Schenectady is a city on the move. Since its earliest days when Dutch settlers arrived in the mid-1600s, the city has been home to innovative thinkers and inventors. Nicknamed Electric City, Schenectady is where Thomas Edison founded General Electric and George Westinghouse invented air brakes and the rotary engine. Some of the nation’s oldest homes are found in the Stockade neighborhood. Located along the Mohawk River, Stockade has more than 400 homes that are over 200 years old, the highest concentration of period homes in the U.S. "Schenectady is a beautiful and historic place," says Heidi Rotter, a Realtor with EXP Realty. "I've lived here my entire life. I have watched it deteriorate a bit and then revamp and become even better. Much of the city has been restored to its everyday glory. Today, people come here and thrive."
Historic homes, architectural marvels like St. John the Evangelist Parish, over 20 public parks and a walkable downtown area are just some of Schenectady’s draws. Today, the city is home to General Electric's administrative offices, a new renewable energy center and many research and technology companies. Union College, a prestigious private undergraduate school, also calls Schenectady home. Other major employers include the headquarters of Price Chopper Supermarkets and the Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady. The casino's doors opened in 2017, and it sits on one of the oldest brownfields in the nation, turning an abandoned industrial area into a thriving riverfront destination.
Downtown Schenectady is a bustling area with many things to keep you busy.
The Stockade section of Schenectady has been home to people for over 300 years.
Rivers Casino where the Magic Happens
Mohawk Harbor, a new waterfront development with some of the best condos and dining around.
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Suburban pockets in an urban district
What's also unique about Schenectady is that the urban district has pockets of suburbia. One such hideaway, the General Electric Realty Plots, dates back over 100 years to the early 1900s. The General Electric Company wanted to lure executives to make a home in Schenectady, where the company was headquartered. They sweetened the deal by building 150 beautiful colonial- and Victorian-style homes on generous lots. The Stockade neighborhood maintains its urban identity but keeps its old-school authenticity with some of the oldest preserved homes. Nineteenth-century brick rowhomes feature Dutch, Gothic Revival, colonial and Georgian architectural details, with prices ranging from the $200,000s to the $300,000s."When people snag one, they don't sell it. They stay," Rotter says. Although homes in the Realty Plots and Stockade neighborhoods rarely go on sale, Schenectady as a whole has plenty of housing available. The city's market of single-family homes includes Colonial Revivals, Cape Cods, American Foursquares and bungalows ranging from the low $100,000s to the mid $400,000s.
Many large homes can be found in the GE plot section like this Dutch Colonial in Schenectady.
A perfect example of an Italianate in the Stockade section of Schenectady.
In the Stockade section of Schenectady you can find lovely homes with Victorian details.
Many mansions can be found near Union College in Schenectady, NY.
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Schenectady City schools and Union College
The Schenectady City School District enrolls just over 9,000 students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The school district includes 11 elementary schools, three middle schools and three high schools, and earns an overall C rating from Niche. Schenectady High School hosts the Reading is Fun program's annual Scrabble-Rama Competition Fundraiser. Proceeds go toward purchasing books for Schenectady City school children.
Established in 1795, Union College is the city's only higher education institution. This small, private undergraduate college is well-known for its engineering and liberal arts offerings, and its involved student body is an integral part of the city. The Capital Region is also home to numerous universities, such as the State University of New York, Skidmore College, the University at Albany and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, one of the oldest engineering and technical schools in the country.
Urban green spaces, gardens and galleries
Over 20 parks are scattered throughout Schenectady’s lively streets. Schenectady Central Park spans 26 acres and features a famous rose garden, where more than 4,000 rose bushes attract visitors with bright colors and delightful scents. An outdoor community infinity pool overlooks Iroquois Lake, offering peaceful views. Other Central Park highlights include a playground, tennis courts, a turf baseball diamond, a splash pad, a disc golf course and a duck pond. The city hosts a series of musical concerts throughout the summer at the park's Music Haven Stage. Adjacent to the park is the 18-hole championship Schenectady Municipal Golf Course. Other green spaces include Vale Park, which features wooded hiking trails, while waterfront parks dot the Mohawk River.
There is a famous rose garden at Central Park to enjoy all year long.
With several courts to enjoy there is always a great pick up game ready in Central Park.
Music Haven is a seasonal performance space within Central Park for locals to enjoy.
Baseball is always a pastime and enjoyment in Central Park.
