Are you considering a move from New York City to a city or town upstate? Looking to raise your family in the suburbs, or perhaps live where there is a lower crime rate and less traffic?
Congress Park is full of fountains, statues, walking paths, and picnic spots.
Consider Saratoga Springs or the surrounding Saratoga County for top-rated school districts and charming communities, not to mention fantastic dining, shopping, entertainment, parks, and history. Here’s what to know if you’re considering a transition to an upstate way of life and want to look into Saratoga NY real estate options.
Saratoga Springs at a Glance: One of the Best Small Cities to Live In
Saratoga Springs features sidewalks, benches, and more to make it a pedestrian-friendly city.
Is Saratoga Springs NY a good place to live? In short, yes! Saratoga has been named one of the best small cities in the country by WalletHub and Alot Travel, one of the most charming small cities in the country by TravelMag, and it’s a top place in the state to raise young families, according to NerdWallet.
If moving out of a city into the suburbs seems daunting, Saratoga Springs might be the perfect fit for you. You’re still in a bustling city, close to art galleries, coffee shops, boutique stores, and famed restaurants. But, it’s drivable in addition to being walkable, offers a lower cost of living, and if you have children, you can have that backyard swingset they’ve always dreamed of.
Spectators can get an up-close-and-personal view of the horses at the track.
Major perks to living in Saratoga Springs include: the Saratoga Race Course (one of the oldest in the country), unique mineral springs scattered throughout city parks, and the stunning Victorian architecture you can see in hotels, inns, and residences. Whether you’re walking through a park or making your way down city streets, you can’t help but take in the surrounding beauty, history, and charm.
Saratoga County: Family-Friendly Fun, Farmers Markets & Great School Districts
Next Door Kitchen & Bar is a Ballston Spa favorite among locals.
Stroll down the quaint Front Street of Ballston Spa, go hiking and swimming at Moreau Lake State Park in Moreau, or learn all about the rich history of the Erie Canal in Waterford – you’ll find no shortage of culture and things to do in Saratoga County!
Besides the National Museum of Dance, the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum, and the Children’s Museum at Saratoga located in the city, you’ll also find the National Bottle Museum in Ballston Spa, the Grant Cottage National Historic Landmark in Gansevoort, the Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, and other opportunities for educational and historical fun throughout the county.
Families jump on a hay wagon ride at Riverview Orchards in Rexford.
Clifton Park and Ballston Spa are each family-oriented suburban communities, where most residents own their homes, and the schools are top rated. The Shenendehowa Central School District, which covers Clifton Park, is rated #2 in Saratoga County by Niche.com, with the district excelling in the areas of academics, teachers, clubs and activities, and college prep. And, in 2017, Ballston Spa High School was ranked the #7 high school in the country by US News & World Report.
Beyond the reputable schools, you’ll find some of the most popular farmers markets in the area, including but not limited to the Saratoga Farmers Market in Saratoga Springs and the Waterford Harbor Farmers Market in Waterford. And speaking of farms, kids will love the dozens of activities available at Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa each fall, as well as the corn maze at Schuyler Farms in Schuylerville.
Mom and infant explore 100 Acre Wood in Ballston Spa, photo credit: Alan Nudi.
Residents from all over the Capital Region come to Saratoga County parks like the family-friendly Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville that has a kids play garden and two miles of nature trails, and the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve in Rexford, a designated Bird Conservation Area with multiple trails and wetlands, just to name a couple!
Saratoga Is Centrally Located (And Not Too Far From The City)
Lake George is close to Saratoga and offers cruises on the lake and year-round activities.
The ability to work remotely has motivated many to live where they truly want to. If this is you, and you plan to primarily work from home while occasionally commuting to the city (or perhaps you know you’ll be returning for other reasons), there is good news: an Amtrak and Greyhound station in Saratoga Springs can bring you straight to New York City. The trip is on average about 3.5 hours.
In addition, the Saratoga area is roughly 30 minutes from Lake George, 40 minutes from Albany, 1 hour from the Adirondacks, 1 hour from Vermont, 1.5 hours from the Berkshires, and 3 hours from Boston.
Ready to Start Looking at Saratoga Homes For Sale? See What’s Available!
An example of a beautiful home by Theriault Custom Homes.
If you’re interested in relocating to Saratoga and purchasing a brand new home, then you’re in luck! We currently offer a new home community right in Saratoga Springs: Grande Highlands.
Grande Highlands by Trojanski Custom Builders is ideally located just north of downtown Saratoga and close to all the shops and restaurants of Wilton. A variety of homesites are available in this community, and residents will be part of the Saratoga Springs School District and have a Saratoga mailing address.
For even more real estate options in the Saratoga area, check out our virtual tours of properties for sale. You can view existing tours available now, or set up an appointment with one of our Saratoga area realtors to discuss what you’re looking for. Let us help you find the perfect fit for you and your family, and then get ready to enjoy that Upstate New York life in the Saratoga area!
Learn more about why Saratoga County is a great choice for homebuyers and new home construction >>