Former industrial center aims for an artsy second act
Troy is a rectangular city that spans the banks of the Hudson River, sharing ties with Albany and Schenectady as part of the broader Capital Region. Over 50,000 people call this river city their home, often used by movie producers for its historic, regal Victorian architecture, including HBO's series "The Gilded Age." Many areas around Upstate New York have grown popular amongst film crews in recent years, especially in the Hudson Valley. However, "There's a collection of brownstone homes in the district that attracts special attention," says Brian Brosen, a licensed associate broker of 19 years and leader of The Capital Team. "Downtown Troy is featured a lot in movies. The beautiful, old brownstone homes mimic portions of New York City, which is why there's a lot of filming here."
These homes often date back to the late 19th century, when Troy was a thriving industrial center due to its ability to produce steel and iron from local raw materials. Thanks to surrounding canals, Troy was also a logistics hub that facilitated the shipment of goods. Textile production played a significant role as well. Over two dozen shirt manufacturers were based here at the turn of the 19th century. Troy became home to the gold standard for collared shirts, the Arrow clothing brand. Thus, "The Collar City" stuck as a nickname.
As industrial operations moved from the city, Troy needed a new identity. Officials began updating the master plan in 2014 for the first time in over 50 years. The focus was on downtown revitalization and waterfront development. Troy is now widely regarded as a place where art and culture flourish. New residents have arrived, drawn to the city's walkable and visually appealing downtown, dotted with galleries and cafes. Advertising and architecture firms occupy historic buildings, while other sectors like healthcare and education are some of the area's largest employers. Community events, like a monthly art walk, continue to bring people to the downtown core.
Educational offerings also strengthen Troy's role as a progressive haven. Emma Williard School was the country's first women's high school, and it continues to receive high praise – in 2018, The Post-Standard ranked it as the best private school in upstate New York. Troy is home to three other colleges.
A view of historic downtown Troy facing the Hudson River.
The soldiers and sailors monument honoring past wartimes in Troy, NY.
The music hall of Troy has had legendary performance dating back to the 1800's.
South Central Troy is popular for the neat and tidy homes that line the city streets.
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Historic 19th-century and classic 20th-century homes
The intricate Victorian and Belle Epoque architecture that attracts entertainment crews to Troy is also a magnet for homebuyers. Many of these homes feature iron gates, railings and window grilles sourced from the city's local iron production. Stone accents are common, too. Historic rowhouses, with colonial-style and Greek Revival features, surround downtown. Perhaps most intriguing is the frequent appearance of Tiffany glass.
Prices for homes near the waterfront, such as those along Second Avenue, range from mid $200,000s to mid $300,000s. Investment properties, like four-bedroom bungalows that need some TLC can sell in the low $100,000s. As homebuyers move east from the city center, urban streets give way to suburban streets with detached single-family homes with roomy lots, driveways and attached garages. Properties here include a mix of Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, bungalows, bi-level, split-level and ranch-style homes priced from the mid $200,000s to the mid $500,000s.
A beautiful Victorian home with a lovely porch in Troy, NY.
In downtown Troy you can find well crafted turn of the century brownstones and apartments.
Just outside downtown single family homes in multiple styles can be found.
A Colonial home with a lovely side porch in Troy, NY.
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Public schools and higher education in Troy
The Troy City School District enrolls 3,600 students and scores an overall B rating from Niche. Students at Troy High School can earn over 30 hours of college credit through dual enrollment and Advanced Placement courses. The city is also known for the Emma Williard School, an all-girls private boarding and day school that's been lauded as the best private school in upstate New York.
Established in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is one of the country's oldest engineering and technical colleges. The institute has an Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, which promotes avant-garde artists, bolstering Troy's reputation as a small but potent cultural center. Hudson Valley Community College enrolls 10,000 students, while Russell Sage College in Downtown Troy offers a 10-acre campus dotted with historic brownstones, courtyards, walled gardens and Victorian flourishes. The city's public library also stands out with its Italian Renaissance façade carved from white marble.
With a grand entrance Troy Middle School will make your child feel like they made it.
An overview of the Troy High School and Middle School campus.
PS 14 serves students from Pre K to through elementary.
Susan Odell Taylor School is an independent, progressive school K-8th grade.
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Revitalizing downtown with arts, culture and food
The Arts Center of the Capital Region anchors the city, offering free, rotating art exhibitions, art classes and community events. Over 150 courses are offered each season, ranging from pottery to watercolor illustration. The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall is another major player in the art scene. This former bank-turned-music hall is a National Historic Landmark known for its acoustics and 19th-century concert organ.
