Affordability

Veteran Resources & Support in Albany

Updated: July 2025

Albany is not only the capital of the Empire State but also a vibrant hub of support and resources for those who have served their country in the armed forces. With a deep appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions of veterans, Albany has developed an extensive network of services and assistance programs to help them transition into civilian life, access healthcare, find employment, and more.

Please note: this list is not comprehensive. There are many more resources for Veterans in Albany and across the CapNY. Please reach out to us if you need help finding them.

Albany Stratton VA Medical Center
This vital facility serves as a lifeline for veterans in the Albany area. The Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center offers comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, mental health care, and specialized services for veterans. They also provide programs tailored to individuals dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)
Albany boasts several CBOCs throughout the region, ensuring that veterans have convenient access to primary care, mental health services, and other medical support.

Veterans Education and Training (VET) Programs:
Albany’s colleges and universities actively participate in VET programs. These programs offer veterans educational benefits and support services, such as academic advising, financial aid, and credit for military training and experience. They make it easier for veterans to pursue higher education and transition into civilian careers.

New York State Division of Veterans’ Services:
This state agency assists veterans in accessing education benefits, including the GI Bill. They provide guidance on educational opportunities in the Albany area and assist veterans with the application process.

Veterans Business Outreach Center
Albany provides resources and support for veterans interested in entrepreneurship and starting their own businesses. This center offers training, counseling, and guidance for veteran entrepreneurs, including workshops to help them succeed.

Capital Region Chamber & Center for Economic Growth
These are places that can help with a job search & entrepreneurial resources for veterans.

New York State Division of Veterans’ Services
Beyond educational benefits, this state agency also offers assistance with legal matters related to veterans’ service, ensuring their rights are protected and providing guidance in the face of legal challenges.

Veterans & Community Housing Coalition
Albany is home to various organizations that offer housing support for veterans. This includes affordable housing options, financial assistance programs, and resources to help veterans find stable housing.

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion Posts
Albany is host to multiple VFW and American Legion posts, providing veterans with a sense of community, camaraderie, and support. These organizations foster a close-knit environment where veterans can share experiences and build lasting connections.

Veterans Outreach Centers
These centers offer a comprehensive range of services, including mental health counseling, employment assistance, housing support, and more. They serve as essential community hubs where veterans can access guidance and find a supportive network.

In Albany, a profound commitment to serving those who have served their country is evident. The extensive network of resources and services, from healthcare and education to employment and housing support, showcases the city’s deep respect and gratitude for its veterans. Albany stands as a shining example of a community that recognizes and honors the sacrifices and contributions of its veterans, ensuring they have the resources they need to lead fulfilling lives after their service.

Cohoes: A CapNY City The Nation is Watching

Updated: July 2025

“One groundbreaking achievement that stands out is the floating solar array on the water reservoir, a project that makes Cohoes the first in the nation to generate 100% municipal electricity while offering 40% surplus energy to the school district. This has not only been environmentally conscious but also instrumental in promoting Cohoes on a national and global scale, attracting the attention of businesses and governmental bodies.”

In the heart of New York’s Capital Region, Joseph’s journey has been part of the driving force behind the resurgence of Cohoes. Born in Greene County of CapNY, he embarked on a path that took him from Albany to Seattle and back again, eventually leading him to become the City Planner of Cohoes in 2019.

With a background in city planning and hands-on experience in construction oversight acquired in Seattle, he wound up in CapNY with a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm.

He discovered a unique niche in working on energy-related projects, not only saving the city money but also allowing them to reinvest in critical programs such as social services and capital projects. Over the span of four years, he and his team leveraged an impressive $35 million in public funding to attract and retain private investments.

In the past two years, Cohoes has seen a remarkable transformation guided by three key pillars: infrastructure development, the restoration of historic buildings, and environmental sustainability.

Cohoes has invested heavily in infrastructure improvements, including upgrading sidewalks, planting trees, enhancing parks, and creating a stunning waterfront park complete with a dock. The emphasis on green spaces and livability has attracted new businesses, residents, and investors, marking a notable difference from seven years ago. The city has also introduced charging stations for electric vehicles, making it more attractive for environmentally-conscious individuals and businesses.

Cohoes recognized the value of preserving its historic architecture. Significant funds have been allocated to restore iconic buildings like City Hall, the library, and the music hall. What’s particularly innovative is the city’s commitment to making these buildings carbon-neutral, pioneering the removal of gas and making them the first of their kind in the state and the nation. The Cohoes Music Hall stands as the first carbon-neutral music venue in the country, showcasing Cohoes’ commitment to sustainability.

To encourage private building and homeowners in downtown Cohoes to modernize their properties while respecting their historical significance, the city has offered open tax incentives. This initiative breathes new life into the city’s architecture while preserving its rich heritage.

Cohoes is now witnessing the development of new rental and commercial units, creating a more dynamic and attractive urban landscape.

Further contributing to Cohoes’ transformation, the introduction of new recycling bins for every member of the community, combined with efforts to improve street lighting, has been instrumental in securing additional grants and enhancing the city’s appeal.

One groundbreaking achievement that stands out is the floating solar array on the water reservoir, a project that makes Cohoes the first in the nation to generate 100% municipal electricity while offering 40% surplus energy to the school district. This has not only been environmentally conscious but also instrumental in promoting Cohoes on a national and global scale, attracting the attention of businesses and governmental bodies.

