Schenectady? (Rotterdam, Victor, Pleasant Valley: to rent, crime, house)

[navyvic]

Hi there,

My husband is in the Navy and we are relocating to upstate NY, Ballston Spa area. I've been looking for a place to rent and have seen a nice house in Schenectady. Having never been there and renting just from pictures alone i'd like to know if anyone has any opinions on the area, especially near Florence Ave if you're at all familiar with it.
Thanks!
Victoria.

[rosette8]

I live in Schenectady. I love our life here, but it is not the same as Ballston Spa at all. It is a city with lots of city problems, more than a lot. It is probably the most crime ridden city in the Capital District per capita.

Having said that, the area you are looking in is a nice middle class area. I think it would be pretty safe. It looks like it is almost Rotterdam. I checked the location on Google Earth. But beware of Schenectady if you have never lived in a city. I live in one of the nicest neighborhoods near the College and we still have issues with car break-ins and once a rock through the window.

If you plan on having kids while living here....check out what school you would be. Most are not good.

If you are looking to have children, look at Scotia or Rotterdam for the same prices, I would think.

Good Luck.

[j12308]

I live in Schenectady as well and enjoy it; but I'm confused as to why if your husband is working in Ballston Spa, why not live there? I really like Ballston Spa too, very quaint, near Saratoga, the Adirondacks. It's my understanding that the school district in Ballston Spa is good, housing isn't bad either. But the area that you asked about in Sch'dy, I'd say isn't bad, but not my cup of tea. I don't know that it's convenient for commuting to Ballston Spa either. As with the previous poster I also live near the College and think it's a nice area, some crime but that is to be expected in a city. My husband works in Saratoga and drives up Rt. 50 through Ballston Spa. In terms of schools, yes it all depends on where you live. Florence Ave goes to Pleasant Valley School, w/no buses. That school would be at the bottom of choices in my opinion.