Cute neighborhoods and Downtowns near Albany

[j12308]

hmtklein,
Niskayuna doesn't have much of a downtown, but "old Niskayuna" is attractive and very walkable. I grew up in that area. Funny, back then it was embarassing to live there because my friends thought we were "poor". We lived in an old bungalow, not a mansion in a new developement. Now the area is very popular with families. Lots of trees, sidewalks, Hillside is a poplular ES, walking to the Co-op (grocery) or to Union St. is also popular. I like the "run-down" areas of the capital region; Albany, Troy, Schenectady, the architecture is always nice. I think a lot of places with a bad reputation are trying to bring themselves back, some of the cities I think that have nice downtowns are worth looking at.

[mbsimmons23]

Hi, we are hoping to relocate to the Saratoga Springs area, pending a job transfer, from Long Island. We have looked in Glens Falls, Ballston Spa, Galway, Schuylerville etc. Can you give me some pros/cons for each and maybe a recommendation? We don't necessarily wants to live on a farm but also don't want neighbors within an arm's length. Thanks so much!

[JLO]

Heather:

Hi, I grew up in Voorheesville, NY which is just outside of Albany. It is a cute town. In fact in the town center are all original Victorians. The schools are fabulous. Even though I just had my 20th High School reunion, I know the schools are still considered top notch as my mom works there.
Coming from Colorado (where I have been many times and thoroughly love the scenery), I would like to also suggest Altamont, NY. Altamont borders Voorheesville. Altamont feeds into Voorheesville and also Guilderland High School. Guilderland is much larger, however, it still offers a quality education.
If you like older homes, take a look at Altamont. They may be in your price range. I moved from the area 20 years ago and couldn't wait to move to NYC. Now looking back, I had a wonderful town where neighbors are friends and life is still simple yet not backward. Many of the people living in Voorheesville are professionals.
So, good luck to you. If you have a family, it's a nice place to live and grow up especially since it's at the foot of the Heldeberg Mountains (part of the Adirondeck Chain). It's not the Colorado Rockies, but it still is quite beautiful.

[Babs Wagner]

We live in Cohoes ourselves, my partner Ken and I, and I think Cohoes is an up and coming community. It doesn't have much crime, the people are friendly, you've got the Cohoes Falls right there, with that whole area being redone. The mills, which are absolutely gorgeous, have been redone into loft apartments. We're very close to Albany, a 20 minute commute at most in the morning. We're also close to our other major highway, I-87. The downtown area is being revitalized, and many of these historic buildings are beautiful. You'd have to come and see for yourself. Good schools also.

[YankeeRule]

I really like Delmar, but probably above your price range.

[ta313ty]

I recommend to come over and rent for a while, while getting familiar with the area. We were transfered 4 years ago to Albany, and were in rush to settle and buy a house because of the kids and school districts. We still sorry we didn't take time back then. Please....Rent apartment for a bit while exploring the area, prices and your options. Cohoes, Green Island, Latham, Troy have nice apartments 15 min from downtown Albany. Most important it will give you time do not repeat mistakes we did! Now here are plenty of houses to choose from, prices are down a lot! Just take your time...
Good luck.
Taty.