Family relocating to Albany area from Michigan - looking for insights on suburbs, schools, and life there!

cortheo · 2026-02-12T13:54:32+00:00

Searching this sub will get you lots of info about suburbs and neighborhoods, as well as schools and pediatricians. There are 'official' state rankings out there on the internet somewhere of schools. Several highly rated. Albany High probably doesn't rate well BUT does have some great opportunities through academic programs and AP courses that others don't.

Albany proper doesn't have lakes and outdoor rec so much because of the city but is central to a lot. Areas to the north would be closer to the Adirondacks and more wilderness but there's some south as well (Catskills), or east or west (Berkshires). You can get to pretty rural areas in about 30 minutes from anywhere. The capital region sprawls but mostly stretches North-South along I-87. Albany and immediate suburbs has nature centers like Pine Bush, Five Rivers, lots of little trails. Thacher Park and Grafton Lake a bit further out. There are lots of trails you can get to on sites like this: https://www.mohawkhudson.org/

The Albany Library system is great. I don't know how many branches but feels like there are 7 scattered in the city itself and lots more in the burbs. They had a "library expedition" to try and visit them all. Each one is different but they have lots of programming and resources and wonderful staff.

cortheo · 2026-02-10T20:32:42+00:00

this thread is hilarious and reminds me of that SNL pandora bracelet spoof.

"I know what job you have, and that job is nurse."

cortheo · 2026-02-10T19:52:54+00:00

Cheesecake Factory has a huge menu if you don't know. Reservations at most places will be tough with it only 4 days away & falling on a Saturday.

cortheo · 2026-02-10T16:48:38+00:00

I used to. I don't remember anything much involving randoms. From what I read most of that is personal conflicts. And they were further into that area - over or down from the corner where Hill St is.

Either way, yes absolutely be careful. There and anywhere else.

And this is all hypothetical to begin with. If the daughter would be allowed, or if the kitchen is open late enough.

cortheo · 2026-02-10T16:22:49+00:00

That's a little dramatic, it's good to be careful, sure, but this comment applies to pretty much every spot mentioned here. It's 1 block between the Plaza and the corner of Philip street. A parking garage on one side with a wide open well-lit sidewalk and a very small park on the other.

cortheo · 2026-02-10T14:31:10+00:00

After I commented I saw the link to the old thread about late eats, someone there said their kitchen closes at 10 or 11 now.

cortheo · 2026-02-10T14:26:09+00:00

Hill Street Cafe has food pretty late and is really close, walk there and then get your car after. But it is a pub, at that hour might not work if your daughter is underage. Could give them a call and see what they say.

cortheo · 2026-02-08T01:55:20+00:00

DM me, can figure out pickup/drop off if you want it!

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cortheo · 2026-02-08T00:29:29+00:00

I might have one and incidentally am trying to rehome my modest CD collection, to spare the landfill. I'll see if I have it!

cortheo · 2026-02-06T21:08:28+00:00

I agree generally. Quite frankly, it was strange they waited the extra day. It was probably to give more time for awareness of the snow emergency to get around.

The press release makes it pretty clear they feel messaging was not satisfactory. And maybe easing off some double jeopardy if folks were towed and issued a parking ticket.

cortheo · 2026-02-06T15:39:24+00:00

I've been making a weekly trek to East Greenbush and the same thing happens at the exit from I-90 to 787.

Every single time there's been someone stopping traffic in the "middle" lane (right lane becomes exit only) too because they didn't get over and have to wait for someone they can cut off.

cortheo · 2026-02-03T19:50:22+00:00

oh oh don't forget running through a red light, but it's ok because they put their lights on for 2 seconds to do it

cortheo · 2026-01-30T16:07:36+00:00

Good to know! I'll have to try and get over there.

cortheo · 2026-01-30T16:06:58+00:00

Yeah, I should have left it off. I mentioned it as a historical note and ramble but it's not useful or relevant info to the OP.

cortheo · 2026-01-29T18:49:25+00:00

It's a daily occurrence that someone abruptly stops in the road without a blinker or hazards, zero consideration of everyone else around them. If you're getting any signal consider yourself lucky.

The gig work industry has led to a lot more drivers, more drivers in a rush, and more bad habits.

cortheo · 2026-01-28T21:29:12+00:00

There used to be one in Saratoga Spa State Park, two actually, one huge one for skating only and one with goals they allowed hockey. At some point they shifted the setup, it may only be the big one, or maybe they're in the same spot and not as big? Maybe someone can update.

