ALBANY COUNTY, NY

County Offices
112 State Street
Albany 518-447-7000
www.albanycounty.com

Capital Region Chamber
5 Computer Drive South
Albany 518-431-1400
http://capitalregionchamber.com

Colonie Chamber of Commerce
950 New Loudon Road
Latham 518-785-6995
www.coloniechamber.org

Albany County is home to more than 300,000 residents that represent a variety of career sectors including government, education, healthcare, technology, arts, finance, law, and so much more. The city of Albany is the capital of the State of New York and the heart of the Capital Region. Each year, Albany welcomes individuals and families who have selected the Capital Region as their new home, either for a new job or to experience the high quality of life that the area offers.

Lifestyle
The ‘Tri-City Area’ encompasses Albany, Troy and Schenectady. The Capital District region broadens the area significantly, pulling in areas north towards Clifton Park, south towards Glenmont, east towards East Greenbush and west towards Mohawk. Ample job opportunities and the increasing allure of Tech Valley, compel many to commute to the Tri-City Area from outlying regions.

Throughout the region, you’ll find a variety of boutiques, plazas, and shopping centers that appeal to every demographic. Start at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center Gift Shop to find handcrafted jewelry and art, head to Lark Street for some fantastic window shopping, or take an afternoon to stroll through Stuyvesant Plaza, Crossgates Mall, or Colonie Center Mall where you’ll find your favorite retailers. Small towns and villages throughout the region offer a wide array of modern and classic shopping destinations, everything from true Shaker furniture to unique shops offering handmade gifts.

Residents get to experience all that the Capital Region has to offer in theatre, music, dance, spectator sports, festivals, and visual arts.  Artists gravitate toward Lark Street, Albany’s “Village in the City”. Its composition is a blend of commercial and residential buildings that line its ten-block street. Celebrate the arts in Albany on the 1st Friday of every month.  Locals find everything they need in downtown Albany’s Center Square is highlighted with year-round arts, dining, nightlife, and shopping; drawing in visitors worldwide for many of Albany’s most popular events: Art on Lark, Larkfest, and Winter WonderLark. Many of the towns and villages throughout the region also celebrate annual festivals from decade’s long traditions.

The county Department of Recreation has one of the finest recreational programs in the state, providing opportunities and facilities for all residents to actively pursue a healthy lifestyle.  Residents enjoy one of the many parks or playgrounds, community centers, swimming and skating facilities within Albany County.  Organized sports and fitness programs offer a fun alternative to traditional exercise.

Organized semi-professional and collegiate sports have a long tradition in the Capital Region. With minor league affiliates in the MLB and NHL, as well as semi-pro football teams and Division-1 programs in 40 sports across four colleges, Albany is a true training-ground in the Northeast.
Add that to the huge number of youth and club tournaments in the area offered by local and county recreation departments. And if organized sports are not your choice then enjoy Albany’s countless other recreational activities, either. Golf, skiing, hiking, biking and fishing are just a few of the numerous recreational opportunities in the county.

Services
The New York Capital Region has become home to a growing technology based economy and Albany County is at the center of this growth. This region along with other areas in Upstate New York are now called the Tech Valley, a term local residents have become very familiar with. Tech Valley covers more than 250 miles along the Hudson River, and encompasses 18 counties that reside on the eastern edge of New York State. It is where business leaders and government have joined together to build a tech-oriented economy in the region. The epicenter of Tech Valley is the Albany – Schenectady – Troy – Saratoga metropolitan area. The areas location with easy access to the major population and business centers of the east along with the regions long history with higher education make it a perfect place for high tech companies to settle.

Albany is increasingly seen as a leader in nanotechnology, with the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering being respected as a national leader in the field. In 2006, Small Times magazine ranked the college as the best in the country for micro- and nanotechnology; the school was also ranked top in education, facilities, and industry outreach. In 2009, chipmaker GlobalFoundries broke ground on a $4.6 billion chip manufacturing complex in nearby Malta. In 2010, Forbes ranked Albany fifteenth on its “Most Innovative Metros” list. In late 2010, the Capital District was noted for being “one of the fastest growing areas in the country for technology jobs”.

