The lone city in Montgomery County with borders that quickly drop off into country farms and fields, Amsterdam is part of the Rust Belt. It once relied heavily on the manufacturing industry and experienced widespread economic hardship when companies pulled out in the late 1970s and 1980s. Amsterdam may not be as globally well-known as its namesake in the Netherlands, but it has experienced a hard-won turnaround in recent years. “In the last 10 years, it’s really made a comeback, and the new mayor has made a big impact in all these changes,” says Westmore Moller, a licensed real estate salesperson at Vassi Realty who has lived in Amsterdam most of his life and has sold homes here for 20 years. “Things are definitely changing for the better.”
These days, Amsterdam is a popular bedroom community. “The biggest draw is probably cost compared to the rest of the Capital District; we are only 30 minutes from Albany and 30 minutes from Saratoga Springs,” says local Realtor Robert Taylor of Keller Williams Capital District. “Houses are usually half the price. It has all the conveniences that I can have somewhere else, but I don’t have to deal with traffic all the time. I have golf courses, restaurants, everything I need.” Neighbors here get to know each other and look out for each other. “There was a major tragedy here a few years ago where 20 people were killed in a car accident, and the outpouring from everyone told the story of who Amsterdam is,” Moller says. “There’s a good sense of pride and community in Amsterdam and a lot of friendly people.”
With welcoming views of the Mohawk River, Amsterdam is a great place to live.
When kids are in need of some competition Veterans Park is a place for a pick up game.
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Older homes starting at $125,000
Many of Amsterdam’s homes are older, often built between the late 1800s and the mid-20th century, and Taylor says they often cost half the price of similar homes in Albany and Saratoga Springs. Colonials and Craftsman houses are particularly common, but historic Victorians and bungalows also make an appearance. These houses are often two stories and sit close together along walkable, sidewalk-lined streets, but there are also ranch-style homes and small, single-story Cape Cods. Other sections of town are more spread out, with lawns sometimes creeping over half an acre. Single-family homes start at $125,000, and a large five-bedroom can sell for about $315,000. Multifamily houses are also common and can cost as little as $100,000 for one that needs a little work.
If you are looking for a lovely Craftsman styled home Amsterdam is a great place to start.
Along Guy Park ave you can admire historic homes and Victorian dreams.
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Route 67 to Saratoga Springs, Route 30 and I-90 to Albany
It’s easy to hop on major highways, including New York State Routes 67 and 30 and Interstate 90, from Amsterdam. Many residents commute to Albany or Saratoga Springs for work, Taylor and Moller say. Amsterdam is just under 30 miles from Saratoga Springs and 35 miles from Albany. For many, the commute is worth getting more house for their money. “People are understanding that it’s not as far away as they think for the commute,” Taylor says, though he adds that there are also a growing number of jobs right in town. Amazon and Target are two companies with warehouses in the city.
For locals in Amsterdam route 30 is your destination for a lot of your shopping.
There are buses that run throughout the local area getting you around town and into the capital.
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Amsterdam’s Italian restaurants and pizza
Roughly 50 restaurants are scattered throughout Amsterdam. “They’ve always been noted for having good Italian food and pizza,” Moller says. Lorenzo's Southside is one of the spots that Taylor says is very popular. “It’s a great Italian restaurant with brick-oven pizza,” he says. Raindancer Restaurant is a favorite for people across the whole Capital District, who visit for its steak — especially its prime rib. “We get people driving from Albany to go to that one,” Taylor says. Big box stores like Marshalls, Target and Lowe’s are located in Amsterdam, and residents can pick up groceries at Walmart, ALDI, Market 32 or Hannaford.
Over at Lorenzo's Southside the owner Joe is always there to say hello.
Inside one of Raindancer's different dining rooms you can join great fare and service.
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Annual festivals abound in Amsterdam
As part of its revitalization efforts, Moller says, Amsterdam has adopted several annual festivals in the last decade. There’s an annual RiverFest, which features food, local vendors, live music, a water ski show, fireworks and free activities like pony rides and face painting for the kids, as well as an annual Spring Fling Festival that features more than 100 local vendors and free amusement rides alongside live music. WishFest, a St. Patrick’s Day festival and SoupFest round out some — but not all — of the city’s events. For SoupFest, Moller says, there’s a contest to see which restaurants and other businesses can make the best soup. “All the bars and restaurants and bakeries participate, and the turnout is usually really good,” he says. “You travel from place to place and try the different soups.”
Dream River is a sculptor by Dimitar Lukanov and is a treat to admire in person.
A relic depicting native art on the banks of the Mohawk River.
A gazebo is present at the park to get some shade and enjoy the sunny day a bit longer.
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Fun parent-organized events at Lynch Middle School
The Greater Amsterdam School District gets a C-minus from Niche. Which of the four elementary schools students attend is determined by a lottery system, but one option is William Barkley Elementary School, which has a C-plus. Children then attend Lynch Middle School, which is more officially called Lynch Literacy Academy. It has a C-minus and an active parent-teacher organization behind events like a school roller-skating night and “Teen Scene,” a periodic after-school evening of dancing, sports and games. Students at Amsterdam High, which has a C-plus, can take part in more than 20 clubs, ranging from a drama club to a student newspaper.
An aerial view of Wilbur H. Lynch Literacy Academy and everything to enjoy.
William H. Barkley is great place for your kids to start the day and life in Amsterdam.
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Outdoor concerts at Riverlink Park, nearby boating
Amsterdam straddles the Mohawk River, and Riverlink Park is located right on the water. In addition to its playground and walking path that crosses the river for stunning views, the park features a boat dock and hosts many of the city’s festivals as well as a summer concert series on Saturday evenings in July and August. Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course’s 18-hole course is open to everyone, and Veteran’s Park contains multiple basketball courts, alongside a tennis court, baseball diamond and public pool. It also hosts Amsterdam’s free summer Movies in the Park series. About 14 miles away, Taylor and Moller agree that the Great Sacandaga Lake is probably the most popular recreation attraction in the area. This almost 42-square-mile behemoth is a draw for boating, camping and fishing. If the lake ices over, Moller says, folks just switch to ice fishing. Hikers enjoy the trails surrounding the lake, which lead to multiple waterfalls in the area.
Riverlink Park is a beatuiful place to take a long walk or admire the Mohawk River.
Amsterdam is a thriving city returning to its former glory days.
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