Cohoes has become a magnet for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The city’s unique blend of history, compact downtown, and picturesque waterfront location, free from high-rises, sets it apart. Its strategic location near Interstate 787 and the Thruway offers untapped potential for investment and growth.

Local businesses are thriving, with establishments like Smith’s Taproom bustling with activity from afternoon to evening. Cohoes’ strong sense of community, combined with word-of-mouth recommendations from established entrepreneurs, has drawn businesses, breweries, and restaurants to the city.

The city’s downtown area is a prime example of revitalization, with a single main street boasting historic storefronts, commercial spaces, outdoor dining, and parks, all within a compact .75-mile radius.

Cohoes Falls, a hidden gem, attracts 20,000 visitors annually without any advertising, showcasing the city’s natural beauty and the potential for further growth. The beauty of spots like Cohoes Falls and Peebles Island State Park offer resons for residents and tourists to explore the area.

The Cohoes Music Hall, which hosts concerts, ghost tours, and events like the Mac and Cheese Bowl, is a cultural hub that brings the community together. The city has cultivated a strong sense of community through events like the Trunk or Treat and the Rock the Block concert series.

Cohoes is home to many people with rich histories, who deeply care about the place they call home. This is reflected in the city’s welcoming and warm atmosphere.

Cohoes also nurtures the growth of unique businesses and groups, such as The Planter, Chocolate is Self Care, Chee-Bog, and Bye-i Brewery. The city’s local art scene has also flourished, with partnerships like the one with Albany Center Gallery, leading to stunning murals and galleries that have attracted art enthusiasts.

Cohoes’ transformation is a testament to the dedication and vision of people like Joseph Seman-Graves, who has brought about significant changes in land use, development, and environmental sustainability. The city’s unique blend of history, location, and community spirit has attracted businesses and residents, breathing new life into this historic city. Cohoes stands as a shining example of urban revitalization, showcasing what can be achieved with innovation, vision, and a strong commitment to preserving its heritage.

capital region capny cohoes Troy

CapNY Eats: 5 Droolworthy Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants

Updated: July 2025

The plant-based food industry has boomed in recent years with myco-protein chik’n and beet burgers that bleed, branded with names like Beyond and Impossible suggesting we’re scaling new heights.

The pandemic only sharpened growth with renewed interest in health conscious eating, efforts to reduce animal consumption (hello, meatless Mondays), and awareness of strained farm-to-table supply chains coupled with new direct-to-consumer options. Suddenly, plant-based options surged on mainstream restaurants’ simplified, post-pandemic menus and customers continue to feed the demand for meatless options when dining out.

Downstate, we’ve seen a Michelin star and James Beard award nominations for a vegan restaurant, chef and veg-driven hospitality group. Upstate, CapNY is enjoying its own share of the action with more growth in the vegan/vegetarian dining scene in two years than the last ten. And they aren’t they aren’t doing it lightly. From the growing vegan list, we’ve picked five eateries putting flavor, fermentation and local farms at the forefront of their plant-based creations.

This article is presented through a content collaboration with ACE and CapNY. Visit them on Instagram at @upstatecreative!

From Lark St. Poke to the Loft 205, sibling owners Will and Mary Phan have opened downtown spots that earn a loyal crowd. But after closing their popular college bar, LAX, during the pandemic, Will was inspired by vegan restaurant Avant Garden in Manhattan and reinvented the LAX space as a vegan restaurant, including an entirely vegan bar. Partnering with a local florist, the place has been beautifully transformed with shiny white subway tiles, leafy planters and trailing vines, and the menu offers shareable plates that won’t break the bank. From a kitchen carefully separated to avoid cross contamination with the Loft restaurant upstairs, try the sweet potato tempura sushi roll, edamame potstickers filled with a luxurious edamame puree (choose steamed or fried), stuffed avocado and bang bang cauliflower florets. All wines and spirits are vegan or organic.

Bar Vegan | 205 Lark Street | Albany | IG

Take Two picks up where much missed Shades of Green on Lark Street left off years ago. Owner Chelsea Heilman has created a gorgeous garden-inspired oasis on Schenectady’s State Street where foot traffic is high and it’s hard to miss her hand-painted sidewalk tables. An avid traveler, Heilman serves a chickpea curry, inspired by one from Iceland, along with a replica avocado-pesto-feta-walnut toast and a tofu scramble breakfast burrito with chorizo, chile, and homefries both inspired by cafes in Melbourne, Australia, and Colorado.

Among the most labor intensive ingredients is Heilman’s faux lox salmon. Carrots are given a 32-hour bath in a seaweed, soy and caper brine for umami bite – perfect to pile on a bagel with vegan cream cheese. Stop by and join an all-day crowd pouring in for sandwiches and vegan pastries. Fix your coffee as you like: A counter refrigerator is jammed with all the plant milks from oat to almond.

Take Two Cafe | 433 State Street | Schenectady | IG

Meadowlark Catering – from the team behind Wizard Burger and Burrito Burrito (Albany) and Takk House (Troy) – is now hosting their tasteful plant-based cuisine at pop-up events at the Takk House.

These Dining at Takk experiences give the owners an opportunity to craft new menus based on the most current harvest, and gives guests a taste of what they’re all about! Head to the Meadowlark website to check out details for their next experience.

Meadowlark Catering | Troy

It’s hard to overstate the craftiness behind the Wizard’s vegan creations. If you visit the Wiz on social media, you’ll find burger abominations flying off on intergalactic, space odysseys. Go in person and this purple-hued counter service spot has added a line up of boozy and non-alcoholic cocktails and an additional room in which to enjoy them surrounded with curios from plant terrariums to crystal balls.

