Any area info for albany area - possible relocation?

Does anyone have any and I mean any info about Albany areas? My husband and I along with our 3 small children are possibly looking into making a move (not for 2 years). I want to really start the ball rolling though anf begin researching the best areas and start visiting them. I am a teacher so the school system is a big big big thing for me as well as low crime. We dont have a tremendous amount of money but we have enough for an adequate down payment. I appreciate any info anyone has. Thanks so much

Re: Any area info for albany area - possible relocation?

All I can tell you is I had friends who lived in Chatham and Ghent and loved it. It was so country but not too far from Albany (30 minutes or so) Cute little towns.

We have a summer house in Copake Lake. Its about 45 minutes south east of Albany. Its nice for the summer but most people dont live there in the colder months. They just built a huge new school maybe 5 years ago?

I did my student teaching in Clifton park and was told it was a ritzy area. The school district was pretty big. They had 2 high schools, swim team etc. It was realy nice. I think it was about 20 minutes north of Albany.

I lived in Malta/Ballston Spa. It was about 35 minutes north of Albany? I liked it a lot and it was maybe 15 minutes south of Saratoga. It was nice being in between Albany and Saratoga.

I only knew one person who lived in Albany. It was a nice development but right outside was busy busy city.

How close were you planning on living to Albany? Sorry I cant be any more specific. i love it up there :)

Re: Any area info for albany area - possible relocation?

Message edited 8/18/2011 10:14:02 AM.

Re: Any area info for albany area - possible relocation?

My gf and her family live in Clifton Park - about 20 mins north of Albany - it's also close to Saratoga.

She aboslutely loves it. Her sis and BIL also live there and her BIL is always raving about the town and the way its run. It's run like a business he says and if there is ever a surplus they give refund checks to the residents.

Re: Any area info for albany area - possible relocation?

I live in the Albany area.

Depending upon where you want to be here are places I would look:

Albany County - LOW Taxes (3-5K)

Latham/Loudonville (North Colonie School District) - 10-15 minutes from Albany, convenient to everything, great school district, reminds me of Long Island in terms of convenience

Guilderland - great school district, depending upon where you live you can be close to everything or a bit more rural - 10-15 minutes from Albany

Schenectady County - Higher Taxes (6-8K) - I live in this area

Niskayuna - great school district - 15-20 minutes from Albany

Glenville with Burnt Hills Schools- see below

Saratoga County - Low Taxes (3-5K)

Burnt Hills - great school district - 25-30 minutes from Albany

Clifton Park - 20-25 minutes from Albany (although if you commute it will be longer as there is always traffic on the Northway) - great school district, lots of stores nearby - easy access to the parkway.

If you have any questions, FM me.

ETA: House prices can vary a lot (200K-500K+). We looked in each of these areas and our limit was 300K and there was decent inventory for us.

Message edited 8/18/2011 12:37:11 PM.

Re: Any area info for albany area - possible relocation?

My brother lives in Clifton Park for half of the year and he loves it up there. I love to go and visit b/c I think its an adorable town, I also love Balston spa.

Re: Any area info for albany area - possible relocation?

I agree with what others have said:

Loudenville - I was a nanny here and it was a very nice area

Guilderland - I think you get to be close to the city, but benefit from the suburbs

Niskayuna - I had an ex-boyfriend from here and it was very nice - You can enjoy parts of Schenectedy and the rivers

East Greenbush - I did my student teaching in the JHS and HS and it was a great school. Definitely more rural

Glenmont - my cousin lives here - she backs up to a farm, but is close to downtown and the river.

There is definitely an appeal to the Lark Street area/Washington Park, but the schools are bad. I subbed at Albany HS and there were police cars there every day!

Re: Any area info for albany area - possible relocation?

Oh thanks sooo much for the incredible info I may FM some of you once I do some research on those areas you gave. I really appreciate it.