Stoodley Corners

Have you ever seen a skibird fly past your window? In East Glenville, you'll catch sightings of majestic skibirds regularly, but you won't see a feather or beak on this exotic species. Skibirds are the powerful, ski-equipped LC-130 airplanes that fly in and out of Stratton Air National Base Guard. The military presence in this East Glenville neighborhood provides employment and a strong sense of identity and security for many locals. A spectacular food scene, diverse recreation and highly-rated schools enhance the residential quality of life.

"Massive planes will fly over your house, but it's not a deterrent. It's actually cool," says Brian Brosen, licensed associate broker and leader of The Capital Team. He's been selling real estate in the Capital Region for nearly 20 years and says, "I've shown houses where, on the other side of the fence, you can see and feel and hear planes warming up on the runway. But you tune it out. You don't even pay attention to it after a while." And there's a flip side, he says. "Many people feel safe knowing the military is next door." The homes in East Glenville range from contemporary homes with sleek lines to traditional colonials. Ranches are a typical style and include smaller builds and roomier split levels. Some residents cut energy costs by installing solar panels on their roofs. If you're considering solar energy, take advantage of the NY-Sun Initiative Megawatt Block Program and the New York State Solar Equipment Tax credit, which help offset installation costs. Home values here are higher than in the Town of Scotia and West Glenville but lower than those in Saratoga County to the east. A two-bedroom home on the waterfront may go for $575,000, but a four-bedroom ranch further inland can go for $290,000. There's room for various budgets here.

Three highly-regarded school districts offer attractive academic options for local families. The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District covers the northern portion of Stoodley Corners. It's an A-rated district and the number one district in Saratoga County. Pashley Elementary School is an A-minus-rated school within the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District and is the number four best public elementary school in Schenectady County. A-minus-rated Richard H. O'Rourke Middle School and A-rated Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Senior High School are part of the BH-BL district. The Scotia-Glenville School District covers the southern half of Stoodley Corners. Glen-Worden Elementary School is a B-plus-rated school that earns an A-minus for academics, making it the seventh-best public elementary school in Schenectady County. Scotia-Glenville Middle School and Scotia-Glenville Senior High School both merit B-minus overall ratings. The A-rated Niskayuna Central School District covers the eastern part of the neighborhood. There's A-rated Hillside Elementary School, Van Antwerp Middle School, and Niskayuna High School. If you're looking for a more personalized education, Oak Hill School is a small, private school serving fewer than 50 students in the second through eighth grades.

The Empire State Aerosciences Museum features exciting educational exhibits and programming for locals and tourists. Brosen says outdoor recreation is a big deal in East Glenville. The Indian Kill Nature and Historic Preserve is a 100-acre protected space that follows the banks of the Indian Kill—that's Dutch for creek—and is an ideal location to study regional flora and fauna, cross-country ski and hike. Indian Meadows is Glenville's most visited green space. It spans 186 acres and includes baseball diamonds, batting cages, two skating rinks and snowshoe trails, among much more. There's good fishing here, too. Bass, pike, walleye, perch and trout stock the Mohawk River. For best access to the river, local fishers head to Freemans Bridge.

East Glenville has more than a well-stocked river. East Glenville is replete with great restaurants and retail. Locally owned and family restaurants highlight the community's character. Sky Port Diner is a local legend. For the past 60 years, the same family has owned and operated this cash-only greasy spoon. Lily's Café offers a hearty homestyle breakfast with homemade corned beef hash and a cinnamon roll french toast that keeps people talking. Flightline Pub is a popular spot for evening fun. Their signature afterburner wings get rave reviews, and the atmosphere is always lively with karaoke, trivia nights and live music. Max410 at The Waters Edge offers upscale dining with a seafood specialty. Try their hot butter lobster roll and the bacon-wrapped scallops. The elegant restaurant doubles as a venue for wedding receptions and other events. Locals love Marcella's Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meatball subs, sweet chili wings, and creamy vanilla custard are some of their most popular menu items. At Pizza Works Italian Kitchen, you can get classic Italian cuisine or something with a twist, such as the mac-n-cheese-topped pizza. With so many quality restaurants, it's no wonder why foodies love East Glenville. There's a Walmart, Hannaford and Target all within the neighborhood for fresh produce and other household items.

Whether you're restaurant hopping or commuting the five miles to Schenectady, you're sure to get familiar with Route 50, where the commercial district thrives. Five miles south of East Glenville, Route 5 takes you to Interstate 890. It's a 24-mile commute to Albany and 21 miles to Troy—you can get to both cities in about 30 minutes with regular traffic. Many East Glenville residents won't have to commute outside the community with Stratton Air National Base and the Schenectady County Airport major local employers. Many of the "birds" you'll see in East Glenville are on missions with the United States Antarctic Program, carrying supplies and personnel from the furthest reaches of the earth all the way to East Glenville.

Written By

Kana Awoyemi

Photography Contributed By

Brandon Schulman

Video By

Adam Lapallo