Clifton Park was once little more than an agricultural hamlet sustained by farming, dairy cattle and apple orchards, but is now a desirable, amenity-filled community in Upstate New York's Saratoga County. Located approximately 19 miles from Downtown Albany, the Town of Clifton Park offers a blend of rural and suburban living, with acres of farmland bordering the Mohawk River and planned subdivisions scattered around the area's retail corridor. When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, Clifton Park began to grow from increased commerce and accessibility to the region. However, Clifton Park's modern-day population boom stems back to 1961, when the construction of Interstate 87, also known as the Adirondack Northway, was completed, connecting residents to the rest of the Capital Region.
Today, this leafy Albany suburb exudes neighborly charm. "Clifton Park is convenient for commuters. It is a big community of outgoing, friendly neighbors," says Helen Simpson, a luxury Realtor with Keller Williams Capital District. "Many of the newer developments have walking trails, and people are always walking around the neighborhoods. Little block parties are constantly being held, and Halloween is really big here. Lots of homes go all out with decor." Clifton Park boasts over 13 parks, five golf courses, a marina and a highly-rated school district, emulating the town's motto: "A Great Place to Live, Work and Play." Commercial development continues to grow on the east side of town, while western sections remain true to their rural roots with acres of farmland and protected preserves. While many residents commute into the city, popular job sectors include healthcare, education and technology.
A great example of residential streets in Clifton Park.
A group of friends enjoy some paddle ball in Clifton Park.
Clifton Park is a lovely community in the county of Saratoga in NY.
Just next to Clifton Park Center Mall there is a great skate park to enjoy.
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Condos, townhouses and single-family homes
As a sought-out suburban community, "The housing market in Clifton Park is very competitive. Most homes are only on the market for three to five days," Simpson says. "People get more bang for their buck in Clifton Park. The homes here offer the most square-footage for the price in the area." With an average sales price of around $440,000, prices can range from the $100,000s to over $1 million. Clifton Park is home to two condominium complexes, The Bentley Condominiums and Foxrun, with units ranging from the mid $100,000s to the upper $200,000s. Townhouses and patio homes, many of which feature attached garages, can range from the low $200,000s to the mid-$500,000s. 20th century Colonial Revivals, split-level and ranch-style homes are some of the most common properties priced from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$ $400,000s. Most single-family homes sit back from winding, tree-lined streets on spacious front lawns. Larger Colonial Revivals, New Traditionals and contemporary homes with Craftsman influences often range from the mid-$400,000s to just over $1 million.
A lovely well kept ranch home in Clifton Park.
Large new homes are popping up all over Clifton Park.
The median price for a home in Clifton Park is $450,000.
Two-story, Colonial homes are readily available for those moving to Clifton Park, NY.
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A stellar school district and higher education
The Shenendehowa Central School District enrolls 9,433 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. It earns an overall A rating from Niche and is ranked as the second best school district in Saratoga County. Eight elementary and three middle schools feed into Shenendehowa High School, the only public high school in the district. Four elementary schools are located in local neighborhoods, while the remaining eight schools share a 232-acre campus along New York State Route 146.
Nearby education institutions include Union College. Established in 1795, this small, highly selective undergraduate college is known for its liberal arts and engineering programs. Nineteen miles away, Albany is home to the State University of New York at Albany, known for its STEM research opportunities, as well as its respected medical and law programs. The Capital Region is also home to the University at Albany, Albany College of Pharmacy, Skidmore College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
The Shenendehowa High School serves students in grades 9-12 living in Clifton Park, NY.
Welcome to Skano Elementary School, located in Clifton Park, NY.
Koda Middle School is the newest of three middle schools in Clifton Park.
Kids love the playground at Shatecon Elementary School.
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Community parks and nature preserves
Clifton Park is home to 13 different parks that range from green spaces with dozens of amenities to wooded nature preserves with winding hiking trails and seasonal hunting. Clifton Common is a popular 81-acre green space in the heart of town with a large playground and numerous soccer, baseball and softball fields. The facility also has indoor ice hockey rinks and basketball courts. The park is home to the Clifton Park Senior Community Center. At the southern boundary of Clifton Park, Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve hugs the banks of the Mohawk River. This 700-acre natural area is home to wetlands, floodplains, and wildlife and bird habitats. The site includes two historic Erie Canal towpath trails and several miles of nature trails.
Clifton Park boasts three community pools and five public and private golf courses. Two private country clubs, The Edison Club and Mohawk River Country Club & Chateau, are situated near the Mohawk River. Residents from both Clifton Park and neighboring Schenectady dock their boats at the local Schenectady Yacht Club, a riverside marina with additional amenities like an outdoor pool and picnic areas. The Mohawk River is another popular destination for anglers, while smaller fishing ponds like Barney Road Pond are peppered around town.
With 5 miles of trails thru Vischer Ferry is a lovely place to enjoy nature.
You can find a great dance class at the Clifton Park Senior Center in Clifton Commons Park.