Whether you go for lunch or happy hour, the team behind Wizard Burger has all their nighttime cravings on the menu. Get the Mumbo Jumbo – an Impossible burger topped with house chili, battered onion rings, tater tots and jalapeno-garlic crema – or a crispy chik’n Raptor, but don’t forget battered pickles on the side. Those with a sweet tooth might choose the Impossible Strawberry Snail with an Impossible patty and raspberry jelly on a glazed donut by tiny Strawberry Snail vegan bakery.

Wizard Burger | 74 N. Pearl Street | Albany l IG

Painted all the colors of a tropical island, it’s no surprise George Salter’s juice bar is an uplifting place to hang out whether you visit his Warren Street, Hudson location for an antioxidant packed smoothie or hop the Hudson river to Catskill. In Catskill, you’ll find Salter whipping up his lunch du jour, teased a day ahead on social media. It might be crisply fried oyster mushroom sandwich or plant-based Smack-n’Cheez. Sink into a barrel chair in the window, dip into a book on juicing or the benefits of tea, and Salter will hand deliver plates. Pick from more than twenty-four smoothie combos, add boosts from ginger, elderberry or MCT shots. Munch on nutella and banana or avocado toast topped with hard-boiled egg, hemp and chia or fuel up with an acai or peanut butter banana bowl. (Note: Cash or Venmo only in Catskill)

Written by: Susie Davidson Powell

albany blackownedbusiness capny catskill hudson Restaurant schenectady Troy vegan vegetarian

5 Ways to Get Around with CDTA

Updated: July 2025

Living in Upstate New York, it can seem as though you can’t make it around CapNY without a car, but that is no longer the case with the Capital District Transit Authority’s (CDTA) expansion of services. CDTA along with community partners have reimagined mobility that isn’t limited to traditional city buses.

With these new options, the region is becoming more pedestrian and eco-friendly, and this is just the beginning. Scroll down below to see some of the ways you can get around the CapNY without breaking the bank with your gas tank.

First on this list is of course the city bus. CDTA has recently streamlined the traditional routes to include faster service with Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). These routes are optimized for limited stops, faster service, more buses, and real time information at BRT stations. Depending on the location the BRT station may also include heating, which is key in these cold winter months!

For more information on routes and schedules, visit: https://www.cdta.org/brt

Looking for a way to explore CapNY without worrying about parking? Try one of CDTA’s Trolleys! The trolleys cover some of the region’s best restaurants, hotels, and performance spaces. The trolley isn’t limited to nightlife, there’s also a Greenmarket Trolley in Schenectady that connects riders to the best local produce and products. For more information on current Trolley routes, visit: https://www.cdta.org/Trolleys.

The CDTA Park and Ride program is a convenient way to get around CapNY and is ideal for commuters. How it works is that riders choose a nearby Park and Ride location and choose the bus line that will get them to their destination (here’s a list of locations throughout NY State: https://www.cdta.org/node/151). Parking is first come, first serve so early arrivals are key!

Most of the P&R locations are run by CDTA but others are located at malls or shopping centers. If you live in suburban areas and would like to get out to a metro area or would like to save on gas going and coming from work this is a way to cut time and expenses down. The Park and Ride program is year-round.

CDTA also has other fun green ways to zip around CapNY during the fall/spring/summer seasons. From April 1- November 30th you can ride a bike or an electric scooter for some variety in your daily schedule.

CDTA in collaboration with Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan (CDPHP) and Greater Glens Falls Transit (GGFT) has expanded their mobility menu to include biking! This is not only offered in Albany, Schenectady, and Troy but also in Warren County, Lake George, Queensbury, and Glens Falls.

Here’s how it works: Riders download the CDPHP Cycle! App and after registering online, they can choose whether they would like to pay as they go account or may purchase a membership. (For more information visit www.cdphpcycle.org).

Biking around CapNY is an affordable alternative to traditional ride share programs and is great for exercise. Outside of reducing your carbon footprint, it’s a great way to relearn your city through new eyes. It could also be a cute date idea!

Need to get somewhere in CapNY but don’t want to rely on the current bus schedule? Check out this other option for On-Demand Transit, When You Want It. CDTA’s FLEX+ offers convenient, on demand connections between the Joseph L. Bruno Rail Station and key downtown Albany destinations including the New York State Capitol, Albany Capital Center, Empire State Plaza, and other popular locations around the Capital Region.

View current hours, pricing and how to book here: https://www.cdta.org/flex

bike bus CDTA ecofriendly publictransportation rideshare scooter transportation

A Night at the Ballpark with the Tri-City ValleyCats

Updated: July 2025

What does summer fun look like to us? Hot dogs, beer, baseball, and good company. And this is why spending a night with our local minor league baseball team, the Tri-City ValleyCats, is the way to go.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect date night, an outdoor family experience, or a casual night out with friends, you’re going to want to get your seats at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy.

From June to September, the ValleyCats don’t only put on a show of extreme athleticism and excitement, but they bring the CapNY community together in a way that only sports can. Local pride roars through the stadium during all nine innings and this (well, along with good craft beer, ballpark food, mid-inning competitions, giveaways, and more) is the reason it makes a night at the ballpark one of the most fun and unique CapNY summer activities – EVEN if sports aren’t your thing.