Residents and businesses both recognize that their most valuable resource is human “talent and intelligence” and they invest accordingly. The quality educational facilities throughout the county are known for excellence at all levels, from pre-school to post-graduate and professional degree programs. Included in the mix are first-rate opportunities for technical and career or vocational training.

The county houses and educates well over 100,000 college and university students on a dozen campuses across the Capital Region. Students discover links to their future, valuable connections, and real world experiences. The Capital Region is the place to excel in the fields of arts, healthcare, law, government, education, social services, technology, and more. Local colleges and universities serve as a link between the business community and academia. The trend of expansion in part-time and graduate degree programs for working adults is spurred by an increased demand for advancement and educational attainment within the workforce.

Albany County’s public and private school districts reflect the diversity of the county in many ways, and all share in the commitment to academic excellence and high achievement. School districts vary in enrollment size, from small village districts to larger urban systems and are recognized nationally for dedicated staff members, innovation and ground-breaking educational reform, and special attention to every child’s unique needs. Achievement test scores also distinguish the county’s school population. SAT scores exceed state and national averages, and an exceptionally large proportion of students take the exam. Students excel in the Regents examinations, pupil evaluations programs and preliminary competency tests.

Albany County and its surrounding communities were listed number 30 in the nation on Forbes Magazine’s “Best Bang-For-The-Buck” list, a study that looked at the stability of the housing and job markets, cost of living, and commute times. The region continues to rank highly in surveys rating the lifestyle and living experiences of this historic area of the country.

City of Albany
City Offices
518-434-5090
www.albanyny.org

Albany is the New York State Capital, the county seat of Albany County, and the central city of New York’s Capital District. Roughly 140 miles north of New York City, Albany sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, about 10 miles south of its confluence with the Mohawk River. The population of the city is over 100,000. Albany has close ties with the nearby cities of Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs, forming a region called the Capital District. This area is made up of the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metropolitan Statistical Area. The areas total population is more than 870,000, making it the fourth-largest urban area in New York State. The Capital City is lively and energetic, offering a balance of its historic and governmental roots with a youthful urban atmosphere. There is something for everyone in the city, whether you prefer outdoor recreation, cultural activities, shopping, or academic pursuits.

The Times Union Center features top entertainment venues including ice hockey and basketball teams, national and international performing artists and all types of special events for children and adults alike. The area around Lark Street in downtown Albany offers an entertaining setting with unique shops, cafes and restaurants. Shoppers will delight at the Crossgates Mall which has over 250 shops and restaurants. The Empire State Plaza surrounds the City’s Capital Center and includes the New York State Museum, The Egg convention center, a year round Farmers Market and various other attractions. From its busy commercial areas to its institutes of higher learning, the city of Albany and the Capital District offer opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The city is home to varied types of homes and neighborhoods, and as one of the oldest cities in the nation it offers an unrivaled variety. Albany’s neighborhoods are varied demographically, geographically, architecturally, and historically. Downtown Albany is the city’s oldest neighborhood, centered on State Street, one of Albany’s oldest streets and its original main street. Downtown consists mostly of office buildings inhabited by state agencies. North and south of Downtown are older residential communities often consisting of row houses. North is Sheridan Hollow, Arbor Hill, and North Albany; to the south is the South End Neighborhood.

West of Downtown is the Empire State Plaza, which effectively cuts Downtown off from the neighborhoods of Center Square, Hudson/Park, Lark Street, and Washington Park. Collectively referred to as mid-town, these neighborhoods are often compared to New York City’s Greenwich Village for their eclectic mix of residential and commercial uses, including bars, night clubs, restaurants, and unique stores. Nearby Park South, a nine-block area surrounding New Scotland Avenue is changing as existing housing units are removed or renovated and new office, commercial, and apartment buildings are added.  Nearby is University Heights, a united campus consisting of Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany Medical College, Albany Law School, Albany College of Pharmacy, and the Sage College of Albany.  Western neighborhoods, such as Pine Hills, Delaware Avenue, Whitehall, Helderberg, New Scotland, and Beverwyck, tend to have larger lots and more suburban surroundings. The eastern section of Pine Hills is a popular living choice for college students due to its proximity to the campuses of the College of Saint Rose and University at Albany. Further west, the neighborhoods become dominated almost exclusively by single-family dwellings. These neighborhoods, such as Melrose, Western Pine Hills, New Albany, Eagle Hill, Westland Park, Campus, and Buckingham Pond more closely resemble neighboring areas of the suburban towns than they do the downtown parts of the city. Further west is the W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus and the University at Albany’s main campus.

