Unbiased opinions needed asap (Albany, Colonie: apartment complexes, rentals, crime)

[JahMa]

I will be relocating to the Capital Region by mid-end of summer with my child who will be starting the 1st grade. I attend college in Albany and am currently job hunting & apartment hunting in Albany. I orginially was focused on Colonie and Guilderland. But Colonie lacks in apartment complexes that have 2 bedrooms. Theres alot of private house rentals that are pricey and I would rather not live in someones house. Guilderland is a nice area but apartments are also pricey. Does anyone know of Loudon Arms Apts in the 12204 zipcode & Riverhill Apts in Menands? Opinions...

I had asked a question on a previous thread about Menands, no one ever answered it. So, I'm going to try again. WHAT IS SO BAD ABOUT MENANDS? I've driven through, I've researched the school system which is pretty good. Also, if anyone is familiar with Loudon Arms apartment, I've heard mixed reviews on it. Is the area as sketchy as they make it seem?

I would like to live somewhere that is safe, affordable, diverse, has a zoned good public elementary school, and commutable. I'm also considering Niskayuna, pros: safe & affordable but cons: it's distance and lack of diversity. The school system is said to be one of the most prestigious, though. So many choices, so little time. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[ckhthankgod]

I think you might have to go with Menands due to being a diverse village and from what you say, the schools are good.

Watervliet and Cohoes might also be options, but it seems like both are more blue-collar and rough around the edges in terms of looks, but in terms of crime aren't that bad. Both have relatively diverse elementary schools too. Rensselaer, across the Hudson River from Albany, seems to fit that mold as well.

Here's information on all of those districts: https://www.nystart.gov/publicweb/District.do?year=2007&county=ALBANY&district=01050 0010000 (broken link)

https://www.nystart.gov/publicweb/District.do?year=2007&county=ALBANY&district=01061 5020000 (broken link)

https://www.nystart.gov/publicweb/District.do?year=2007&county=ALBANY&district=01120 0010000 (broken link)

https://www.nystart.gov/publicweb/District.do?year=2007&county=RENSSELAER&district=4 91200010000 (broken link)


Index

Watervliet City School District, Watervliet, NY

Cohoes City School District, Cohoes, NY

Rensselaer City School District - Home Page

Green Island might be another choice too:https://www.nystart.gov/publicweb/District.do?year=2007&county=ALBANY&district=01070 1030000 (broken link)

Green Island Union Free School District

This might help as well:http://www.apartmentfinder.com/resul...&CSearchType=0

http://albany.craigslist.org/apa/

[Heather90]

Based on the school systems, I would say Menands. From there, your child can go to Shaker High, which is a great school. Menands is more of a close-knit community than Loudonville, Latham, or Colonie. There is a pocket park many events are held at, and a St. Patrick's day parade each year.