At Micropolitan Matchmakers, we connect CapNY singles, so obviously we’re always on a lookout for a hot date night opportunity – especially a first date night opportunity and in our professional opinion, a baseball game has to be one of the top 5 best summer first date night options. Think about it…typically people offer to get dinner or grab drinks when they first ask someone out and what a perfect way to set you apart from the others by asking someone to be your plus one to a minor league baseball game?!

First dates are nerve-racking and there can be awkward moments of silence, but the game, the music, the array of food (vegan options!) and drink options, the people watching allow for some distraction which can ease some tension on the first date. There will always be something to talk about when you’re spectating at an event like this..plus there are some seriously funny inter-inning competitions and announcements that would help anybody loosen up.

We love this date night idea so much in fact we planned a singles mixer there in mid-August (yes you can plan all-inclusive private group events there!) and boy, did it get people minglin’ (a few couples connected and scheduled dates following the event!). Here are a few photos from our event…

We took a few of our girlfriends to a game one night and we had a blast. It was fun catching up in an energetic environment…plus, we’re all craft beer lovers and Brown’s has a special booth set up for the local beer lovers. WIN! Since the ValleyCats are such a community staple, we all ran into people we knew and got some cute IG pics.

Plus, the tickets are SO affordable, it allows you to spend money on other things offered at the stadium which support the local vendors.

Which leads us to our next point – this is a phenomenal, affordable family activity. Bring the kids out to experience the party that a night at the ballpark is! We saw kids getting their faces painted, winning free t-shirts and hats, dancing with the mascot, and simply living their best lives. Trust us, they’ll leave happy AND will likely zonk out on the way home. Doesn’t get any better than that.

See the Tri-City ValleyCats Schedule and purchase tickets here – and be sure to follow the team on FB and IG!

tricityvalleycats Troy valleycats

5 Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods and Towns In CapNY

Updated: July 2025

Do you want quiet seclusion? Bustling city life and high energy? A little of both?

While the most commonly known cities and towns – Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or Saratoga Springs—are often top of mind, there are smaller neighborhoods and towns sprinkled throughout the region with historic charm and a tangible energy brewing for what’s to come.

Neighborhoods and Towns With Fresh Energy

In CapNY, there are multiple options among these up-and-coming neighborhoods and towns to create the lifestyle you’re looking for. These places are appealing for easy access to the urban centers in the Capital Region, as well as trains and planes. They offer a range of housing options, walkability, river views and mountain highs.

Watervliet

CapNY has no shortage of cities along the Hudson River, and Watervliet is first on our list. This city is known for The Watervliet Arsenal, the oldest continuously active arsenal in the United States. Amy Zawistowski is a marketing professional who moved back to the region after working in the city. Wanting to be closer to family, she found the Arsenal City is a great place to settle down. “It’s laid out in an urban way. Where I live, Walgreens is close by, Price Chopper is walkable. I can walk to the liquor store. I lived in New York City, so I walk whenever I can,” she said.

Zawistowski first lived in other CapNY locations when she moved back to the region. Now she says the convenience of Watervliet is unmatched. “It’s very centrally located,” she said. “With the highway right here, both alternate 7 and 787, I don’t have to go out of my way to get anything.”

The cost of living is reasonable and there are many newer apartment complexes available. More apartments are underway, like The Tilley Lofts and Fenimore Trace apartments. Plus, there are plenty of multi-family homes regularly available throughout the city.

It’s All About Food

If you love food, there’s no better reason to consider this small city. “Schuyler Bakery is amazing. They have the best glazed donuts on the planet,” she said. For more square meals, there are some great options. Enjoy breakfast any time of day (or night!) at Bob’s Diner, wings and beer at the Black Bear Inn, or seafood and pasta at Deacon Blues. To work up an appetite, take a bike ride along the Mohawk Hudson trail. Watervliet has a great parking area to access the trail. Smaller pocket parks are tucked throughout the city.

Cohoes

Cohoes, nicknamed “The Spindle City” for its history as a textile mill town, is in the midst of a renaissance. In the past few years, state grant money has fueled citywide infrastructure improvements. As a result, a host of new businesses have set up along the main drag, Remsen Street, and elsewhere throughout the city. Downtown has everything you need, from great food at The Daisy Bar + Kitchen, sweets at Cake Street Sweets, and unique libations at Bye I Brewing. There’s unique gifts and pharmacy items at Marra’s Pharmacy, and close proximity to Route 9 and the Northway for travel and other needs. Young residents find the small city–population 16,000–to be friendly, lively, and affordable.

“From my neighborhood, downtown is very walkable. It was especially great pre-Covid, when they did concerts downtown. I find Cohoes to be affordable and we are growing in the business department. We have a few really good restaurants and new ones coming. As a community I find something happens the whole city seems to rally around each other. We are small enough to do that,” said resident Erin Roditi, an insurance writer. “My favorite thing to do was walk downtown on a Friday for drinks. I really like just walking around. There is also a short bike path that is especially nice in the spring and summer.”

Scotia

Scotia is just across the river from Schenectady, and this little village has all you need. The main street, Mohawk Avenue, has a family owned grocery store, a locally owned movie theater, a coffee shop (Storied Coffee), a taproom, and more. “We have a lot of great little shops and things that make us unique. We have great restaurants. It’s a nice little walk going down Mohawk Avenue,” said Cathy Gatta, a Scotia resident who frequently works with the downtown business improvement district.

The village has been noticed for its charm by some key players, too. Gabriel’s Supermarket was recently used as a filming location for Amazon Prime’s Modern Love series. Locally owned businesses with great selections are a big draw of the village, she said. “You hardly need to leave Mohawk Avenue to get everything you need,” she said. “It’s walkable, you go to dinner, a movie, get a coffee. It’s a nice night.”

