Dunes, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Albany, may be sandwiched between two major commercial roadways, yet it is hidden among the sand dunes and trails of Albany Pine Bush Preserve. “The location is fantastic because homes back up to the preserve, and Interstate 90 and Crossgates Mall are minutes away,” says Alvis Milligan, a Realtor with Vera Cohen Realty. “The streets are almost all cul-de-sacs with no through traffic,” says Kevin Clancy, the broker/owner of Clancy Real Estate. “It’s a great place to walk your dog or teach your son or daughter how to ride a bike.” Whether commuting, shopping, enjoying nature or having family time, Dunes gives homeowners a quiet retreat with easy access to life’s most enjoyable activities.
Dunes is located next to the Pine Bush Preserve a focal point of the area comprising 3500 acres.
The average value of a home in the Dunes is $264,161 .
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Mix of models and types
Single-family homes in Dunes date back to the 1980s and include raised ranches, contemporaries and colonial-inspired homes. “Each one is unique, too,” Clancy says. “Different models were used, and the neighborhood has a good mixture.” Buyers can expect to pay between $300,000 and $400,000 for a single-family home. Low-maintenance townhomes and condominiums are also available, attracting buyers with extra amenities like community pools and lower price points between $160,000 and $300,000, not including HOA fees. “HOAs take care of most things, and ownership is pretty carefree,” Milligan says. “Clubhouses, too, are nice for functions. I’ve been to one here myself.” Homebuyers should also remember that Dunes is still within the city limits, so services like trash collection are included with property taxes, Clancy says.
Homes are found in sub divisions to preserve the Pine Bush Preserve and its history.
A split level ranch is a great option in The Dunes.
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Malls, plazas and restaurants
Big-box stores, restaurants, banks, medical offices and popular retailers are not far from Dunes. The 1.7-million-square-foot Crossgates Mall, the biggest in the Capital Region, is next door with over 100 shops and a movie theater. Crossgates Commons Plaza along Washington Avenue Extension is even closer and features a Walmart Supercenter and a Home Depot. Western Avenue is lined with eateries, such as Athos, an upscale Greek restaurant with a warm, sophisticated interior, and Mezza Notte Ristorante up the street is just as nice, offering classic Italian cuisine made using seasonal and local products. “Shopping centers on the way to Guilderland or Colonie are closer than Downtown Albany,” Clancy says. “People have so many choices within a few miles’ radius.”
The Crossgates Mall is the largest indoor shopping center in the Albany area with 212 stores.
Athos is one of the top restaurants in the Albany area specializing in Greek fare.
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Month-long May celebration
Of the many festivals held in Albany, Lupine Fest in May hits closest to Dunes. This month-long festival at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve celebrates the fields of violet lupine flowers and federally endangered Karner blue butterflies found on the preserve in spring. Nature walks, hands-on activities, live music, games, craft vendors and more are held at the preserve’s Discovery Center.
There are interactive features at the discovery center in the Pine Bush Preserve.
There are over 20 miles of trails covering 3500 acres at the Pine Bush Preserve.
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Students attend Albany schools
The schools that serve Dunes are all part of the City School District of Albany. They include Eagle Point Elementary, which received a B-minus from Niche and is known for its STEM focus. William S. Hackett Middle, a B school, offers a low 9-to-1 student-teacher ratio. Albany High School, another B school that’s rated among Niche’s top 10 best magnet high schools in New York, features four targeted academies, from performing arts to finance, to help students prepare for potential careers.
With a large classic building Eagle Point is a great way to start the day.
Albany High School is a diverse body of students with a graduation rate of 82%.
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Albany Pine Bush Preserve
The 3,350-acre Albany Pine Bush Preserve surrounds the neighborhood, featuring rolling sand dunes and over 20 miles of trails. “You feel like you’re out in the middle of nowhere,” Clancy says. “You can hike it, walk your dog, bring your mountain bike or snowshoe.” Hunting and fishing are permitted in certain areas, and the preserve’s Discovery Center, open seven days a week, offers free admission to exhibits that help tell its story.
The Dunes neighborhood is interconnected to the Pine Bush Preserve and most homes connect to it.
In the Pine Bush Preserve you can find a welcome center and learn about preserve management.
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Albany public transit
CDTA bus routes ride through Dunes, connecting the neighborhood to Downtown Albany and other parts of the city. The Albany International Airport is only 5 miles using Highway 155. Downtown is 10 miles, and the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station is 12 miles using Interstate 90. Travelers to Schenectady have a 15-mile drive on I-90 and a 30-mile drive on I-87 to Saratoga Springs north of the city.
Having CDTA bus stops all over Dunes makes it easy to get around the capital district.
Meet up with some friends for a picnic at Six Mile Waterworks.
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University and flood risk
Just 2 miles from the neighborhood, the University of Albany’s main campus is home to approximately 17,000 students and features the Performing Arts Center, which presents 40 to 50 concerts and three to four productions per year, and the University Art Museum, a 9,000-square-foot facility that has shown over 400 exhibitions. Dunes also has several low-lying areas prone to flooding. Homebuyers considering a home should ask if flood insurance is needed.
Built in 2013, Collins Circle is a beautiful park located at the University of Albany.
Many residents take great pride in their lawns and plants in The Dunes.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marshall Morgan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cook Park
Baseball/Softball
Dog Park
Picnic Area
Collins Circle
Nott Road Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Soccer
Six Mile Waterworks Park
Fishing
Lake
Picnic Area
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Bike Trails
Fishing
Trails
Transit
Airport
Albany International
19 min drive
Bus
Columbia Cir E. Dr & Executive Centre Dr
Bus
Teresian House
Bus
Crossgates Commons
Bus
Columbia Cir E & Columbia Cir W-Pine Bush Preserve
Bus
Frontage Rd & Pitch Pine Rd
Bus
7 Columbia Cir (Excelsior College)
Bus
Daughters Of Sarah
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Dunes
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Dunes, Albany sell after 8 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Dunes, Albany over the last 12 months is $235,765, down 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marshall Morgan,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,494
Median Age
64
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
10.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
48.5%
Significantly above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$81,302
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$108,211
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.6%
College Graduates
50.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
54.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
28/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 100
Minimal Transit
Transit Score®
10/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
