$455,363Average Value$264Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Albany bedroom community with a small-town vibe
Only 5 miles away from Albany, Bethlehem Center is a sweet spot for those who want a more laidback neighborhood and a smooth commute, making it especially attractive for workers in the capital's government, medical and educational sectors. "Bethlehem Center has the feel of being in the city, but it's not as urban. And you can get to the city quickly," says Colin McDonald, the broker and owner of McDonald Real Estate Company. He has nearly 10 years of experience selling there. The neighborhood is also growing rapidly, with new additions bringing more conveniences for the future. And although it’s harder to see on a map, the people who live here also make Bethlehem Center special. “It’s very, very friendly and very community-oriented,” says Helen Simpson, a Realtor at Keller Williams Luxury who has sold in the area for 25 years. “People know everybody in town. People are there to help each other; they know their neighbors, and they wave and say hello. It’s like Mayberry R.F.D. — it’s just one of those towns.”
With winding streets and lovely lots Bethlehem Center is a great place to raise a family.
Bethlehem has long walking and jogging paths along the roads to keep pedestrians safe.
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Move-in ready homes “gone within hours”
According to McDonald, Bethlehem Center comes with a higher price tag than living in downtown Albany because it's so in demand. "The average four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom with a two-car that's move-in ready is gone within hours," he says. Homes typically start at around $275,000 and can climb all the way to $1.5 million. This includes a mix of historical or slightly older homes, like snug Cape Cods, ranch-style homes and large colonials, alongside newer developments full of New Traditional-style homes. Homes at the top of the neighborhood’s price range tend to be new or built along the Hudson River, though it’s still very possible to find homes for sale along the river at under $1 million. Most of Bethlehem Center’s homes fall between $500,000 and $800,000. Because the area is in such high demand, though, Simpson says that homebuyers have to work to find a home here, and it’s common for houses to attract multiple offers and to sell for over asking.
A row of colonial homes sit majestically on a sidewalk lined street.
A Colonial Revival with a brick build is a dream home for many.
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Niche places Bethlehem schools among the best in Albany
Niche gives the Bethlehem Central School District an A-plus and lists it as the best school district in the Albany area. “Schools are probably one of the top priorities of people when they move here,” Simpson says. “A lot of people really like that school district for their children.” Local children begin their educations at one of five elementary schools, like A-rated Glenmont Elementary School, which is a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School Award recipient and achieved status as a New York State Department of Education Recognition School in 2019 and 2020. Children then attend Bethlehem Middle School and Bethlehem High School, which both get A ratings from Niche. Niche lists Bethlehem Middle as the best public middle school in Albany County and Bethlehem High as the second-best public high school in the Albany area.
Bethlehem High School serving grades 9-12 has a huge campus with great sports facilities.
Bethlehem Middle School serves the Delmar and Bethlehem school districts.
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Summer and winter activities at Elm Avenue Park
Elm Avenue Park is a hotspot for locals throughout the year thanks to its huge playground and abundant amenities. “The park has a pool, volleyball courts, a dog park, shuffleboard, a fitness trail, tennis and basketball courts, a pavilion, a pool complex,” Simpson says. Entertainment at the park doesn’t slow down when the weather gets cold, either. In addition to a wintertime ice staking rink, snow sees the park come alive with people sledding, and areas are set up for cross-country skiing and snowmobiles. Other parks are scattered throughout the neighborhood, and the 40-acre Schiffendecker Farm Preserve offers well-marked hiking trails with rustic bridges that cross over streams and bypass beaver dams. When the weather gets cold, many sports leagues host practices and games at Afrim’s Sports Bethlehem, an indoor sports complex with turf fields.
Elm Ave. Park is the town's largest park with lots of features to enjoy.
Elm Ave. Park has a great playground with fresh mulch for kids to play safely on.
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Mom-and-pop shops and big box stores along U.S. Route 9W
"There are things to do here,” McDonald says. “It's not necessary to go into the city, especially near Four Corners." Four Corners has coffee shops, bars and restaurants, fitness centers and clothing stores, but even in Bethlehem Center itself, residents have everything they need. Dinner and a show are served at Akira Albany, a hibachi-style Japanese restaurant. Romo’s Pizza is also popular, and locals enjoy getting sushi at Sawa Sushi Bistro. “There’s always been restaurants there, but there’s more and more restaurants that are coming,” Simpson says. “It’s like all of a sudden, big box retail in that area is just popping up left and right. So they do have your mom and pops, and now there are chain restaurants coming into the town as well.” Along with most of its restaurants, Bethlehem Center’s retail heart is located along U.S. Route 9W, offering options like Marshalls, HomeGoods, Lowe’s and PetSmart. Locals can also grab groceries here, choosing between Walmart and Market 32.
