since no one responded on LIF...

reposting here as I think there are a few ladies on here who live Upstate.

DH and I are looking at some job opportunities up in the Albany area and we're looking at homes but aren't sure where to look.

We'd be working downtown (at the Federal Bldg). We'd be ok with a 30 min commute (it takes us b/w 15-45 min now to go 8 miles into DC). Just aren't sure which are nice SD's and areas to look at.

Would appreciate any ideas/advice.

Thanks!

FH is from Troy... do NOT look there... the SD is going down the tubes FAST!!!

Bethlahem, Clifton Park, Latham (Fh always said Long Island is like a really big Latham to him), Loudenville, East and North Greenbush, Saratoga (but that's about 30-45 mins away). You definitely have some options.

good luck!!
FM me with any questions!!!

ask ninalemon on LIF, she is very close to the albany area

Good Luck

Hi I live in Saratoga County and work in Albany.

The Federal Building is right off of 787 - you could have a really easy commute (10-20 min) if you look in East Greenbush or North Greenbush areas - they are in Rensselaer County and very desirable areas with good schools.

Waterford would also be an easy commute(20-30 min). it is a small town, kind of town with lots of parades, and fireworks for just about every holiday. It has very low taxes and a good school district.

Halfmoon is between Clifton Park and Waterford, in size and proximity - you also have the choice of Shenendehowa Schools (Clifton Park's district) or Waterford Schools which are much smaller.

Clifton Park is a great town, I grew up there, but you will run into more traffic (the commute will be 30-45 min depending on traffic). It is off of I-87 (the Northway) and you have to cross a the Mohawk River to get there from Albany so there are only a few place to cross. The town has grown considerably in the last 15 years. It has a great school district, although some people feel it is too big (graduating classes are around 700students). Clifton Park is your typical suburban town with lots of subdivisions.

Saratoga Springs is also beautiful and has a great school district, but you will more than likely have over an hour commute because of traffic.

Colonie is a huge town in Albany County with lots of ammenities and large commercial base (so low taxes), the North Colonie School District is more desirable than South Colonie.

You will probably want to avoid the City of Troy, City of Rensselaer, City of Schenectady. If you want to live in a City, Albany is beautiful and has some fantastic neighborhoods.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me

ETA: Niskayuna is a good area, it is in Schenectady County so the taxes are higher, the school is similar to Shen in size and offerings. Your commute will be a little tougher depending where you live becuase it is directly West of Albany, you could take the Thruway into Albany (it is a toll road) or take local roads.

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Posted by Nina_m74

Hi I live in Saratoga County and work in Albany.

The Federal Building is right off of 787 - you could have a really easy commute (10-20 min) if you look in East Greenbush or North Greenbush areas - they are in Rensselaer County and very desirable areas with good schools.

Waterford would also be an easy commute(20-30 min). it is a small town, kind of town with lots of parades, and fireworks for just about every holiday. It has very low taxes and a good school district.

Halfmoon is between Clifton Park and Waterford, in size and proximity - you also have the choice of Shenendehowa Schools (Clifton Park's district) or Waterford Schools which are much smaller.

Clifton Park is a great town, I grew up there, but you will run into more traffic (the commute will be 30-45 min depending on traffic). It is off of I-87 (the Northway) and you have to cross a the Mohawk River to get there from Albany so there are only a few place to cross. The town has grown considerably in the last 15 years. It has a great school district, although some people feel it is too big (graduating classes are around 700students). Clifton Park is your typical suburban town with lots of subdivisions.

Saratoga Springs is also beautiful and has a great school district, but you will more than likely have over an hour commute because of traffic.

Colonie is a huge town in Albany County with lots of ammenities and large commercial base (so low taxes), the North Colonie School District is more desirable than South Colonie.

You will probably want to avoid the City of Troy, City of Rensselaer, City of Schenectady. If you want to live in a City, Albany is beautiful and has some fantastic neighborhoods.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me

ETA: Niskayuna is a good area, it is in Schenectady County so the taxes are higher, the school is similar to Shen in size and offerings. Your commute will be a little tougher depending where you live becuase it is directly West of Albany, you could take the Thruway into Albany (it is a toll road) or take local roads.

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Thank you SO much Jeannine!! I'll def let you know if I have any questions. I am sure I will!

No problem, I'm glad I stopped by today

RealtyUSA is a good site for looking at local properties, they list most homes appearing on the MLS.

My sister is a Realtor, I could give you her contact info if you would like a realtor in the area.

Good Luck!

ETA: I also wnted to tell you that Google's Street Level mapping is available for most of the area if you find a house you like, you can 'drive' around the neighborhood in Google
Here is an example of an Albany neighborhood

You are in luck - I live in Albany (Guilderland SD) I suggest you look in the following areas: Guilderland, Latham, Loudonville, Bethlehem, Delmar, and Greenbush. All have great schools. Some are a little on the pricey side

Clifton Park is about 40 minutes from Albany so it may be a bit of a hike and the traffic to get there from Albany will be a pain. Saratoga is about an hour away, so I personally woudl rule that out, plus you woudl be hitting the same traffic you woudl if you were going to Clifton Park

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Posted by Summer07Bride

You are in luck - I live in Albany (Guilderland SD) I suggest you look in the following areas: Guilderland, Latham, Loudonville, Bethlehem, Delmar, and Greenbush. All have great schools. Some are a little on the pricey side

Clifton Park is about 40 minutes from Albany so it may be a bit of a hike and the traffic to get there from Albany will be a pain. Saratoga is about an hour away, so I personally woudl rule that out, plus you woudl be hitting the same traffic you woudl if you were going to Clifton Park

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Thanks so much!