Ontario County or Albany Area (New York, Rochester: home, employment, school districts)

[NWGirl31]

Hello- We are considering a move to upstate New York because we are looking for a lower cost of living and a slower pace. My husband is looking at the Albany area because there seem to be opportunities for employment there, but I am thinking the Finger Lakes area looks better for raising our family. We are looking for (in this order) Low cost of living (we are from Seattle, so housing anywhere upstate looks inexpensive to us ), wonderful schools, and employment opportunities. We have 3 children ages 1, 2 and 6. The six-year-old is moderately autistic, so if anyone has information on school district's special education programs, that would be greatly appreciated!

[bellafinzi]

Both are nice areas, but there are more jobs in the Albany area right now.

[D&T]

Albany has multiple special ed schools that could be very helpful with your son - depending on his particular needs. You could check out Northern Greene county along with the outskirts of the city of Albany. I, personally, would not want my kids in the Albany City school district. There are many good school districts in the area, but do try and avoid Albany City and Schenectady. JMO

Albany will offer a variety of jobs, as well.

I don't know much about the Finger Lakes region regarding employment, etc...

[I'minformed2]

Albany probably has the more job opportunites right now. But Ontario County has been called one of the best rural areas to live. Magazines shouldn't be the basis of a move for anybody, but it is a really nice area. It's close to Rochester (30 minutes), so a job shouldn't be too hard to find there either. IMO, Ontario County would offer the more familiy oriented enviorment; while Albany would offer more job opportunites right now.

[holliboyd]

i love where we live -- and my daughter has many special needs. she attends the poestenkill elem school which is in the averill park school district in rensselaer county. she has received special needs care since preschool and is now 8 -- we work with the same people and have developed a fantastic realtionship with them. they are open to me all the time, i drop by constantly, call and ask questions. because of them she is doing great. drop me a note if you want more info.


Holli Boyd

[Phish Head]

I've looked long and hard at upstate NY and I think the Albany suburbs are a great place to live. I'll be moving there early next year. My choice was easier because Albany is closer to NJ where my friends and family are. Coming home is easy right down I-87.

However, Rochester and Ontario County also look great. Super affordable housing, plus lakes, mountains, fresh air. It's a tough decision....

[NWGirl31]

Thank you all for the help!