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Downtown Schenectady

Downtown Schenectady

$265,125 Average Value
$172 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

A hip and historic downtown

Downtown Schenectady was founded in 1661 by Dutch settlers. Its Stockade District sits along the banks of the Mohawk River and is the oldest residential neighborhood in the nation. More than 40 pre-Revolutionary War homes still stand in the area. When one is strolling through the city’s streets, it is easy to harken back to its glory days as an old industrial town. Residents here can enjoy a busy lifestyle without the hemmed-in feelings of a larger city. “Schenectady has a thriving downtown area. It’s become very popular with those who want to experience urban living,” says Brian Brosen, an associate broker with EXP Realty, LLC with about 20 years of experience. “It’s very walkable, and there are many shops and restaurants. It has the best food scene in upstate New York.”

Italianate row homes and Tudor touches add character to Downtown Schenectady.
Italianate row homes and Tudor touches add character to Downtown Schenectady.
Downtown Schenectady buzzes with arts, dining, and riverfront energy.
Downtown Schenectady buzzes with arts, dining, and riverfront energy.
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Row homes and condos prevail

A healthy residential and commercial life mix adds to the district's down-to-earth feel. "I sought out Downtown Schenectady to put my office there because I saw it on the rise," notes Bosen. New construction and historic buildings are a testament to the exciting changes. Most single-family homes are in the historic Stockade district, and there are several apartment buildings, says Brosen. There are only a few single-family homes in the area, says Brosen. However, among the attached homes, are new construction row homes and older Italianate townhouses. Newly built row homes sell for around $329,000. New condo units along the harbor average between $700,000 and $750,000.

Mohawk Harbor adds waterfront living, dining, and trails to Downtown Schenectady.
Mohawk Harbor adds waterfront living, dining, and trails to Downtown Schenectady.
Seward Place borders Downtown Schenectady with leafy streets and classic homes.
Seward Place borders Downtown Schenectady with leafy streets and classic homes.
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Cultural diversity and old schools

Schools close to Downtown Schenectady also embody the district's cultural diversity. Children may begin elementary school at Yates Elementary, which serves kindergarten through fifth grade and holds a C-minus rating from Niche. Oneida Middle School includes sixth through eighth grade and has a C rating. Schenectady High School has a B-minus rating. The high school has hosted the Reading is Fun Program’s annual Scrabble-Rama Competition Fundraiser for several years. Proceeds from the event go to purchase books for Schenectady City school children.

Union College was established in 1795. The four-year school offers private education that focuses on liberal arts and engineering degrees. Its sprawling and lush campus adds an airy openness to the area.

Oneida Middle serves grades 6–8 for Downtown Schenectady students.
Oneida Middle serves grades 6–8 for Downtown Schenectady students.
Yates Elementary serves K–5 families living in Downtown Schenectady.
Yates Elementary serves K–5 families living in Downtown Schenectady.
Schenectady High School offers varied programs for Downtown Schenectady families.
Schenectady High School offers varied programs for Downtown Schenectady families.
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From parks to playhouses to bowling

Downtown Schenectady offers residents plenty of quality green space. Front Street Park is a nearly 3-acre area with walking paths and sports facilities such as a playground, an outdoor swimming pool and a picnic area. The park also offers panoramic sunset views of the Mohawk River. Local legend says the park is haunted by the ghosts of fallen settlers during a raid by French Canadians and Native Americans. Union College’s men’s and women’s soccer teams play at College Park Field. When no college games are happening, locals often gather on the field for friendly matches.

For those who prefer indoor entertainment, the beautifully restored Proctors Theater brings in top-name shows. Built in 1926, the theater, with its opulent gilded decor and plush red velvet seating, is considered the premier entertainment venue for New York State’s Capital Region. For those who enjoy challenging Lady Luck, the Rivers Casino & Resort makes for a fun grownups-only night out. Those looking for family fun can head to Boulevard Bowl to try their luck with the pins.