For those who are looking to enjoy nature, Albany has more than 60 public park and recreation areas spread throughout the city. Washington Park was organized as the Middle Public Square in 1806. Its current location has been public property since the 1686. Washington Park is a popular place to exercise and play sports; skate during the winter; people-watch during Tulip Fest; and attend plays at the amphitheater during the summer.  Other parks in the city include Lincoln Park, Buckingham Park, the Corning Preserve, and the Pine Bush. Lincoln Park, southwest of the Empire State Plaza, was organized in 1886 and was originally known as Beaver Park. Today, the park has a pool that is open during the summer months. Buckingham Lake Park is between Manning Boulevard and Route 85 in the Buckingham Pond neighborhood; it contains a pond with fountains, a footpath, a playground, and picnic tables. The Albany Riverfront Park at the Corning Preserve has an 800-seat amphitheatre that hosts events in non-winter months, most notably the Alive at 5 summer concert series. The Preserve’s visitors center details the ecology of the Hudson River and the local environment. The park has a bike trail and boat launch. Other public parks include Westland Hill Park, Hoffman Park, Beverwyck Park, Ridgefield Park, and Liberty Park, today a small circular grassy patch in downtown on Hudson Avenue, which is Albany’s oldest park. The municipal golf course, New Course at Albany, was constructed in 1929 as the Albany Municipal Golf Course, later renamed the Capital Hills at Albany.  In addition to the city parks, mother nature has given the entire area her best, with plenty of state and national park sand preserves as well as the Hudson river all ready to be explored.

Albany has a lot to offer its residents and visitors, with a true four season climate, a whole list of modern amenities, outstanding educational opportunities and mother nature’s best all at their door step. Albany is truly a historic city with an eye towards the future and a great place to call home.

Altamont
Village Offices
581-861-8554
www.altamontvillage.org

The Village of Altamont, located within the Town of Guilderland in Albany County, it encompasses approximately 1.2 square miles and is home to more than 2,000 residents.  Altamont is located directly below the Helderberg Escarpment near New York State Thatcher Park. In the early 1630s, the area was part of lands granted to Killian Van Rensselaer by the Dutch West India Company and became known as the Hellerburgh in the early 1700s.  The Village of Altamont incorporated in 1890. Summer visitors used the railroad to visit Altamont Hotels and lakeside boarding houses on the mountain and the business district blossomed. Village infrastructure was established and many homes were built.  The Village’s Central Business District is a quaint, tree-lined commercial area offering charming shops, restaurants and convenient services. With wide sidewalks, free parking and period street lighting, the area offers residents and guests a chance to step back and enjoy the beautiful parks and natural backdrop of the Helderberg Mountains.

Berne
Town Hall
518-872-1448
http://berneny.org

The town of Berne was created in 1795 from part of the town of Rensselaerville. The town is made up of several Hamlets and villages, including East Berne, Reidsville, South Berne, Thompsons Lake, Warners Lake and West Berne. It is home to more than 2,800 residents who enjoy a quite lifestyle in a historic community. In the 19th and first half of the 20th century it had a number of stores, hotels, several blacksmith shops, a funeral home, cabinet makers, harness makers, etc.; now it almost entirely residential. The Town Hall is located here in a former hotel. The same building houses the Berne Public Library. Upstairs is the Berne Museum with “ten rooms of history” operated by the Berne Historical Society. The Post Office is next door. The Berne Knox Westerlo Central School is at the west end of the hamlet.

