhood.
I really want to be close to restaurants and bars, some kind of night life.

I'm a 25 year old, single female. I'm a Business Professional who knows no one in these areas!

Any help I can get would be fantastic!

Thanks!

[ckhthankgod]

Perhaps Scotia, nicer parts of Amsterdam, the Union Street area of Schenectady and parts of Rotterdam.

[ja1myn]

Originally Posted by leb5044

Hello Everyone,
So I recently found out I am going to be offered a job in Amsterdam, NY. I've been doing some research and can't really settle on a place to start looking. Here is what I am looking for:

I'm looking to find a two bedroom apartment at a reasonable price.
I would like to be in a safe neighborhood.
I really want to be close to restaurants and bars, some kind of night life.

I'm a 25 year old, single female. I'm a Business Professional who knows no one in these areas!

Any help I can get would be fantastic!

Thanks!

There aren't really too many decent, safe places in Amsterdam. And if you are looking for nightlife, the only place that even comes to mind for the whole area would be State Street in Schenectady (there's a Bomber's there that's pretty popular and some other places).

I think Scotia's a bit safer and I don't like Rotterdam too much. Just don't live in Johnstown, Fonda, or any towns like that. There is literally nothing to do.

[j12308]

I had to mapquest to figure out how long it would take you to get from Sch'dy to Amsterdam, I thought it would take longer. I was pleasantly surprised it was under 1/2 hr, which I think is a fair commute.

I would suggest near State St. near Proctors, downtown Schenectady. There are some new condos around that I think would be a great location, walking distance to the Y, a movie theater, Proctors, bars, restaurants, the library, etc. Sch'dy is a small city but is getting better and better. I've found it to be a good central location for either going into Albany for some of the museums, and other events; and going north for the Adirondacks. My husband has found it to be a good location for various jobs, not too far from Albany or Saratoga or close to Troy.

The other area that I'd love to have lived in (before kids) was the Stockade. I just love the old buildings, the narrow streets, gorgeous architecture, the park along the river. It's just so quaint.

Scotia is a cute town, a few restaurants, bars, movie theater, great park w/pond. I think of it more of a family place, but if you like things a bit quieter you might really like Scotia. Upper Union St. in Sch'dy is nice w/a few shops and things, and it's close to Central Park. During the summer there are concerts and events at the park, free tennis lessons, trails for mtn biking, jogging, etc.

[ckhthankgod]

Here is some information on some of the places mentioned: Upper Union Street Business Improvement District|Upper Union Street Business Improvement District

Upper Union Street, Schenectady NY - YouTube

The Stockade Association

http://uniontriangle.org/

http://www.downtownschenectady.org/

VisitScotia.com Out with the Old
Village Of Scotia

Town of Rotterdam, NY

City of Amsterdam
The Town of Amsterdam

[ckhthankgod]

As for apartments, this should help: MapsKrieg - Albany, NY - Apartments, Rooms, Sublets, and Real Estate for Sale

Renters Guide - Albany Apartments in New York and Albany, NY Apartment Complexes (http://www.rentersguidealbany.com/index.cfm?CFID=3639707&CFTOKEN=17072761&page=brows e - broken link)
Renters Guide - Albany Apartments in New York and Albany, NY Apartment Complexes (http://www.rentersguidealbany.com/index.cfm?page=search - broken link)

This community may also be another option: Homepage - City of Gloversville
Gloversville, NY

[leb5044]

Thanks for all the info!

I heard that downtown Schenectady isn't a nice area and not too safe? Anyone live there or have more insight into this claim to either confirm or deny this?

[j12308]

I live in Sch'dy, not downtown and that's not because it's not safe. I wanted a larger home w/a yard for my kids. I live closer to Union College & Ellis Hospital. But I walk downtown and throughout the Northside. I have brought my kids downtown morning, noon or night w/no trouble. I go downtown at night by myself, w/friends or my husband. I really have no issues. That doesn't mean that there aren't problems w/in the city or downtown. It's a city, there are problems like any other city. Normally the people that have bad things to say about Sch'dy or downtown don't even live here, or haven't been here in 10 years+. If I were your age, w/a job in Amsterdam I'd live downtown or in the Stockade in a heartbeat. We almost bought in the Stockade. I prefer the Stockade because I love the quaintness. Do you have an opportunity to come visit before making your decision? Please feel free to message me if you have specific questions, want to ask me about an apartment location or whatever. There are neighborhoods that I wouldn't live in, but if you look at a specific intersection in google maps and look at the street view, you'll know whether it's nice or not.

[ja1myn]

Originally Posted by leb5044

Thanks for all the info!

I heard that downtown Schenectady isn't a nice area and not too safe? Anyone live there or have more insight into this claim to either confirm or deny this?

I was just in Schenectady literally an hour ago. If you really want to live there, go for it, but don't live in areas like Hamilton Hill.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by ja1myn

I was just in Schenectady literally an hour ago. If you really want to live there, go for it, but don't live in areas like Hamilton Hill.

Did someone actually suggest that part of town?