Section Image

Rensselaer

Rensselaer

Located in Rensselaer County

$308,822 Average Value
$198 Average Price per Sq Ft
20 Homes For Sale

A quiet commuter community

Rensselaer is a city that sits just across the Hudson River from Albany and has easy access up to Troy — making it a popular choice for commuters. For those who don't want to live among the activity of the surrounding big cities, Rensselaer is a quieter option with waterfront row homes and suburban subdivisions. Residents also have easy access to hiking and biking trails that stretch out into the greater Rensselaer County.

With views like this Rensselaer is a quick jump to Albany and more.
With views like this Rensselaer is a quick jump to Albany and more.
Two enjoying a meal on the waterfront in Rensselaer, NY.
Two enjoying a meal on the waterfront in Rensselaer, NY.
1/2

Outdoor activities in rural New York

"Some of the biggest draws of Rensselaer are the outdoor activities," says Joan Rapp, a Broker with Coldwell Banker Realty who has experience selling in the area. "The Empire State bike trails run across the whole county, and you're about 45 minutes away from skiing." Closer to home, there are several neighborhood parks with playgrounds, and Riverfront Park has skyline views and a fishing dock. While much of Rensselaer's open space is quite attractive, the Dunn Landfill sits at the center of the neighborhood. Some residents are unbothered by it, but others are working to get it removed — an ongoing fight.

The Empire State Trail runs thru much of this area and a local man is enjoying the day on it.
The Empire State Trail runs thru much of this area and a local man is enjoying the day on it.
A great way to stay close is playing a basketball game with your partner during naptime.
A great way to stay close is playing a basketball game with your partner during naptime.
1/2

Amtrak line and city commutes

Another draw to the neighborhood is the Amtrak station. "The Amtrak is big here, and it's a clean, neat new station," Rapp explains. "It connects down to New York in a couple of hours." While the train does make long trips convenient, it brings some noise to the waterfront area of Rensselaer. For commuting to work, getting the 2 miles into Albany is a quick drive or bus ride across the Dunn Memorial Bridge, which is also lined with a walking path. And Troy is 10 miles north along I-787.

Rensselaer is the 9th busiest rail station in the country and a hub in NY state.
Rensselaer is the 9th busiest rail station in the country and a hub in NY state.
CDTA can get you around in the Rensselaer area and capital region.
CDTA can get you around in the Rensselaer area and capital region.
1/2

Walk to restaurants, drive to grocery stores

A few eateries are clustered around the waterfront, like Illusive Restaurant and Bar, which has top-rated American fare. Hot Dog Charlie's is a classic regional chain, and Skyline Diner is a locally run place for breakfast. For shopping, locals can head a mile up 3rd Avenue to a shopping center with Walmart and Target. However, the lack of grocery shops within walking distance means having a car in Rensselaer is usually necessary. For more entertainment, Albany is just across the road, and Troy is an option, too. "Troy has much more entertainment than Rensselaer — like live music and a farmers market," Rapp says. "So people will travel up there for the day and can come home to a quieter neighborhood."

Residents have easy access to local shops and parks on Broadway.
Residents have easy access to local shops and parks on Broadway.
Illusive is a multiple year runner up to winning the best burger in NY state and a great option.
Illusive is a multiple year runner up to winning the best burger in NY state and a great option.
1/2

Row homes and spacious suburban lots

Closer to the waterfront, tight gridded streets are filled with bungalows and row homes. Prices here usually range from $100,000 for fixer-uppers and $250,000 for newly renovated properties. Many properties have been split up into duplexes, and many homes are rented. Further out, neighborhoods start to lose their urban feel. Here, properties sit on quiet, wooded streets and offer comfortable yards. Midcentury bungalows and ranches range from $200,000 to $400,000, and there are some modern townhomes also available at that price point. Larger colonials with half-acre yards and contemporary properties range from $500,000 to $700,000.