Bethlehem
Town Offices
518-439-4955
www.townofbethlehem.org

The Town of Bethlehem is a modern community with its roots in the past. Its location offers a unique combination of friendly neighborhoods and rural beauty. It includes the hamlets of Delmar, Elsmere, Glenmont, Selkirk, Slingerlands and South and North Bethlehem. Bethlehem is a dynamic and diverse community with a population of over 35,000 and total area of 52 square miles.  It was incorporated in March of 1793, the Town is situated on the west bank of the Hudson River, bordering Albany. Its location at the crossroads of the Northeast allows easy access to New York City, Boston and Montreal, all of which are just hours away by car or train.  The nearby Adirondack, Catskill and Berkshire mountains offer skiers, hikers and climbers world-class facilities, while boaters and water sports enthusiasts have Lake George and Lake Placid practically at their fingertips. Bethlehem offers high-quality school systems, excellent recreational facilities for young and old, and superb programs and services at a cost that is both reasonable and fair to taxpayers. Its blend of suburban neighborhoods, rural life and commercial enterprises make it a pleasant, attractive and enjoyable community for businesses and residents alike.

According to MONEY Magazine, the area is in the top 25 of Great American Towns. MONEY Magazine and CNN/Money looked for areas “where you would want to raise your children and celebrate life’s milestones.” Thanks to its low crime rate, high scores in education, low commute time, access to arts and leisure and urban amenities, the town ranked twenty-second. This just proves what locals already know, Bethlehem is a great place to call home and to raise a family.

Coeymans
Town Offices
518-756-6006
https://coeymans.org

The town is named after an early settler, who was the patent-holder for the area. It was incorporated in 1673, making it one of the oldest towns in the nation. The town is in the southeast part of the county, south of Albany and is home to more than 8,000 residents. The Economy of Coeymans is driven largely by the Lafarge Cement Plant, and Port of Coeymans which was developed over the former site of the Powell and Minnock brick plant on the shore of the Hudson River. The Lafarge Cement Plant generates approximately 1.8 million tons of cement per year, which is distributed throughout North America. The relatively new and developing Port of Coeymans is focused on environmentally friendly business and is able to handle a large variety of marine traffic.  The community offers its residents all that they need on a daily basis and its location near Albany, means that locals can find anything that they want a short drive away.

Cohoes
City Offices
518-233-2121
https://www.ci.cohoes.ny.us/

Cohoes is an incorporated city located at the northeast corner of Albany County. It is called the “Spindle City” because of the importance of textile production to its growth. The city has a population of more than 16,000. The name was believed to have arisen from a Mohawk expression, “Ga-ha-oose”, referring to the Cohoes Falls and meaning “Place of the Falling Canoe,” Cohoes is located at the mouth of the Mohawk River where it joins the Hudson River in the Capital District. The elevation above sea level varies from 10 to 310 feet. The Mohawk River runs across the northern boundary from west to east and drops approximately 170 feet before it empties into the Hudson River runs along its easterly boundary.  Cohoes is a city of small neighborhoods where one can find a wide variety of businesses and residential districts, offering residents and visitors a lot to choose from with regards to housing and activities. Residents find easy access to the regions many bike-hike trails. The Mohawk-Hudson Trail has access points throughout the city where one can choose to either head south to Albany or northwest to Schenectady.
Peebles Island State Park, located to the north of Van Schaick Island, offers a variety of activities to enjoy, such as; fishing, hiking and snowshoeing on nature trails, picnic areas and pavilions, along with a museum and visitor center. And of course the Cohoes Falls is a dominant feature in the area. And Overlook Park or Falls View Park are ideal for hiking or taking photographs of the Falls. Falls View Park is open to the public from May 1 through November 1 while Overlook Park, adjacent to the hydroelectric facility on School Street, is open year-round. The parks offer views of the scenic Cohoes Falls that spans the Mohawk River between Cohoes and Waterford, New York.