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Fun time from breweries to theaters
Downtown State Street and the Jay Street Marketplace are some of the most popular entertainment areas. Boutique shops line Jay Street's brick road, making it an excellent destination for gift shopping. Dozens of restaurants include eclectic cafes, casual eateries and high-end restaurants. Intimate Italian bistros, colorful Mexican eateries, hip Asian-fusion cafes and classic American diners line city streets. Craft breweries, German-style biergartens and cocktail wine bars highlight its active nightlife scene. The Schenectady Farmers Market at City Hall is open on Thursdays from May through October. Rain or shine, local farmers and crafters sell local produce and other goods at the busy spot. Farther inland from the waterfront, smaller neighborhoods showcase their own commercial corridors, with shops and restaurants lining roads like Upper Union Street. Several small- to medium-sized grocers are in the heart of the city, while larger chain stores sit along its outskirts. Mohawk Commons and Crosstown Plaza are the area's main shopping plazas with big-box stores.
Museums and exhibits are scattered between restaurants, shops and historic sites. The Mandeville Gallery is an art gallery located on the second floor of Union College's Nott Memorial. The Museum of Innovation & Science is home to a planetarium and exhibits that highlight the evolution of electricity and technology. It also hosts various events, educational programs and sound-bath sessions under the stars in the planetarium. Other notable attractions include the Schenectady County Historical Society and Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience.
Jay St has many options to choose for eating and shopping.
Vice & Viture is a hot spot at night in Schenectady, NY.
The Open Door book store is an independent shop that has been serving the area for generations.
Proctor's Theatre is a historically registered location serving the area since 1926.
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Downtown events
On the second Friday in July, Schenectady County SummerNight is held downtown. Attendees can enjoy local music, food and fireworks. St. George Greek Festival is held the weekend after Labor Day. The event features dancing, music, food and vendors. On the first Friday in December, Schenectady residents can participate in Chili Chowdown. Hungry participants can sample chili recipes at restaurants downtown and vote for their favorites. The Rivers Casino and Resort often brings major events to the area, such as UFC fights and live concerts.
Just off State St is the pedestrian only Jay St that is filled with shopping and restaurant.
Veterans Park is where downtown and Hamilton Hill meet, as well many people do too.
Albany St in Hamilton Hill is a popular spot for walking and commerce.
Have an adventure with friends or make a new one at Central Park's playground.
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Commuting around Schenectady
Dense city streets with paved sidewalks make the area fairly accessible to walkers and cyclists. Regarding public transportation, the Capital District Transportation Authority operates bus routes through town and along popular thoroughfares like Broadway and New York State Route 5. Schenectady Amtrak Station is accessible by foot, public transit and car, connecting residents to New York City, Syracuse, Montreal, Canada, and other East Coast cities. Downtown Albany is about 20 miles away via interstates 890, 90 and 87. Albany International Airport is 10 miles away, while Ellis Hospital is the nearest healthcare facility in the heart of the city.
What to expect
Like much of the Capital Region, Schenectady residents enjoy all four seasons, with colorful fall foliage and hot and humid summers with highs around 83 degrees. Snowy winters bring with them an average snowfall of around 61 inches and a low of 14 degrees. Otherwise, riverfront areas along the Mohawk are prone to localized flooding during heavy rainfall, with yearly averages around 41 inches.
According to FBI crime data, approximately 4,860 crimes were reported from January 2023 to December 2023. Violent offenses account for 2,664 reports, and property crimes account for the remaining 2,196 reports, which is higher than the national average.
Being the daughter of a master carpenter, I grew up learning all about homes. Most of the photos of me as a child I am knocking around a construction site with my dad- either painting, hammering something, or getting into some kind of trouble (In my dad’s defense it was the 70s and apparently no one frowned on kids working or playing at construction sites!). All of this being said- it is no surprise I ended up in real estate! Before becoming a Broker Associate I returned to college as an adult learner and graduated summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree in Marketing. Following a successful career in promotions and merchandising I ventured into real estate and quickly established a track record of success, earning numerous accolades including recognition as a top 100 agent locally in only a few short years. I am, of course, so humbled and proud of accomplishments, yet they pale in comparison to the honor I have daily of serving my clients to the very highest level as their knowledgeable and dedicated real estate professional! In the end, buying or selling areal estate can be confusing, overwhelming and often frustrating. What truly sets me apart is my unwavering commitment ethically and tenacious dedication to making sure my clients win. These values inform every decision I make, ensuring I deliver unmatched honest and personalized guidance while navigating these intimidating waters of real estate investing.
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.
