The quintessential small town
Delmar, a Bethlehem hamlet, about 3 miles southwest of Downtown Albany and on the far side of Interstate 87, offers small-town living at its best. Most of its local shops and restaurants have been in business for decades. Its school system is top-ranked in the Albany area, and its community is one of the closest. “People who work for the state often look outside the Capital District to live because they want the best education for their kids,” says Amjad Mughal, the owner of MJJ Realty. “In Delmar, they have a good location and excellent schools.” With attractive homes, excellent amenities and easy city access, Delmar is a good pick for commuters or anyone who wants a slower pace of life.
Charming homes, big and small
Uncluttered, tree-lined and well-maintained, Delmar streets feature homes set back from the road, often on a third or more acres of land. Cape Cods from the 1930s, Craftsman-style bungalows with exposed eaves, ranches with two-car garages and classic colonials with woodburning fireplaces give this hamlet its charm and grace. Large, sprawling homes, some with as many as six bedrooms, often include custom materials, luxury amenities and extra-large acreages. “Houses in older sections of Delmar have kept their historic character. Many serve as starter homes,” says Jamie Brayton, Realtor and property manager with Rooted Property Group, who lives in Delmar. “Newer constructions, built within the last 20 years, are sprinkled throughout, with a bigger bedroom count and square footage. Delmar has both so homeowners can grow or downsize without leaving the community.” Single-family homes in the areas start at $200,000 and can sell for as much as $1.2 million.
Straight-A report card
The school system in Delmar is one of its major attractions. Bethlehem Central School District is ranked No. 1 in the Albany area and received an A-plus from Niche. Elsmere Elementary, one of the schools that serve the community, received an A-plus and was one of 20 schools honored with a National Blue Ribbon Award in 2022 for its academic performance. For Grades 6 to 8, students attend Bethlehem Central Middle, an A school that offers an accelerated math program that exposes students to challenging math concepts. The middle school also features an annual musical that encourages young singers and actors to share their talents. Bethlehem Central High, which scored another A, includes a program called Lab School, which provides a challenging and collaborative learning environment during all four high school years, with small classes and a focus on college preparation.
How Delmarians relax
Elm Avenue Park, about a mile south of Delmar, is a central gathering spot for local recreation. With a dozen sports fields and courts, a large community pool and a sizeable playground, the park is popular in the summer. The Bethlehem Public Library is another favorite place in town. It hosts book discussion groups, storytime hours and technology classes. The Albany County Rail Trail, created from an old railroad line, is a beautiful place to walk the dog or meet friends. It runs between Albany and Voorheesville and is paved, allowing cyclists to ride on it.
Shopping in Delmar’s Four Corners
The intersection of Delaware and Kenwood, also known as the Four Corners, is the central commercial area of town. Local family-owned businesses line this area, like the Delmar Marketplace, a small grocery store with a deli called McCarroll’s that has a famous egg sandwich. “Everyone goes there for the breakfast sandwich,” Brayton says. Perfect Blend across the street is a café and bakery with homemade quiche, cakes and sandwich wraps. Walmart, Lowe’s, and other big-box stores are kept on the outskirts of town.
Getting to Albany’s transit hubs
CDTA buses offer stops on Delaware Avenue that carry commuters into the city. Downtown is a 6-mile drive; the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station, where Amtrak stops, is about 7 miles away; and Albany International Airport is a 12-mile trip. Interstates 87, 787 and 90 are easily accessible.
Events in Elm Avenue Park
Thursdays in the Park, which takes place in July and August, is a family-friendly series with entertainers, live bands and musical performers. In early December, the Bethlehem Police Department hosts its annual Holiday Lights in the Park, where residents can drive through to view holiday light displays, sample sweet treats and wave to Santa, local police, firefighters, and business owners who sponsor the event.
Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Schulman