Colonie
Town Offices
518-783-2700
www.colonie.org

Colonie is the most populated suburb of Albany, NY. It is the third largest town in Albany County and occupies almost 11% of the county. Several hamlets exist within the town, including Latham and Loudonville as well as the Village of Colonie and Menands, and another 10 villages and hamlets. The town is home to more than 82,000.  The central part of the town was once the location of the extensive Shaker community farms. The Watervliet Shaker Historic District is located in Colonie. Much of that land is now occupied by the Albany International Airport. There are four public school districts that serve the town of Colonie, the South Colonie Central School District, North Colonie Central Schools, Watervliet City School District, and Menands Union Free School District. South Colonie (Colonie Central High School) serves much of the western part of the town, including West Albany, the village of Colonie, and a small part of the adjoining town of Niskayuna. North Colonie (Shaker High School) serves Latham and the smaller, suburban and rural hamlets to the north of Latham, as well as most of Loudonville and Newtonville. The Watervliet City School District (Watervliet High School) serves some students from Menands and the Schuyler Heights area. The Menands Union Free School District is a single building school district serving the village of Menands and educates students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Residents have almost instant access to all of the amenities of the City of Albany, with its downtown being just a few minutes away. In addition the local community offers all of the recreation, restaurants and shopping that locals need. Shopping is a big part of the lifestyle in the town and this can be seen in the Colonie Center Shopping mall and the ever growing Wolf Road, with over 100 retail stores, restaurants and more. Outdoor recreation is nearby as well with many parks and playgrounds located throughout the town and the villages within it. Colonie offers its residents a suburban lifestyle that is just a short drive from the urban activities of Albany.

Delmar
Town Offices
518-439-4955
www.townofbethlehem.org

Delmar is a hamlet located in Albany County and within the town of Bethlehem. It is home to more than 8,500 residents who enjoy a high quality of life.  Delaware Avenue, or NY Rt. 443, which divides the Delmar area, is a main road for commuters to travel directly into the city of Albany.  In 2005, the Delmar ZIP code was recognized as one of the “Best Places to Live” in America by CNN/Money Magazine. Among other “Great American Towns” Delmar ranked number 22 on the list. Residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle. While the community is a suburb of Albany, locals can enjoy lots of mature trees lining quiet streets. Neighbors know each other and locals are proud to be part of the community, all the while having quick access to the nearby city.

Guilderland
Town Hall
518-356-1980
www.townofguilderland.org

Guilderland is readily accessible from, and offers access to, all locations within the region and beyond. The town is home to more than 35,000 residents. Interstate highway interchanges in or near Guilderland offer easy routes to Boston, Syracuse and Buffalo on I-90, to New York City and Montreal on I-87, and to Binghamton and the Southern Tier on I-88.  Passenger rail service is provided at the nearby Amtrak stations in Schenectady and Albany/Rensselaer, and the expanded and upgraded Albany International Airport is a short drive from anywhere in Guilderland.  Schools in Guilderland are among the best in New York State.  Shopping and professional services of all varieties are located within or in close proximity to the Town.  The uniquely varied nature of the Capital District provides Guilderland residents with the opportunities represented by  research, health care, retail, wholesale, commerce, transportation, and cultural affairs.  At the same time, Guilderland provides a community environment offering quiet and secure residential living in both suburban and rural settings.

Knox
Town Hall
518-872-2551
www.knoxny.org

Located in the Helderberg Mountains in the northwestern part of the county, Knox is a unique community of more than 2,900 people, offering quality rural living while being located close to the advantages of the cities of Albany, Schenectady and Troy. The nearby Adirondack, Catskill and Berkshire mountains offer skiers, hikers and climbers world-class recreational facilities. Numerous bodies of water are available for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. The towns’ location at the crossroads of the Northeast allows us easy access to New York City, Boston and Montreal, all of which are just hours away.

Menands
Village Hall
518-434-2922

The Village of Menands was incorporated in 1924 and is located wholly within the limits of the Town of Colonie. It is home to more than 3900 residents. The Village of Menands is centrally located in the Capital District and lies in the heart of Tech Valley. It is bordered by the City of Albany, the City of Watervliet, the Town of Colonie and just over the Hudson River, the City of Troy. It is conveniently situated just minutes from major highways including I-787, I-90 and I-87. The village offers its residents a quiet lifestyle. Menands is home to several municipal parks, giving residents a lot of recreational opportunities. Ganser-Smith Memorial Park is located, near the center of the village. This 3-acre park is the center of all village-sponsored events. The park plays host to a series of picnics and musical events throughout the summer. The park amenities include a large open pavilion and BBQ, a children’s playground, baseball field, basketball and volleyball courts as well as horseshoe pits. There are over two dozen picnic tables spread throughout the park. The village government is focused on growing the community’s business opportunities, while keeping the down home quality that makes the village a great place to call home.