The Scotia Cinema is known for its affordable prices and old-time feel. You can see a movie there for just a few bucks (yes, really). “I can take my family to the movies for about $25, that includes soda and popcorn!” Gatta said. Scotia is home to Collins Park and Jumpin’ Jacks’ Drive In, which offers great food and free concerts, fireworks, and other entertainment in the summer months. There are many options for living spaces as well. There’s luxury apartments, like Scotia Manor, with accessibility to all businesses on Mohawk Avenue and the neighborhoods offer a fantastic community feel too.

Round Lake

The village of Round Lake is a step back in time. The Victorian-style homes are often referred to as “gingerbread houses” for their quirky design elements. The homes are close together and many families have lived there for generations. Younger folks are also moving in, especially those interested in an older home in a unique setting. The village has a library, post office, restaurants, and other businesses, and no big box retail or commercial development. “I liken Round Lake to a tiny city. The houses are close together. There are no high rises, no one is tucked away,” said resident Kim Sheridan. “The village of Round Lake has a quality that I haven’t seen or experienced before in my lifetime.”

A Patchwork Community

Sheridan left New York City in search of a slower pace of life. It’s been a great place to grow closer to her family, enjoy a balanced life creating her crafts, and slowing down overall. “I really believe the proximity of the houses is integral to the way the residents interact. I sort of liken the village to a giant quilt with many pieces stitched together. Many families go back generations,” she said. “New families come in and they become part of the quilt. We’re supporting each other, we’re very tight knit in that way.”

The lake itself is a popular place for recreation in the winter and summer. The Zim Smith trail has an entrance right in the village. “It’s a thoroughfare now. I see bikers, snowmobilers, it’s just out my window. Having proximity to nature is really nice,” said Sheridan. “People are out there all winter playing hockey. There are ice huts. And a lot of kayaks in the summer.” Bikers and runners are drawn to the 8.9 mile trail. Visitors often stop at Leah’s Cakery, a bakery that’s also something of a community hub. Round Lake, and much of Saratoga County has a real estate market with reasonably priced homes that you can make your own.

Glens Falls

If you’re looking to live near nature, the arts, and great eats, Glens Falls is the place. It’s about 40 minutes from Albany and only 20 from Saratoga Springs, and there’s plenty to do in the bustling downtown. This northern city sits on the edge of the Adirondack Park, making it easy to take day trips to complete your list of climbing all 46 High Peaks. Glens Falls is just a few miles from Lake George, Lake Luzerne, and other bodies of water for summer fun.

Downtown has plenty of cool restaurants and shops. A few years back, two brothers-in-law launched Mean Max Brew Works after several years of home brewing. The brewery and taproom has a massive emphasis on community. Though Mean Max doesn’t have a kitchen, they do encourage people to take out from any of the nearby restaurants then grab a drink and a seat.

“Glens Falls is a great community. People are supportive of local, small businesses and value independent shops, restaurants, and taprooms! We love being close to the Adirondacks and all the outdoor adventures they offer,” said Jill Walls of Mean Max. “Importantly, it’s a small city but it has museums, theaters and other cultural opportunities that make it a perfect fit for us. In the era of COVID, we have been blessed by the support of our customers and partnering with local restaurants to create unique partnerships to help each other keep the doors open.”

The arts scene in Glens Falls is a draw. There are great spaces like the Hyde Collection, which features work from, Rembrandt, Rubens, Degas, Renoir, Picasso, and Homer. Glens Falls is home to the Adirondack Theatre Festival.

With state money invested into the city, the best is yet to come. The city was the recipient of a $10 million grant through the NY State Downtown Revitalization Initiative which will focus on rehabbing buildings for housing, supporting the arts, and improving connections to trails. The website Budget Travel ranked Glens Falls as one of the top 10 “Coolest Small Towns in America.” Without question, cost of living is reasonable in this north country city.

Historic Neighborhood up-and-coming

Moving Upstate: Miami Transplant Tony Quezada

Tony Quezada moved from Miami to Latham in 2017, to be with his fiancee, Chelsea. He’s now found a job he loves — he is an Associate at Ayco, a division of Goldman Sachs — but he arrived here without much knowledge of the region, or a clear path or plan.

Though Tony’s fiancee was the guiding reason for his move to the region, he soon saw how good his new life would be here. He was ready for a change from crowded South Florida, and was glad to learn that amazing opportunities do exist here.

Here, in his own words, are some things he wished he had known before moving to CapNY…

I was born in New York City and lived there for a year and a half before my family relocated to Miami. For the most part, everything I knew was the tropical climate, where the seasons don’t exist. Here, the seasons are real and authentic.

I’ve developed a true appreciation for nature. Living in the Capital Region allows me to participate in a spectrum of outdoor activities, particularly cold weather outings. I love being active, so I took up skiing in the winter as well as attending ice bars. I look forward to spring for gardening, something I was not into while living in Miami. Whenever possible, spring/summer/fall, I spend hours playing on my hoop. I hike a few mountain peaks in the summer and fall. I’ve also camped a few times in the Adirondacks during the summer and fall. I attend concerts at SPAC and go to Saratoga Race Track. I look forward to Oktoberfest and Chowder Fests in the fall and winter seasons.

This place is incredibly diverse. There are opportunities to learn about different cultures from around the world. I’ve found connections and favorites through food, museums, or cultural community events and groups.

