The Albany Pine Bush barrens once spanned over 25,000 acres between current-day Albany and Schenectady. Throughout the 20th century, sections of the barrens were cleared for farmland and the later development of Interstate 90. Today, much of the land has been developed into dense suburbs, including Roessleville. Located in the sought-after Town of Colonie, this small hamlet offers a mix of urban and suburban on the outskirts of Albany. "Latham and Loudonville are some of the most popular areas in town, but the entire town is a popular Albany suburb," says Jessica Baxter, a Capital Region native and licensed real estate salesperson with the Core Real Estate Team.
Roessleville also features some of Colonie's most affordable homes. "Lower taxes are a large draw for buyers," Baxter says. Paired with a highly rated school district, the community attracts a mix of first-time homebuyers, young families and those seeking quick city commutes. With its proximity to Albany, local industries include the government, health care, and education.
Upper Washington Avenue has a population of 5,800, and it's a 15-minute drive to downtown Albany.
With a large lake and trails all around, Roessleville offers an escape from the city.
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Homes throughout the centuries
Roessleville's development throughout the years is apparent through its architecture. Near the city limits, dense residential streets feature early 19th-century duplexes, multi-unit buildings and single-family homes that sit close together. Architectural styles include a mix of small bungalows, American Foursquares and National-style homes. Farther east, late 19th-century Cape Cods and ranch-style homes sit on larger lots. Median list prices hover around $250,000, with most properties priced between $200,000 to $300,000. Roessleville's largest properties border Loudonville, with 20th- and 21st-century Colonial Revivals and New Traditionals that can sell into the $600,000s.
The median year of homes built in Loudonville is 1960.
Cape Cods are a classic design and an affordable choice for a home in Roessleville.
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South Colonie schools
The South Colonie Central School District earns an overall B-plus rating from Niche. Nearly 5,000 students are enrolled across five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school.
Regarding higher education, the Capital Region has numerous private and public institutions. Nearby schools include the State University of New York at Albany, the University at Albany, Siena College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Students at Roessleville School enjoy beautiful architecture on a daily basis.
Siena College has an overall grade of C+ from Niche.
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Nearby green spaces and the pine barrens
Several pocket parks are scattered around town. West Albany Memorial Park is the largest, with baseball fields, sports courts and a playground. Three miles up the road, paved walkways weave through Cook Park. Amenities include sports fields, an ADA-accessible playground and an outdoor amphitheater adjacent to a small duck pond. The grounds also host seasonal events such as the Tuesday Night in the Park Concert series throughout the summer and Thursday evening farmers markets from May to October.
The Crossings Park of Colonie hosts a larger farmers market on Saturday mornings. "It's the most popular park in town," Baxter says. This 130-acre park features paved pathways that pass by a large pond, a playground, a community center and a fitness center. "They also host a summer concert series," says Samantha Culihan, a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker Prime Properties. "Colonie has several small-town events," including community tree lightings and an annual 5K challenge. However, Baxter notes that many residents head to Albany for larger celebrations like Washington Park's Tulip Festival.
Six Mile Waterworks Park is another green space where a stocked lake attracts anglers looking to catch rainbow trout. The park is the most southern point of the pine barrens, with weaving canopied trails. The adjacent Albany Pine Bush Preserve features over 3,000 acres of protected land, additional hiking trails and a Discovery Center with informative interactive exhibits.
The Crossings of Colonie is a great place to admire wildlife and spend time with your family.
People enjoying some fishing in Six Mile Park just outside the Campus Area.
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Wolf Road's commercial corridor
The north side of Roessleville borders Wolf Road, the town's main commercial corridor. Dozens of establishments include big-box stores, national grocers and restaurants. Casual eateries, cozy cafes and the occasional fine-dining restaurant feature a mix of local cuisines, ranging from Mexican to Middle Eastern.
Wolf Road adjoins Central Avenue, a smaller commercial strip and main thoroughfare through the community. The west side of Roessleville comprises a large industrial and commercial complex hidden behind residential streets. Crossgates Mall offers more extensive shopping options about 3 miles away.
The Crossgates Mall is a popular destination in the Westmere area.
Over at the Colonie Center you can find many nationally loved chains and more to enjoy.
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Commutes around the Capital
The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) provides ample public transit options around Roessleville and the surrounding metro area. Bus routes run along New York State Route 5, Central Avenue and Sandy Creek Road. City commuters have about a 6-mile drive to downtown Albany via Central Avenue or Interstate 90. Other significant thoroughfares include I-87 and I-787. Samaritan Hospital-Albany Memorial Campus is about 5 miles away, while Albany International Airport is about 5 miles north.
Climate and crime
The Capital Region offers all four seasons. Cold and snowy winters bring an average annual snowfall of around 60 inches, while hot and muggy summers are common.
According to FBI statistics, The Town of Colonie saw almost a 5% increase in property crimes between 2022 and 2023, while the violent crime rate remained steady. The increase in property crime follows a three-year trend of rising rates that exceed the national average following the 2020 pandemic, while violent crimes are historically lower than the national average.
Written By
Lillie Duston
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Schulman
Video By
Ruo Zheng
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GreatSchools:
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