Music pours into the streets every July with the Troy Riverfest, one of the many cultural events defining Troy's new identity. There's also Rockin' on the River, a summer outdoor concert series. Subcultures are celebrated, too, like at The Enchanted City festival, which caters to the steampunk movement. Crowds flock to River Street for the city's weekly farmers market. Throughout the winter, the market moves indoors at the neighboring Troy Atrium. Troy Night Out occurs on the last Friday of every month when crowds flock downtown to enjoy shops, performances and restaurants.
Locally owned restaurants include cozy cafes, casual eateries and upscale restaurants. Global flavors include American, Greek, Italian, Lebanese, Chinese, Mexican and Caribbean. But a distinct, recurring feature of Troy is its many bakeries, brunch spots and cafes. There's also a popular brewery scene that fosters the hip, entrepreneurial spirit that Troy is becoming known for. Smaller, more intimate cocktail bars and wine bars are also represented in local nightlife.
With a beautiful and heated back space at Little Pecks.
At the Art Center in Troy, NY you can take many forms of classes and use their workshops.
Held on the weekends is the farmers market in this fresh location.
Troy New York is a history rich town that was the backbone of helping America win the great wars
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A delightful mix of parks big and small
Prospect Park is the city's crown jewel. Eighty acres of green space feature wooded trails leading to a summit that offers sweeping views of the city. Athletic facilities include a soccer field, plus courts for tennis, handball and basketball. Then there's the Uncle Sam Trail, a 7-mile flat path with paved stretches. William D. Chamberlain Riverfront Park is one of two green spaces along the Hudson. This small 4.4-acre park is a gathering place for summertime concert series, afternoon picnics and tranquil city escapes.
Riverfront Park in Troy, NY is the gateway of the city and the Hudson River.
ar Park has a golf course, playgrounds, hiking, picnic and so much more in Troy, NY.
One of the four main gates to enter the private Washington Park.
There is a full frisbee golf course at Prospect Park.
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Abundant transportation options
Walkability is a prime feature of Troy, with abundant sidewalks that allow pedestrians to take in the historic architecture. Public transit is available, with bus routes along U.S. Route 4, the city's main thoroughfare. Commuters can hop on the rapid bus transit line, which leads about 8 miles south to Albany and the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station. U.S. Route 7 leads to the Collar City Bridge, while U.S. Route 2 leads to the Congress Street Bridge. Both are widely used east-west corridors in Troy. Other thoroughfares include Interstate 87, which leads to New York City, 160 miles south, and Montreal, Canada, 215 miles north. Samaritan Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in the city, in addition to the nearby St. Mary's Campus.
Important to know
Troy has all four seasons, with summer being humid and wet, while winter can be quite snowy – the city receives up to 51 inches of snow a year. Since the Hudson River is a prominent feature of Troy, flash flooding can be a concern during intense thunderstorms.
According to FBI crime data, approximately 2,617 crimes were reported in 2023, with property crimes accounting for the most frequently reported incidents. About 1,107 violent crimes were reported. However, gun violence declined in 2023 compared to the previous year. Many of those shootings occurred during the stretch from July to September – generally considered the muggiest part of the year in Troy.
I have learned over the years that one of my greatest strengths is my ability to listen. No one can provide you with the desired outcome if they do not understand what is important to you. Whether you are looking to purchase or sell your home, the process begins with an in depth conversation that details desired results. We will then sit down and develop a strategy to achieve this goal. I understand that the most frustrating part of any significant decision we make in our lives is not knowing where things stand and not getting desired information in a timely manner. You have my commitment that with you as my client I will answer my phone or return your messages promptly. My philosophy in business has always been that every client deserves to be treated with respect and professionalism. I have lived most of my life in the Capital District which includes Saratoga, Albany, Columbia, Greene and Essex Counties. This makes me extremely knowledgeable with local buying and selling trends. I have a background in Sales, Management, Engineering and all things associated with running a small business. I believe this diverse skill set makes me the best person to represent you in your real estate transaction. Education And Work Experience: Graduated from Clarkson University with a BS in Engineering Managed a Manufacturing/Distribution/Service Company for 25+ years Member of Several MLS: GLOBAL MLS (Capital District MLS) CIREB (The Capital District Commercial MLS) NAVICA (Northern Adirondack, Clinton County, Adirondack Champlain Valley MLS) CGNDMLS (Columbia Greene Northern Dutchess MLS) NYS MLS (New York State MLS) Specialties: Residential, Investment, Acreage, Commercial, Farm And Ranch, Land
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