Where to live in Albany ? (Schenectady, Union: rental, job, homes)

[jamx]

I got a job in Amsterdam which is close to Albany, NY. I need advice about the areas which are diverse, family friendly and safe. I am married with wife and little kid who is in PREK so she is still far far away from major school but I would love to have good school district. I am initially looking to rent and subsequently buy within 6-8 months.

Any good areas, any big nice famliy frienldy rental community.

please help.

thanks in advance,

Jamx

[Christoph13]

jamx,
Hi I currently live in albany and grew up in the area. Amsterdam in about 30-40 minutes away from albany without traffic. So depending on how long you want to commute will depend on where you want to live. There is a city about 10 minutes away from amsterdam called Schenectady that you are going to want to advoid. Very bad crime, not a good police force, very dirty. So i would really try and stay away from that area, unless you are going to be here for a while. They are trying to rebuild and cost of living is down, and home prices are way down. There are a couple of good areas, The GE plott or anywhere by Union college, also there is a area call the stockage, which is all historic homes. I used to live there, i really like the home, but schenectady was on its way down so I moved out.
Other places that are close to amsterdam that you may want to consider are Niskayuna, Guilderland, Latham, Clifton Park, these are all very nice neighborhoods, great schools, and good locations. The go in order from closes to amsterdam to farest, but the farest is the closed to Albany. ( i hope you followed that). If you had no limitations on money and didn't mine the comute, I would recomment Latham. It is centrally located to everything in the Capital district. Home are not that over priced, $200,000 starting for a 4BR 2Ba with a yard. Plus great schools, 10 minutes from downtown Albany, 20 minutes to Saratoga it's great. If you have questions please feel free to email me. Hope all is well and happy holidays..