With sushi and hibachi you are in for a great night at Akira in Bethlehem.
Several big box stores are conveniently located in Bethlehem Center.
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10-minute commute to Albany in light traffic
Bethlehem Center is heavily car-dependent, but U.S. Route 9W, New York State Route 32, New York State Route 144, also known as River Road, and Interstate 87 all run through the neighborhood, making commuting that much simpler. Downtown Albany is just 5 miles away along River Road or Route 9W, a trip that typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Four Corners Circle is an economic hub for Bethlehem Center residents with lots of shopping.
CDTA bus service allows Bethlehem residents an easy journey around the capital area.
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Old-fashioned drive-in movies
Every weekend, cars line up at the Jericho Drive-In to watch feature films on a huge, throwback screen. Concession prices are much lower than the typical theater and there's an onsite ice cream parlor called Twist Ice Cream Shoppe. With 30 flavors that include maple walnut, cannoli, and Rocky Mountain raspberry plus specialty sundaes, it’s a cherished neighborhood spot.
Jericho Drive-In is located in Bethlehem Center and is a popular spot in the summer time.
Henry Hudson Park is a beautiful waterfront park with fishing, kayaking, bbq and more to enjoy.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nicole Wilkie,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Maple Ridge Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Elm Avenue Park
Bethlehem Town Park Playground
Colonial Acres Park
Disc Golf
Trails
Schiffendecker Farm Preserve
Transit
Airport
Albany International
33 min drive
Bus
Price Chopper - Glenmont
Bus
262 Rt 9W (Mt. Moriah Church)
Bus
Planet Fittness
Bus
Bender Ln & Rt 9W
Bus
Walmart - Glenmont
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Bethlehem Center
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Bethlehem Center Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Bethlehem Center, Glenmont sell after 76 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Bethlehem Center, Glenmont over the last 12 months is $415,025, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located within the BCSD, this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom well kept Colonial is a must see! Hardwoods throughout, updated kitchen and ample storage, along with a full basement that includes a carpentry/work bench area. The home offers well sized rooms and great outdoor space, including a large deck with retractable awning - perfect for relaxation and gathering!
Welcome to this storybook expanded Cape Cod, tucked away on a quiet dead-end street in Bethlehem Schools. Lovingly maintained & proudly owned by its original owner, this 3-bed, 2-full bath charmer offers hardwood floors (main level), a bright, flowing layout, a 1st fl bedroom with adjacent full bath & convenient 1st fl laundry. Upstairs offers two spacious bedrooms & another full bath. Enjoy
An updated, recently painted and ready for occupancy three bedroom ranch with two full bathrooms. The master suite has a walk-in closet. Hardwood or tiled floors throughout. This lovely ranch also has office space with a separate entrance making it ideal for a home-based business, tele-commuting or ''she'' or ''he'' space.
Welcome to Residence at Wemple Road, located in the charming town of Glenmont, NY. Our apartments offer a unique townhouse style or flat layout, providing you with the privacy and comfort you deserve. Each unit comes with an attached garage, ensuring convenience and ease when it comes to parking and storage. We understand that pets are an important part of your family, which is why we are proud
This inviting 3-Bedroom, 1-Bath ranch-style home sits on a spacious corner lot, offering both privacy and convenience. The property features a well sized living room, dining room, laundry area, 1-car garage, a shed, with baseboard oil heat. We are pet friendly at $45 per month per pet
These gorgeous apartments and townhomes are perfect for the renter who is looking for more! Kendall Square welcomes you home with impeccable interiors, convenience and style. Located in the heart of Bethlehem, this new residential community is minutes away from shopping centers, entertainment, restaurants and is located in the Bethlehem Central School District.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nicole Wilkie,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
13,636
Median Age
44
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
22.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$111,075
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$140,426
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.3%
College Graduates
57.1%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.5%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
2/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
2/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
