Home Rental - Albany Area (Colonie, Schenectady: hardwood floors, real estate, apartments)

[New England Kate]

Hi!

We are relocating to the Albany area in three months. I have been looking at renting a home in the area, but all I can find is college housing, houses that are $3,000+/month, or smaller houses with no garages. We need space, a garage for my husband's work equipment and a yard for our two dogs. Both my husband and I work from home, so we need space for an office.

I've been looking at websites like Zillow, Realtor and Craigslist, but haven't found anything. Any recommendations out there on rental or property management companies that I can reach out to for assistance?

Any suggestions on areas to live in? We are both in our early 40s, no children - we love day trips, exploring new areas, sports games, coffee houses, craft breweries, etc...

Thank you!

Kate

[Ellwood]

You might consider the outskirts of Saratoga Springs area or Glen Falls. Newspapers in the areas are Times Union and Post Star. I believe they are online.

[imamonster]

Have you tried contacting a realtor to help you with your search? We are moving to the area as well (also in about 3 months). Have been looking at zillow too, but we rely on a realtor to help get our foot in the door with potential landlords, especially where dogs are concerned. A realtor shouldn't really cost you (the tenant) anything and their commission comes out of the landlord's pocket, at least that's how it works where we currently are. They may also know of owners who have been unsuccessful selling their property that may be looking to rent. I'm thinking that any places that are really good are looking for tenants that can move in ASAP, so we have to just wait until closer to our actual move date to start getting serious.

Anyways good luck, maybe we'll be neighbors!

[Ellwood]

Saw this ad on Schuylerville/Wilton Community on Facebook:3BR house FOR RENT near Triangle Diner in Saratoga
$1,900
Saratoga Springs, NY (12866)
36 Maple Dell Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Zillow: Real Estate, Apartments, Mortgages & Home Values
Walk to Broadway, Skidmore College, Triangle Diner, Stewart's, Fresh Market, and the CDTA bus stop from this *fully-furnished* 3 bedroom home in Saratoga Springs. You'll love the character and charm of the built-ins and hardwood floors. The kitchen is recently updated with lots of cabinet space. The bathroom has also been recently updated. The bedrooms are spacious with cedar closets. All living areas have hardwood or linoleum flooring (no carpet). Washer and dryer use is included (no coin-op). Abundant storage is available throughout the house. The large yard has an apple tree and is partially fenced. Enjoy more outdoor living from the 3-season porch. Off-street parking easily accommodates 4 cars. Water, sewer, and trash service are included in the rent. Tenant pays gas and electric bills. Short-term leases will be considered. First month's rent and security deposit (equal to one month's rent) are due at lease signing.

[dcfas]

There should be houses with yards available in most of the surrounding communities of Albany. As others have noted the best way to find them is probably through a realtor. A few comments about the area and other cities: Albany has an enormous amount of state workers who commute in and around the city M-F. It's not as bad as NYC, of course, but if you are not aware commuting from the city proper out to the surrounding communities can be a drag and something to think about. Most of the surrounding communities are typical suburbs, but it doesn't take long to get to a rural setting, found just beyond. If you want some space it might be a bit challenging to still be close to coffee houses, etc. But within ten miles from just about anywhere you will find yourself at a mall or suburban hub of activity.

My absolute favorite place within about 30 minutes of the city of Albany is Saratoga Springs. I personally think Saratoga may be one of the best places to live anywhere. It is a center for equine sports/racing, performing arts, golf, and food. It is also an absolutely beautiful place, with a charming architectural heritage and park areas that remind me of the work of Olmsted and other greats, perhaps even better. Travel another half hour north, or so, and you will be in the Lake George area, and the jaw-dropping Adirondacks.

Other communities? Schenectady is just west of Albany. Until the past few years it has been a bit run down in some areas, but I think it is fair to say that it is enjoying a rebirth. Proctor's theater and restaurants nearby are draws. The new casino is nearly completed on the Mohawk, which I hope will open up the river front. There should be some affordable homes there, still. Taxes are high, though.

Guilderland is also west of Albany. Very nice community, somewhat affluent. Colonie, again, west. Mostly small suburban, middle class folks. Very suburban. Most folks seem nice there, to me. East and North Greenbush are on the east side of Albany, across the Hudson River. It has always seemed to me that west of Albany has been kind of like a fresher scene than East, but things may be swinging back. Troy is North East of Albany, and is an old city with elements of resurgence as well. Clifton Park is a few exits up the Northway, and could be considered the Mack-Daddy of suburbia. The high school there is actually two high schools- huge. Delmar is south and from what I understand quite affluent, as is Loudonville which is just north (very, very affluent for around here).

Overall, this area has a lot to offer, I think. Others might disagree. It has some beautiful areas, mountains, rivers, farm land, while also having some decent culture, including theaters, colleges, and some good restaurants.

Hope this helps.

DC

[ckhthankgod]

Perhaps something like this may work: Homes.com