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I have read through the posts here and find it helpful but still have questions. I am now in CO and thinking of returning east (from CT). I remember some country drives southwest of Albany and loved the country and parks there.
I am an avid hiker/walker (and familiar with the major hiking spots like the Catskills, Taconic range, and upper Adirondacks near Lake Placid area).
This is my vision/hope for where I live, thinking larger town or smaller city that has everything I should need (grocery, tea/coffee shops, restaurants, churches, and so forth). Thus far wondering on Schenectady area and the area a little southwest of Albany. I may want to start a small business but unsure of that now.
- Feel safe (low crime rate)
- Friendly community
- Lots of hiking to choose from within a 1/2 hour to 45 minute radius (5+ miles of trails) frequented by people (do not typically like hiking in isolated areas)
- Mountain and hill hikes (good selection) within a 45 minute to 1 hour range, again more popular areas
- Maybe upper Catskills within a 45 minute drive
- Good / easy driving in the winter
- An area near where hiking groups and meetup.com groups might go
- Good walkability for the location
- Inferring I may need to commute to one of the larger cities for work so would want less than 1/2 hour or thereabouts commute
- Reasonable cost of living (not sure if I would buy or rent)
- Ideally near water (being NY I think that should be easy to find!)
- Volunteer opportunities
You might want to consider Saratoga Springs as well although the cost of housing is high. Affordable apartments are being built on the West Side near the Amtrak Station and will be available in a few months. There are two colleges here, Skidmore and SUNY Empire State College. There are numerous colleges and universities in the surrounding areas. Good Luck!
Another place that may be a sleeper, given that you were considering the Schenectady area, is Scotia. It is a nice, walkable village of about 7700 people across the Mohawk River from Schenectady that allows for relatively quick access to the Adirondacks and the Catskills. https://www.villageofscotia.org
I really like Ballston Spa (Saratoga County) which has seen a significant downtown revitalization over the past 10-ish years. I think it offers most of the criteria you’ve mentioned and it’s just a quick 10-minute drive to Saratoga Springs, which overall, is quite a bit pricier. Lots a beautiful old Victorians and lots of cool little shops, restaurants, bars, etc. I think it’s really beautiful little city and has a lot to offer in terms of affordability, walkability, and charm.
Downtown Schenectady (west of Knott Terrace/Veeder), is also experiencing a ton of growth and revitalization with lots of brand new multi-use, “luxury” apts right on the Mohawk River, many still under construction. Downtown State Street has lots of restaurants, bars, Proctor’s Theater, Jay Street, Schenectady Green Market, and the Historic Stockade District (where I’m currently living) is just GORGEOUS, and a very unique little neighborhood right on the River. (google it...).
Further South, about an hour and a half, is the town of New Paltz, (home of SUNY New Paltz), with a pretty vibrant artsy, hippie vibe you might also want to check out.
Also, about 20 minutes north of Saratoga Springs is the City of Glens Falls which has also seen a significant revitalization over the past decade, although admittedly, I am not too familiar with the area. Worth checking out I think.
Ithaca (Finger Lakes, right on Lk Cayuga, Cornell Univ., Ithaca Colege), about three-hours SW of the Albany area is my personal favorite town/city outside of NYC in the state, and I think checks all of your boxes. Not too sure about affordability factor though. Beautiful place with tons to offer.
Also, about 20 minutes north of Saratoga Springs is the City of Glens Falls which has also seen a significant revitalization over the past decade, although admittedly, I am not too familiar with the area. Worth checking out I think.
Ithaca (Finger Lakes, right on Lk Cayuga, Cornell Univ., Ithaca Colege), about three-hours SW of the Albany area is my personal favorite town/city outside of NYC in the state, and I think checks all of your boxes. Not too sure about affordability factor though. Beautiful place with tons to offer.
While Ithaca may fit,(it may actually be a little bit bigger than the OP wants), I believe want something within/near the area.
Thank you again, everyone!
I have been to Ithaca and love it with the lakes and waterfalls. I have been wondering if it is too far west for me -- but maybe I should not dismiss it. I am keeping my options open. The feedback has been very helpful.
All the best to all of you!
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