A renovated firehouse now hosts improv shows, classes, and creative events.
A renovated firehouse now hosts improv shows, classes, and creative events.
Riverside Park’s skatepark brings kids together to learn and play in Downtown Schenectady.
Riverside Park’s skatepark brings kids together to learn and play in Downtown Schenectady.
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Marketplaces and restaurants

The Jay Street Marketplace is a pedestrian shopping mall downtown with more than 25 independent locally owned businesses that make for eclectic and fun shopping trips. Boutique shops like Lennon’s Irish Shop offer unique gifts and fashionable clothing. Located on Ferry Street, Arthur's Market is a cute and convenient café that also sells grocery essentials. There are more robust grocery options along State Street, with small- to medium-sized grocers, like State Street Supermarket. Walmart and Hannaford can be found 3 miles south, on Altamont Avenue. Downtown Schenectady offers dozens of dining options. Johnny’s is an Italian American eatery that makes the ideal spot for grabbing a bite before heading to the theater or gathering with friends for a celebration. Owner John Mallozzi says he opened the restaurant to bring food, family and fun together. Perreca's Bakery serves a diabolically delicious "eggs in purgatory" dish. The perfectly poached eggs in homemade tomato sauce are a must-try. First Prize Mike's is the kind of greasy spoon spot that quickly becomes your favorite. The Schenectady Farmers Market is open on Thursdays from May through October. Located at City Hall, area farmers and crafters sell local produce and other goods.

Arthur’s Market pairs a cozy café with pantry staples in Downtown Schenectady.
Arthur’s Market pairs a cozy café with pantry staples in Downtown Schenectady.
Jay Street offers Downtown Schenectady’s favorite cafés, pubs, and boutiques.
Jay Street offers Downtown Schenectady’s favorite cafés, pubs, and boutiques.
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Summer evenings and winter fun

On the second Friday in July, Schenectady County Summernight is held downtown. Attendees can enjoy local music, food, good times and, at the end of the day, a fireworks show. St. George Greek Festival is held the weekend after Labor Day. The event features dancing, music, food and vendors. On the first Friday in December, Schenectady residents can participate in Chili Chowdown. Attendees can sample chili recipes at restaurants throughout the downtown area and then vote for the best recipe.

Getting around the town

Catching a bus downtown is a breeze. The 810-bus line runs frequently along Eerie Boulevard. Other bus lines travel Seward Place and Union Street, and the Amtrak train stops in the neighborhood on Eerie Boulevard. Commuters can take Interstate 890 the 14 miles to Troy or the 18 miles to Albany and the Albany International Airport.

Veterans Park is a handy hub for catching local buses around Downtown Schenectady.
Veterans Park is a handy hub for catching local buses around Downtown Schenectady.
Downtown Schenectady’s Amtrak station connects to Albany, NYC, and beyond.
Downtown Schenectady’s Amtrak station connects to Albany, NYC, and beyond.
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Robin Beres
Written By
Robin Beres
Brandon Schulman
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Schulman
Daniel Willingham
Video By
Daniel Willingham

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Albany International

21 min drive

Bus

Schenectady (E), Ny

Bus

State St & S. Church St

Bus

Schenectady County Community College

Bus

Downtown & Train Station - State St & Broadway

Bus

Schenectady

Bus

1 Broadway (Ny State Lottery Building) Northbound

Bus

797 Broadway (Dept Of Social Services)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Schenectady US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 9 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 10 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 10 4
Larceny 10 4
Crime Score 9 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Downtown Schenectady Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$329,900
Median Sale Price
$314,950
Median Single Family Sale Price
$262,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$329,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
12
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$172

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
330
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1900
Months of Supply
2.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,082
Above the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,961
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,062
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
815
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
6,044
Median Age
37
Population Density
50 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$50,964
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$69,137

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.2%
College Graduates
33.8%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13.5%
% Population in Labor Force
65.5%
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
42''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

67 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

83 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

48 / 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.

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Schenectady
Empire Real Estate Managment LLC
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