New Scotland
Town Hall
218-439-4865
www.townofnewscotland.com

New Scotland is a blend of rural and suburban living. It is home to more than 9,000 residents who live in the town and in the several villages and Hamlets located within the town.  The villages and hamlets of the town include; Clarksville, Feura Bush, New Salem, New Scotland, Onesquethaw, Unionville and Voorheesville. Residents consider it fortunate to live in the community and work hard to preserve the historic nature of the town. The community is a pleasant blend of country living with a mix of housing that ranges from traditional colonial to newer homes, all in quiet neighborhoods. Voorheesville is the largest of the villages located within the town. The educational needs of the area are served by two schools, Voorheesville Elementary School and Clayton A. Bouton High School. These facilities service the village itself, most parts of the Town of New Scotland and the hamlet of Slingerlands. Additional students come from the outskirts of the Town of Guilderland, Town of Bethlehem, and Village of Altamont. This unique area is a perfect place to call home with plenty of local amenities, parks and recreational areas and all of the benefits of its location in the Capital Region.

Ravena
Village Offices
518-756-8233
www.villageofravena.com

Ravena is located one mile west of the Hudson River within the Township of Coeymans. The Village, which was incorporated September 9, 1914, was originally named Coeymans Junction. Main Street is also known as New York State Route 143 and formerly was part of the Westerlo Plank Road, a toll road connecting Westerlo in western Albany County to the Hudson River at the Landing. The village is located just 15 miles from the city of Albany. Several businesses and churches and the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk School District serve the community. The community is home to more than 3500 residents.

Rensselaerville
Township Offices
518-797-3798
www.rensselaerville.com

Rensselaerville Township is composed of the hamlets of Rensselaerville, Medusa, Preston Hollow, Potter Hollow, Cooksburg and Smith’s Corners in the southwest corner of the county. This area offers some of the best antique buys in the region with over a dozen antique shops. Residents and visitors can stroll through a historic village listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike the wooded 2000 acre nature preserve with its waterfall, lake and ten miles of trails. In addition fishing is popular in one of several State fishing spots along the Catskill and Ten-Mile Creeks. Residents enjoy many local events throughout the year, such as a maple sugar festival, garden tour, Founders Day celebration and other town sponsored festivities.  Rensselaerville is mostly residential, with a blend of retirees, young professionals, and descendants of early settlers. Much of the areas historic 18th century architecture remains intact and agriculture remains an essential part of the town. Residents enjoy a quiet lifestyle with a strong sense of community and they also enjoy unparalleled natural beauty.

Watervliet
City Offices
518-270-3800
http://watervliet.com

Watervliet is north of Albany, and is bordered on the north, west, and south by the town of Colonie. The city is known as “the Arsenal City,” due to the location if the Watervliet Arsenal in the community.
Shakers settled in the area occupied by the present day city of Watervliet in 1774. The Town of Watervliet was established in 1788 and became a city in 1896. In the early 19th century Watervliet became a major manufacturing community much like its neighbors Cohoes and Troy, thanks to bell foundries. In 1813, the U.S. Government purchased 12 acres in Gibbonsville, then in 1828 another 30 acres along with later purchases of land. This land was used as the site for the Watervliet Arsenal, founded in 1813 during the War of 1812, it is the oldest Federal arsenal in the country, still active; and it is the sole manufacturing facility for large caliber cannons and cannon parts in the nation. The region is home to many historic attractions, parks and museums. The Watervliet Arsenal Museum is an interesting place featuring artillery exhibits like guns, cannons and howitzers. And for outdoor recreation, the Peebles Island State Park is situated at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers. It has facilities for hiking and fishing and also has a picnic area. The community has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. Housing choices vary from traditional to more modern homes on lots of varying sizes, along with a varied selection of apartments and townhomes. The community has a full range of amenities and its close proximity to Albany means that residents have close and complete access to all that the city has to offer.