Here’s my list of favorites:

I’ve joyfully celebrated my Hispanic heritage at a Hispanic Heritage Month concert at the Egg in the Empire State Plaza.
I attended a Polish festival and was ecstatic to be introduced to perogies and Polish Kielbasa.
I now celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Boy do the Irish know how to celebrate!
The 9/11 exhibit at New York State Museum is breathtaking.
As for food, Mosu in Albany is a recent favorite, with their unique Korean BBQ dining style.
Toro, next door, shares a wall with Mosu and nearly perfects Mexican cuisine.
El Mariachi is a delicious hole-in-the-wall Mexican spot in Albany with a quaint, homey ambiance.
This local Italian food scene is nothing like I have ever experienced before. It will never get old for me. A few restaurants that quickly come to mind are: Augie’s in Ballston Spa, Anthony’s in Cohoes, D’Raymonds and Lanie’s in Loudonville.
Pizza: Defazio’s, hands down the best I have ever had.
Druthers in Albany and Innovo Kitchen in Latham are my go-to American-fusion/comfort cuisine.
Rockin’ on the River during the summertime in Troy is an awesome weekly activity.
I saw the Broadway musical ‘Get On Your Feet’ at Proctors in Schenectady.
The Sagamore Ice Bar in Lake George neatly combines art with functionality.

The salary-to-cost of living ratio is a key comparison factor here. The Miami economy is dominated by lower-wage tourism and hospitality. This leads to a lower living wage overall. It’s no surprise the average, working-class individual experiences a range of financial difficulties. From purchasing a home to achieving financial independence and freedom, it’s harder in Miami.

The Capital Region’s lower cost of living and higher living wage was conducive to me improving my financial situation, making home ownership a short-term reality. As a result, I did not sacrifice my standard of living nor quality of life. I was still able to indulge in restaurant delicacies and consume material goods at my desire. And I could have all of this with less of an impact on my cashflow.

The opportunities for me from a career and personal standpoint in the Capital Region, I learned about after moving upstate. For example, several fortune 500 companies have offices in CapNY: GE, Bank of America, IBM, Goldman Sachs, 3M, Northwestern Mutual, Time Warner Cable, Xerox, Applied Materials, AJ Gallagher, Citizen’s Financial, and Regeneron.

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.

Affordability Culture Diversity

10 Reasons We Love Being Single in CapNY

Becky Daniels of Albany, 34, and Gabby Fisher of Schenectady, 28, are two single, boss women who ROCK – and love being single.

Now, they want to share with you why they living in and experiencing CapNY solo. They’re not the only ones who think this place is perfect for free spirits…

Insurantly ranked the Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metro the nation’s 7th Best City for Single Millennials.

It’s nice to have our 10 reasons we love being single in the Capital Region confirmed by researchers! With over 71% of millennials in CapNY living single – whether you love ridin’ solo or are looking for a partner, this is the place to be.

I am a near life-long resident of the Capital Region, growing up in Schenectady but recently moving to Downtown Albany. Here, I have built an incredible life living and loving in the 518. And the dating scene is great. However, being single is pretty wonderful, too. I take great care of my furchild, Izzie, even if I struggle to keep plants alive. So whether you’re looking for love — or are happier solo — here are just a few of my reasons being single in #CapNY can be awesome:

When I moved back after graduate school, I was lucky to have a great group of friends from high school to come back to. But I still wanted to expand my professional circle, find a mentor… and maybe some potential dates. There are so many ways to build a network. I found my people through joining the Palette Cafe Community and Junior League of Albany, attending events with our awesome local chambers and young professionals groups. Volunteering with community organizations including the local St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital team, New Leaders Council, and Capital Region Sponsor a Scholar also helped.

There are so many ways to feed your passion for making our community a better place. Whatever causes you might be interested in supporting, you can find it all here. Living in a community with such a vibrant nonprofit scene means that there are always an abundance of opportunities to lend your talents and treasures to worthy causes. For example, serving on nonprofit boards can be a rewarding way to enhance your own skills and experiences while meeting new people and making positive change in the world. As a current board member for the Schenectady City School District Education Foundation, I support our fundraising events, help distribute grant money to teachers and work with the other board members to guide the organization and make the biggest impact possible on the teachers and students we serve.

I’ve rented, I’ve owned and I’ve even crashed with my parents for a month or two in between (spoiler: it wasn’t that bad!). I’ve recently returned to renting and love living in such a wonderful, vibrant downtown. Moral of the story? There are an abundance of affordable housing options in CapNY for a happy-being-single person.

Whatever living situation you’re looking for, it’s here. And, while moving can certainly be stressful, it’s fun to be able to try out different situations to see what suits you best before you take a leap and settle down in a more permanent situation (if that’s what your goal is).

There are tons of ways to have fun and learn something new at the same time! As an added bonus, dorking out over something you enjoy is a great way to meet new friends and potential dates with similar interests!

Here are some favorites that I’ve tried or come highly recommended by friends:

Education institutions
Health & wellness organizations
Nonprofits that offer free and low-cost training on a variety of topics
Local historical societies that host tours and workshops throughout the year (the haunted ones around Halloween are the BEST!)

It’s pretty hard to be bored in CapNY! When I’m feeling outdoorsy, I love going for a run or walk on one of the waterfront bike trails. For a fancier mood, there are some incredible places to get a little dressed up and enjoy great food and service. I also absolutely love live music and comedy and there is no shortage of that here.

