Anyone know about Saratoga Springs? (Albany, Wilton: houses, public schools, taxes)

[1newyorker]

For the children Saratoga has two nice parks, "West Side" and "East Side". Both offer ballfields, playgrounds, and both have nice play fountains for them to cool off in. In addition Congress Park has a beautiful antique carousel that's only .50 cents per ride and children under five ride for free. There is a childrens museum downtown that should provide them an hour or two of entertainment. Also we have an excellent library that has a great children's section.

However there are not many restaurants that are suitable for young children. There is the diner on south broadway, as well as several chain restaurants to choose amongst. The Circus Cafe located downtown has a fun atmosphere but the food is mediocre at best. "Bailey's" next to the library has outdoor seating and good sandwiches, burgers, etc. Across the street from the library is Docs an excellent steakhouse.

Enjoy your visit even if you do root for that team out in Beantown!

[CaitMarae]

There are alot of communities surrounding Saratoga that you should look into. They are much cheaper but still within a close proximity to Saratoga. If you are a middle class family, I would recommend looking into Gansevoort, NY. It is in South Glens Falls school district which in my opinion is a fantastic district to be in. I went there from Elementary-High School and got an amazing education. The price of homes is relatively low and the area very family friendly.

[jrivers]

I just started reading all the great post. I am from Clifton Park and boat all the time at Saratoga Lake. My husband just started a new web site boatupstate.com. This is a great source of answers to many of your questions not only regarding Saratoga but all of upstate NY. You can also ask boating questions. We have learned alot since we began boating and want to help others! We love living here and any questions we would love to help!

[loveautumn]

I'm thinking of visiting Saratoga area this fall for the scenery and check out the area (for retirement possibilities). Would the areas immediately around Saratoga be difficult as far as year round renting? I know one poster mentioned because of the race track alot of rentals are broken up because of racing season.

What would an average one or two bedroom rental go for? Do people rent out part of their large estate homes? I haven't been able to find much on the internet.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by loveautumn

I'm thinking of visiting Saratoga area this fall for the scenery and check out the area (for retirement possibilities). Would the areas immediately around Saratoga be difficult as far as year round renting? I know one poster mentioned because of the race track alot of rentals are broken up because of racing season.

What would an average one or two bedroom rental go for? Do people rent out part of their large estate homes? I haven't been able to find much on the internet.

Check here:albany apts/housing for rent classifieds - craigslist

[loveautumn]

thanks for the link...looks do-able.

[Fearringtonflash]

Originally Posted by ukusmom

We are a young family that wants to relocate to Ithaca, NY at the end of the year. However, some close friends recommended that we look into Saratoga Springs instead. I must admit that I know very little about the area and even with the internet, I'm not getting a feel for what it would be like to live there. We are seeking an area that has a lot to do for a young family, low crime, good schools, affordable living. We would rent the first couple of years until we learned more about the area, so does anyone know the average cost of rent? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

As someone who relocated from the Chapel Hill, NC area a year ago, I can HIGHLY recommend SS. It is a beautiful town, with lots of culture (in addn to the horse scene, which does pretty much take over during August). The NYC Ballet, Lake George Opera Co., Tanglewood (Boston Symphony) nearby, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Skidmore College--just to mention a few.

I would disagree with the characterization of conservative--I find it a most congenial place (I personally am liberal in orientation) and a very laid back community.

Homes are more expensive than elsewhere in the region (plan to spend $300,000 and up for a decent 3/2) with high property taxes. But the area is very beautiful and scenic, close to mountains and yet within approx 150-200 miles of three great metro areas.

In short, I love it and am glad to have made the move.

[goodtogospb]

saratoga is a great place if you can afford nyc rent prices.have a trust fund perfect for you.you can find great people to meet it is worth visiting.i moved from saratoga due to the fact of extremely high taxes and cost of living.loved living there when i was younger and have thoughts of moving back when i retire.although i will need to hit the mega millions so i can afford a shack or garage apt.dont plan on finding a decent paying job it comes down to who you know and if you dont know any one then or odds are slim to nill.this recession is taking its toll on family business in the area most of these little shops you hear about are pretty much gone already.take a nice walk down Broadway to see coffee shops and the gap Eddie bauer closing restaurants wanna be night clubs clothing stores Sara palin would adore and you basic souvenir shops.the saratogian is humorous to read for its disregard for journalism not sure if the writers made it out of the fourth grade.if you plan on opening a business plan on having cash in hand for cough cough permits.public transportation is useless if you are considering his as an option its winter 3/4 of the year Siberian winter.maybe in the next few years the recession will make it affordable again i hope so.there is a couple of good restaurants and bars,the majority are over priced sports bars that mainly emphasize dumb jock testosterone and not the sports.you need to love horse racing because thats the economy,culture local artist mostly are your cliche hacks with blown up egos and the talent of an embiciles yato retreat has some artist with talent but you again need to be in the know which means chumming it up with the repulsion of the saratoga art world.ive been tring to come up with positives and its looking bleek.i believe im going to have to find another place to retire

[goodtogospb]

a 200 sq foot apt 450,an apt above loud bars 650,a two bedroom 850,3/1 950 t0 1500 3/2 1200 2000.

[Kansasfornow]

I just moved to Saratoga Springs a couple of weeks ago to start a new job. I love it here! People are nice and friendly, there is a lot to do and the town is beautiful. It is near many lovely places as well. I am really glad we are here and I hope/plan to stay for a long time to come! Despite what the previous poster wrote, I bought a house in town. Although it needs some work it was affordable, in a nice family friendly area, with a good location close to my job. So far, Saratoga Springs has lived up to its wonderful reputation.