Affordable homes and lakeside living still define Hampton Manor
During 1920s suburbanization, many city dwellers moved from Albany to new communities like Hampton Manor. The suburb’s original lots featured two- or three-bedroom kit houses in various styles, selling for approximately $7,000 to $8,900. The main draws — a central lake, family-friendly environment and 10-minute commute to Albany — still attract residents today. “It’s an affordable opportunity for homeownership with a good school district, nearby parks and proximity to shopping and dining,” says Vera Cohen, broker with Vera Cohen Realty, who has sold many homes in Hampton Manor.
Original homes, new construction in this Rensselaer County community
Many of Hampton Manor’s original houses still stand along the community’s wide, tree-lined roads. There’s been infill over the years, with single-family home construction continuing through the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2020, some duplexes were built in the eastern part of the community, and they can cost homebuyers between $330,000 and $350,000. Single-family homes encompass a variety of styles, from small cottages and bungalows to Colonial Revivals and bilevels. They can range in price from $170,000 to $560,000, with size and condition contributing to price variation.
While much of Rensselaer County lacks access to some public utilities, Hampton Manor features public water, sewers and natural gas. “Because the county is so rural, many homes have septic tanks and wells,” Cohen says. “But Hampton Manor offers public utilities, so you can purchase a home for a lower amount of money than nearby areas, and you also get a yard and these nice amenities.”
Lakefront parks and trails offer year-round outdoor activities
“Walkability is a significant factor that draws people,” Cohen says. “It’s tranquil and peaceful. In the evening hours, you can see many residents out for a walk near the lake.” Weeping willows, catalpa and pine trees surround Hampton Manor Lake. Hampton Manor Town Park sits on its shores and offers basketball and tennis courts, a playground and the Hampton Manor Beach House, a small building that residents can rent for events. The park is a popular community gathering space, where locals ice skate in the winter and kayak or fish when it’s warm. On the lake’s northern banks, David Onderdonk Jr. Memorial Park hosts bocce ball games and the popular summertime Music in the Park event, where folks sit on lawn chairs and blankets, listen to live performances and eat meals from food trucks. Between New York and New Jersey avenues, there’s a small green space with a basketball court. The Albany-Hudson Electric Trail, a 36-mile trail system, also runs through Hampton Manor, with a trailhead and parking lot on Columbia Turnpike. It’s part of the larger Empire State Trail system, which runs 750 miles throughout the state.
East Greenbush Central School District earns an A
The East Greenbush Central School District serves Hampton Manor and gets an A from Niche. Red Mill Elementary, Howard L. Goff Middle and Columbia High School, ranked the best public high school in Rensselaer County, earn A’s. “Red Hill Elementary is in Hampton Manor,” Cohen says. “A lot of parents find it convenient that all of the after-school programs are within the community.” Plus, Columbia High offers career and technical education courses in business-related fields.
Shopping at Greenbush Commons, Rensselaer County Plaza
Hampton Manor is near many commercial areas. Market 32 and Hannaford grocery stores are within 2 miles of the community, with several businesses along the way. The Shoppes at Greenbush Commons, about 3 miles away, features Target, Home Depot, Dollar Tree and Staples, while Rensselaer County Plaza, just down the road, offers a Walmart, PetSmart and Regal Cinemas movie theater. These shopping centers sit along U.S. Route 4, with many chain restaurants, like Panera Bread, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Starbucks. For dining close to home, Srisiam serves Thai cuisine, Asian Tea House offers Chinese food and sushi and DJ’s Manor House Pizza has Italian subs alongside traditional pies.
Easy access to Routes 20, 4, 90; commuting to Albany
Hampton Manor has easy access to major roads, including U.S. Route 20, U.S. Route 4 and Interstate 90. The Albany-Rensselaer train station is about 3 miles away and has Amtrak services. Its Empire Service line offers round-trip routes between Penn Station and Albany-Rensselaer. The station is also a daily stop for trains leading to destinations including Montreal and Burlington. The Albany-Schodack bus line runs along Route 20, connecting downtown Albany, about 3 miles from Hampton Manor, with the Schodack Road Park & Ride lot. Albany International Airport is about 20 miles away. In case of emergency, Capital Region Family Health Care — East Greenbush is about 3 miles away.
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