I recommend keeping an eye on the Funny Bone in Albany, to catch some pretty big names and local comedy talent. Open Mic Nights at the Comedy Works in Saratoga are also always a good time! For live music – the free shows in the summer at places like Mohawk Harbor, Central Park and Freedom Park in Schenectady and Empire State Plaza in Albany are always fun. And for a bigger night out, SPAC is always a favorite! Want to try something new? Some of my favorite new activities include ziplining and axe-throwing — which are both super fun with just friends or a date.

Ah, to be single in CapNY… I love this place and I think it’s an especially dope place to be single. I was in a relationship all of high school and college. When that relationship ended, I moved back to Albany, where I was born and raised – and found a new love for this place and the people in it. My relationship with myself, and this region, is blossoming every day. It was difficult to narrow down the list, but here are my 5 reasons I love being single in CapNY.

In October 2020, I bought a multi-family home in Schenectady. The fact that I can afford to buy this place as a single woman is huge. I love being single and living on my own. Plus, I live within a mile of two bustling downtown areas – restaurants, bars, boutiques…whether I feel like riding my bike to grab a bite by myself or meeting friends, the location is perfect.

An influx of interesting, ambitious people are moving to CapNY from all over in crazy numbers! I swear I meet a CapNY transplant, someone who has moved to CapNY from another place, at least once a week. It makes for a dynamic, diverse community. People of all backgrounds are here for many different reasons and it’s one of the things that make this place great.

From homemade dinner on a farm, to renting Kayaks on the Mohawk River, to grabbing a local beer at a dive bar, there is never a shortage of first-date spots. Trust me, you’ll never have to take your new Bumble date to the place you took your last Bumble date!

I’ve lived in three cities in CapNY in my lifetime – Albany, Troy, and Schenectady. Each city has a distinct vibe, a unique character, and different communities of people. I hear from some friends, especially single friends, who live in other cities that they’re “over” living where they are. They’ve felt they’ve experienced all there is to experience in their current city and are ready for a new adventure being single in a new city. I’ve traveled to places all over the world and I’ve never felt that way about CapNY. If I ever get bored of Schenectady (highly doubtful), or feel like I need a different vibe, I’ll just move to a different city or town within CapNY.

Okay, going to get a little sappy on this one…I was born and raised in CapNY. My entire family lives here and has lived here for generations. Being single isn’t equivalent to being lonely. In fact, quite the opposite. I’m surrounded by loved ones who I can always count on to make me feel loved and at home. I can’t imagine living – or loving being single – anywhere else in the world.

Becky Daniels of Albany, 34, and Gabby Fisher of Schenectady, 28, are two boss women who ROCK being single. Now, they want to share with you why they love living and experiencing CapNY solo.

Individuality Single

Advice on CapNY’s Hot Market, From 3 First-Time Home Buyers

Many CapNY millennials are finding great single family properties with mortgage payments that are lower than what they were paying in rent. However, with low inventories and fast sales, there can be significant challenges for first-time buyers.

Let’s dive into three recent success stories from across the region.

CapNY’s first-time home buyers face many challenges and a significant learning curve! Three recent home buyers offer their tips for navigating this hot market with less stress and more success.

Laura Kipper, 26 year-old owner of Kipper Consulting, and her husband, Nick Cocilova, 27 year-old supervisor for biotech production at Regeneron, were living in a 2-bedroom apartment on Washington Park in downtown Troy. They loved the location, but it came with a steep $1400/month rent. “Plus, we adopted a dog and knew we wanted more land for her,” explained Laura. The couple now has a total of 3 dogs and 2 cats. “The idea of building equity in our own home rather than paying rent just made sense to us. We wanted a starter place that we could fix up and make money on. And, we wanted to stay in Troy.”

“Interest rates have never been lower, which is great,” Laura said. However, the downside is “the market is absolutely insane. Houses are flying off the market in a day or two because inventory is so low.” They were outbid several times. Laura recommends looking for advantages like being more diligent during winter months, when it’s typically slower. “There is definitely a feeling of pressure to put offers in even if the house isn’t perfect. But it’s really important to be patient and wait for the right house for YOU.”

For 28-year-old first-time home buyer Megan Lee, a field support representative for IDEXX, the process of buying a home was relatively smooth. “I had started the process earlier this year. I moved back to New York after living in Mystic, CT,” she explained. It was an easy decision. “If I was going to put money into where I live, I’d prefer it be mine at the end of the day,” Megan said.

“While looking at homes, I saw they were coming off the market so quickly, at times even within hours,” said Megan. “It’s a seller’s market. And it was hard not to be disappointed.” She narrowed her search to Colonie and Malta, because she felt they offered lower taxes. Megan lucked out when a house right across the street from her childhood home in Colonie became available. She introduced herself to the owner and, “it was a quick meeting. We agreed on a price, and it was a pretty smooth process from there.”

They handled it as a private sale. “The process was very straight forward,” explained Megan “My house is close to everything, including family, friends, and coworkers. I could not be happier with my decision now that I am in my home!”

“Before my home purchase, I was living in a one bedroom apartment, paying $1100 a month,” said Tatiana Monet, the 25-year-old Founder of Home Aesthetic and Real Estate Investor. After her boyfriend Tayvon Taylor moved in, they decided it would be more practical to look for a home. “I think people don’t realize how possible it is to buy a home,” explained Tatiana. “Everyone thinks you have to have $100,000 in the bank. That’s not the case at all.”