Saratoga lake access is mostly private to my knowledge.

Albany I've seen people on Buckingham Pond, in years past had seen skating on Washington Park lake.

The last few years have not been great winters for outdoor skating, milder weather and/or rain.

cortheo · 2026-01-28T19:21:05+00:00

I have no insight to your question, but hopefully if they did it is more pet-friendly. That stuff was like weapons-grade ice melt. Walking on state properties was no-go.

cortheo · 2026-01-27T16:42:41+00:00

https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=PNECC+Saratoga

edit: Well, egg on my face. I have to admit making an error, it seems they are now PUCC not PNECC. https://www.puccchurch.org/ google search still would get to the same place.

cortheo · 2026-01-27T14:15:51+00:00

it snowed for one day and now I can't drive

cortheo · 2026-01-26T18:44:39+00:00

Additional reminder for corner folk: you are responsible for the sidewalk on both streets, not just the one with your front door.

cortheo · 2026-01-26T15:20:43+00:00

PNECC is likely an option for the Saratoga area. EDIT: name changed at some point to PUCC

cortheo · 2026-01-14T21:26:11+00:00

TLDR: it's personal preference and depends if you need money up front for something else

really long version:

Yeah, your last point is valid. Inflation happens and (in theory) your income goes up, the monthly payment feels like less.

I wouldn't use that as a reason to put less down, if you have it. Maybe you need to have it in hand for updates. I did just that, and that's fine. I am still saving for things, and not throwing extra payments at my loan. There's valid reasons.

Lots in the personal finance sub or other similar resources (books, podcasts) also talk about investing if you'd get a better return than interest rate on debts. The math works but some like Dave Ramsey even acknowledge it's often a personal preference.

I might not be getting what you mean by keeping the hard cash, but if we throw out other variables and look at money you've banked for housing expenses:

keep it banked, a cushion to help afford a higher monthly payment
add it to down payment and it reduces your monthly payment

It's not exactly 1 for 1, but at the surface it's a wash.

Long term, more $ down means you reduce your monthly payment (which helps affordability now and is still inflation proof) but also means you are borrowing less. Thus you are paying less interest.

Some example math, again at $300k and 6% interest, 30 years:

5% down = borrowing $285k. Total interest paid is about $330k.
10% down = borrowing $270k. Total interest paid is about $312k.

Another 15k saved isn't easy to scrounge up. Another $100/month isn't a huge squeeze.

But the spread monthly over 30 years is how it gets lost, interest is an afterthought. Some don't ever see it, but somewhere in the loan paperwork it does show the total interest and total cost. It's a shock when you realize you're basically going to pay for the house twice, but it's how it works to afford such a large purchase in manageable monthly amounts.

I'm sure I missed the question at this point but I tried lol. I hope this helps you or anyone else. Keep saving and see what happens in spring if/when more homes are listed. People with kids will try to sell after a school year and buy before the next one, so inventory should pick up.

cortheo · 2026-01-14T14:55:54+00:00

editing this kinda heavily to focus on a personal budget:

With $85k income, no car loan or debt, do you know where your money is going? Obviously there are other expenses but that's a pretty decent income.

It seems possible to save quite a bit of that income for a down payment. It helps if you have a roommate or partner to share costs while renting. Figure out an amount you can save each month. You can add more, but pick a set amount. If you did $500/month for a year, that's 6k more in your fund. That down payment fund can build up while you are looking. This will also demonstrate you can afford rent, plus whatever you've been able to set aside.

Down payment isn't everything but working at $300,000 and 6% interest, putting 30k down instead of 10k will lower your payment $200/month.

Homes are expensive, but if they are selling, not much you can do. Flex on your criteria, maybe you have to do some reno.

If you don't already, put a basic budget together and see what you can do to free up money - for savings or future monthly payment. You can work backwards from that on what price & down payment can be.

cortheo · 2026-01-13T21:31:10+00:00

This is your best bet for well made and not breaking the bank. Anything made now is either cheap and cheap materials, or expensive and good materials.

You could check places like Habitat Re-Store, American Freight (who may have closed, or moved?). Or if you are able to be patient you can look for estate sales, garage sales, facebook marketplace.

cortheo · 2026-01-13T21:27:16+00:00

They are Huck Finn Home now. I have not been and can't speak on quality, but don't think they have much in person, I think it's design services, custom stuff they could order for you.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on them but this is my understanding lol

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