A new colonial is a great start to your move to Rensselaer.
A new colonial is a great start to your move to Rensselaer.
Townhomes are a great option for residents in Rensselaer closer to Albany.
Townhomes are a great option for residents in Rensselaer closer to Albany.
1/2

Proximity to Dunn Landfill

While much of Rensselaer's open space is quite green, the Dunn Landfill sits at the center of the neighborhood. Some residents are unbothered by it, but others experience smells, noise and pollution issues. Local organizations and government officials are currently working to get it removed — an ongoing fight.

Dunn Land fill is on the east side of town and has become a sore spot for many locals.
Dunn Land fill is on the east side of town and has become a sore spot for many locals.
Residents can enjoy the Hudson River views in Rensselaer or just a quiet moment.
Residents can enjoy the Hudson River views in Rensselaer or just a quiet moment.
1/2

Public schools and UAlbany Health Center

Neighborhood kids are zoned to start at Van Rensselaer Elementary School, which gets a C-minus grade from Niche. Rensselaer Junior/Senior High School, rated C-plus, is in the same building and caters to older students. The district provides technology devices to all students, and 80% of high school students graduate with college credit. Rensselaer is also home to the University at Albany's Health Sciences Campus, a research center partnering with the New York State Department of Health to benefit both local and larger regions.

Rensselaer Junior/Senior High School provides students in Rensselaer a track and field.
Rensselaer Junior/Senior High School provides students in Rensselaer a track and field.
Health Sciences Campus of Albany University is located in Rensselaer bringing medicine close.
Health Sciences Campus of Albany University is located in Rensselaer bringing medicine close.
1/2
Tina Davis
Written By
Tina Davis

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jamie Mazuryk, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Rensselaer Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$275,000
Median Sale Price
$265,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$265,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$330,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$252,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
207
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
$0
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$198

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes for Sale
20
Months of Supply
1.20

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Jun 22
    10am - 12pm

    145 Old Red Mill Rd, Rensselaer, NY 12144

    $650,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,524 Sq Ft
    • 145 Old Red Mill Rd
    • New 1 day ago

    Stunning East Greenbush home on nearly 3 private, tranquil acres in the Red Mill Elementary/East Greenbush School District. Beautifully remodeled designer kitchen featuring quartz countertops, upscale appliances, oversized island and open flow for entertaining. Relax in your backyard oasis with an inground pool, lavish landscaping, garden, and a decorative pond. This 4-bed, 2.5-bath home offers a

    Vera Cohen Vera Cohen Realty, LLC

    Section Image
  • Sunday, Jun 22
    12 - 2pm

    247 Hudson Ave E, Rensselaer, NY 12144

    $289,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 912 Sq Ft
    • 247 Hudson Ave E
    • New 3 days ago

    Fall in love with this beautifully updated 2 bed 1 bath home perfect for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize! East Greenbush schools! Just a short walk to Hampton Manor Lake, a park, and a dog park, this home offers comfort, charm, and convenience. Inside you'll find a brand new bathroom (to be freshly painted before closing), an updated enclosed front porch, cozy gas fireplace, fresh

    Kathryn Kole Coldwell Banker Prime Properties

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Jun 21
    11am - 1pm

    1 Elizabeth St, Rensselaer, NY 12144

    $289,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,332 Sq Ft
    • 1 Elizabeth St

    Charming Cape Cod home featuring 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, offering comfort and flexibility in a convenient location. Step into a spacious living room filled with natural light and perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy hardwood floors throughout the first floor and brand-new luxury vinyl plank flooring upstairs. The detached garage and private, fenced-in backyard provide both privacy and

    Shane Wagner Vera Cohen Realty, LLC

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Rensselaer Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
8,717
Median Age
40
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$60,691
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$77,828

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.9%
College Graduates
30.4%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.6%
% Population in Labor Force
69.2%
On par with the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
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.
Rensselaer
Jamie Mazuryk
Core Real Estate Team
Section Image