Many locals enjoy walking their dogs along the river at Crescent Park.
Ducks enjoy the lock at Vishcer Ferry Nature Preserve.
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Historic sites and celebrations
The town has many historic sites that date back to the 18th century when Clifton Park was a part of the neighboring Town of Halfmoon. Historical markers are scattered throughout the community and placed in front of historic homes, schoolhouses, churches and general stores. On the west side of town, the Historic Grooms Tavern is one of the most well-known of these landmarks; it was the site of the town’s formation in 1828. Today the grounds serve as a historical and cultural center that hosts various community events and lectures that dive into the region’s history. Vischer Ferry Nature and Historic Preserve is another area where historic homes line Riverview Road and the remains of the Erie Canal are preserved.
Multiple churches like the Amity Dutch Reformed Church and Rexford United Methodist Church date back to the 1800s. Clifton Park is also home to numerous newer churches, a synagogue and the Clifton Park Chabad Jewish Center. The Masjid Al-Arqam / Al-Arqam Center of Saratoga is in neighboring Halfmoon.
Clifton Park’s dedication to historic preservation highlights one small aspect of this active community. The town hosts a range of events throughout the year, including the Clifton Park Farm Fest, which connects patrons to the region's rural roots. Various breweries host Oktoberfest celebrations, and Clifton Park hosts its own Restaurant Week in April. Cold weather brings with it the arrival of Winterfest, when indoor and outdoor activities include ice skating, ice fishing, snowshoe demonstrations and more.
In May, many residents travel to the nearby town of Waterford to celebrate the opening of the New York State Canal System. The Waterford Canal Festival event features tours and displays of the locks' operation. Children's activities, food vendors and live music make this event a fun-filled day for all. On the Fourth of July, crowds descend upon Clifton Common for music, food, games and fireworks displays.
Grooms Tavern is a historical site and museum dating back to 1820.
It is easy to navigate Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve with the signage on display.
Bridges and pathways meander thru Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve in Clifton Park.
De Voe Rainbow Orchard has been family owned since 1931 in Clifton Park.
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Shopping and dining in Clifton Park
Nearly all local shopping and dining establishments are near Interstate 87. Clifton Park Center Mall is home to dozens of retailers such as Home Goods, Jos. A. Banks and Boscov's. The mall also features a Regal Theater and Planet Fitness. A wide variety of national grocers and big- box stores are nearby. Popular fast-food chains and locally owned restaurants include cozy cafes, casual eateries, upscale steakhouses and sushi bars. Eateries serve up flavors from around the globe, including Chinese, American, Mexican and Thai cuisine. There are also multiple craft breweries and bars.
The Mill Tavern is a great spot that has a local beer mug wall in Clifton Park.
You can enjoy a Target close by in Clifton Park.
Clifton Park Center is a large mall and shopping area keeping locals needs met.
The Rusty Knot is a local staple in Clifton Park, NY.
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Getting around the Capital Region
Clifton Park is a car-dependent suburban town. However, many newer subdivisions incorporate walking trails connected to nearby parks and neighborhoods. Regarding public transit, the Capital District Transportation Authority Flex Bus connects Clifton Park, Mechanicville and Halfmoon. Ellis Hospital is about 10 miles away, along with the Schenectady Amtrak station, which runs north to Montreal, Canada, west to Buffalo, east to Albany and south to New York City. Downtown Albany is approximately 19 miles away via interstates 87 and 787. Albany International Airport is also about 12 miles south via I-87.
I-87 runs right thru Clifton Park making getting around a quick easy pursuit.
Clifton Park makes it easy to drop your car off and hitch a ride.
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Important to know
Clifton Park is a part of the Capital Region, which experiences all four seasons. Summers are often hot and occasionally humid, with highs around 83 degrees. Cold winter weather brings an average annual snowfall of around 60 inches and lows around 14 degrees. Sections of Clifton Park that border waterways like the Mohawk River, Colonie Reservoir, Ballston Lake and Round Lake are prone to localized flooding during heavy rainfall, with 41 inches of rainfall on average. Meandering creeks and streams also pose a threat. However, many of the hardest hit areas consist of wooded, non-residential properties such as Vischer Ferry & Historic Preserve.
According to FBI crime data, Saratoga County State Police received 1,023 total crime reports, including property crime and violent offenses, in 2023. FBI crime rates are not readily available for Clifton Park specifically. However, Clifton Park garners a CAP Index crime score of 2 out of 10, below the national average of 4.
Louise was born in Yokohama, Japan. Before becoming a realtor, she founded and operated an international trade and consulting firm, which focused on expanding exports from the US and Europe to Asia. She joined Brokers Network in 2003, focusing on foreign nationals living in or moving to the United States. In 2006, she was named to head up the firm’s commercial, investment, and international real estate unit. She has achieved designations as a Certified Commercial and Investment Member and Certified International Property Specialist. Her personal interests include writing nonfiction, oil painting, gourmet cooking, and ballroom dancing.
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.
