Quote:
Originally Posted by girlandpup
You are very kind to be helping so many of us with this thread! I was hoping maybe you could give me some insight that would be specific to my situation, too, if you wouldn't mind. I am single (divorced but a few years ago and no children) and 40 years old. I have been living in NYC for many years now, and not only am ready to get out of the big, loud (and over-congested) city, but can no longer afford to stay here. I miss being closer to nature and love being outdoors. I have a dog (medium to large sized) and finding a very dog friendly place that includes a nearby park to take him is a huge factor for me. I also LOVE hiking (with my dog) and now rent a car whenever I can to get out of the city for this. I want to move where there is more "green," and where hiking is nearby and easily accessible for my dog and me. I will buy a car when I leave NYC, but don't want to have to use it for every single thing I do IF possible (I would love to have at least some things walking distance, but the park to take my dog walking distance is more important than anything else). I also know I'm not ready for "small town" living (maybe someday, just not now in my life), simply because I am alone and don't want to be isolated. I also need "culture" around me for things to do (museums, etc.), if you know what I mean. I don't want to move too far upstate b/c do love being outdoors as much as I can, but don't want THAT much snow and for so long, as is much more typical of farther north (like Ithaca, for example, from what I know of it even though I also know how beautiful it is).
Thank you for ANYTHING that you may be able to tell me. I appreciate your (and whoever else) taking the time even just to read all of this!
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From what you've said I think you would really love the Center Square neighborhood. It's upstate (of course) but personally reminds me of old pictures I've seen of Brooklyn, and I've heard other people make this comparison as well. Think brownstone neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, etc. Some streets still even have cobblestones! It's a highly diverse neighborhood in every regard, I found people to be extremely pleasant living there, definitely has a hippie/yuppie/hipster vibe to it but it sounds like you're probably cool with that. There's no short supply of culture, there are museums, art galleries, coffee houses, bars and restaurants all within walking distance. There's free concerts in the park and down by the Hudson River in the summer time. Any necessities that aren't in walking distance can be reached on the CDTA bus lines, but having a car really helps.
I worried about the weather when I moved up there too, but it turned out to be a lot more mild than I had anticipated, and summers are fantastic. It's definitely an urban setting but if you get in your car and drive 10-20 minutes in any direction, you're in the woods. Nice and relaxing. I think Washington Park is what would really sell you....great place to walk a dog, read a book or just walk around and look at the tulips. It was designed by the same architects who designed Central Park and Prospect Park in NYC and is literally a few feet from Center Square. Some apartments even look over the park which is a stunning view from a balcony or rooftop.
I really have nothing negative to say about Albany, I loved living there. If you don't have a college degree (like me) it's hard to find work, but if you do jobs are easy to come by - especially in financial and IT fields. It's also incredibly cheap compared to NYC. I rented a 2 BR in a landmarked brownstone for $600 a month! Parking can be tough but no worse than NYC. Take the train up and check it out one day, it's a lovely area.
Check out the Center Square Association's web page, lots of good info and pictures:
Center Square Association : HomePage
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03-10-2008, 07:08 PM
- I would suggest Saranac Lake for hiking and Lake Placid for quaint shopping and dining and join the ADK the Adirondack hiking club) 
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