She ended up going to a lender out of curiosity to see what she would be approved for. “We got approved for $250,000, which was interesting because at the time I only made $13.50 an hour. That just shows how easy and affordable it is,” explained Tatiana.

Houses were selling very quickly, and she kept being outbid on houses she really liked. “On a random day, my boyfriend found a house online that we both loved. We ended up getting it for way below asking price.” According to Tatiana, you have to act fast with those unique opportunities. The previous owner had passed away, and his family wanted to just sell the property quickly, for cash.

“At the moment, there are not many homes on the market, and the ones that are for sale are extremely competitive,” said Tatiana. “You have to be ready to act quickly.”

As a real estate agent, Tatiana has seen just how hot the market is. “I had a client that wanted a home, and we went to put a bid in on it. There were 72 people that already viewed the house. 50 of them put in an offer.” Tatiana’s advice to a first-time home buyer in CapNY would be to get a fixer-upper. “Even if you’re not savvy, you could buy a house that’s $100,000. Then you put in $20,000 worth of contract work to get the aesthetic you want, you can live in it. Or resell it at a profit.” She sees so many people moving from New York City amazed by CapNY’s affordability. “I had someone paying $1,400 for a tiny studio in NYC, and, here, $1,400 will get you a luxury apartment or a home,” explained Tatiana.

“This area has beautiful historic homes with great bones for great prices. I think a lot of millennials and Gen Zs are nervous. They don’t want to blow their entire savings on an expensive home. The median range is somewhere around $150,000 in most areas, for a three bed, two bath!” A bit of imagination can go a long way, she says, “so [first-time home buyers should] look for the possibilities that a renovation could bring.”

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.

Fixer-Upper Home Owners Housing

5 Millennials On Buying Investment Properties

Many Millennials and Gen Zs are looking for varied revenue and income streams that can help them ride out downturns.

The five people in this article believe that investment properties in CapNY are the right financial right move for them.

Read on for their insight and advice! We got some advice from 5 CapNY millennials on buying investment properties. They shared their experiences on acquiring properties, living and working as landlords, along with many pros and a few cons.

Steve Luttman, 34, is a real estate broker and owner of SJ Lincoln Realty – and, he’s an owner of his own investment properties. “Clients often aren’t aware that many loan products allow first time home buyers to purchase of multifamily buildings,” Steve explained. Meaning, you can receive the benefits of a low down payment mortgage with the added benefit of rental income. In a nutshell: you make money off your property investment. Additionally, “income from the rented units can help you get approval for a mortgage,” Steve said. “In my opinion, being a landlord is the best side hustle out there,” he said.

Over a beer one day, cousins Abel Burgos, a 33-year-old cyber security network engineer, and Dâvid Burgos, a 28-year-old physical therapist, began talking about early retirement plans. This soon led them to purchase two investment properties, both of which they’re already seeing a return on. The first one — a beautiful, three apartment brick building — is in downtown Albany, off of Lark Street. “Currently I live in the house. When we close on the next property, I’m going to live in that one,” Abel said. The new building has four levels, and each apartment has two floors. They’ve managed to find good tenants using a credit check, background check, and application process.

Gabby Fisher is a 28-year-old entrepreneur who is also the senior producer on the CapNY Initiative. Her investment property consists of three apartments, one of which she lives in herself. “In October, I purchased my multi-family property in downtown Schenectady.” The process “felt like a part-time job, especially as a first-time buyer,” explained Gabby. “I was counting on my realtor to guide me throughout the process. But, I also did a lot of research on my own.”

Gabby knew what was important to her: a thriving, walkable downtown, and an older home with a lot of character. “Schenectady stood out to me because you can get so much bang for your buck,” she explained. “I bought a beautiful three-unit home, with a backyard, a huge shed, multiple porches/deck, a driveway!” she exclaimed. “CapNY has so much potential. I believe property values here are going to be going up and up due to this renaissance,” Gabby said. Recently, Realtor.com ranked Schenectady 4th on its list of best cities for first time home buyers! Gabby couldn’t agree more. Gabby admits it’s a ton of responsibility. “If something goes wrong – a pipe or water heater blows, etc., it’s on me. I take on a lot of risk as a homeowner, but it’s worth it.” She plans to invest in additional homes in the near future.

32-year-old accountant Alexander Bodensieck purchased a rental property in Ballston Spa. He used to live in one of the apartments, until he and his wife moved to Glens Falls. They are now managing the apartments. Compared to apartment living, he said, “Owning is a little cheaper,” but admits it’s much more time consuming and stressful. “There are certainly pros and cons of homeownership,” he continued.

“I talked with mortgage brokers that didn’t know the rules on Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which was something I wanted to avoid.” (Note: Click here to learn more about PMI / Private Mortgage Insurance here.) Alex said he saved a lot of money for closing costs, but needed more for updates and repairs after purchasing the property. He would advise making sure you have a decent financial buffer for millennials buying investment properties (or the ability to obtain credit) after purchasing a house, to prepare yourself for unexpected costs.

Jess is a journalist and photographer with a focus on food, travel, and entertainment. She’s written for over 10 different local publications in New York State, in addition to the Huffington Post, Cosmopolitan, AAA Northeast, Eater, Dame Traveler, Food52, Insider, Wine Enthusiast, Kitchn, AAA World Magazine, Thrillist, and more. Follow her adventures on Instagram @Adventures.Are.Waiting.

affordable homes albany ballston spa gabby fisher home owner realty rental properties schenectady

Category: Affordability

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