All Over Albany

everything. center square is kind of a big deal.

... said karen. on Mar 24, 2011 at 10:36 AM | link

Schaghticoke Fair!!!

... said Dnachick on Mar 24, 2011 at 10:37 AM | link

My neighborhood is just south of the former Burden Iron Works water wheel. It's fairly apparent looking at the layout of the neighborhood the hierarchy of the plant. Mid-sized houses reside close to the wheel. I envision these being for the engineers and professionals. My street is “Mechanic St”, another clue. Further away are the hundreds of row houses making up South Troy. You can imagine the workers walking to work each morning. Even farther afield are the gorgeous houses on Pawling Ave, nice for the execs with their carriages. I also talked to a former member of the old Presbyterian church, now the CAC, and he said the church was basically built for the Iron workers in that neighborhood. How cool!!

... said Jessica R on Mar 24, 2011 at 10:51 AM | link

The most interesting thing about my neighborhood-Centersquare is the Washington Park Dog park where everyone knows everyones dogs name.

... said 518boy on Mar 24, 2011 at 10:53 AM | link

Within walking distance (some longer than others) of my house:

-a world class bakery
-the oldest horse track in the US
-two really solid pubs
-two excellent pizza places
-a finalist for AOAs pizza wars
-Jazz Fest
-Wine, Food, and Fall Ferrari Festival

... said AddiesDad on Mar 24, 2011 at 10:56 AM | link

Tons of loud neighbors.

... said Jeremy on Mar 24, 2011 at 10:57 AM | link

Peebles Island!

PS: I have wanted to try their Blueberry Maple Chicken Littles ever since I saw them on Unwrapped.

... said Miss Ida on Mar 24, 2011 at 10:57 AM | link

Ohhh, I'm right across the river from Cohoes & love the view from either side!

... said Kathleen on Mar 24, 2011 at 10:58 AM | link

The Pine Bush

... said Laura on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:00 AM | link

My neighborhood's proximity to Troy is pretty amazing.

... said derryX on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:02 AM | link

*The Pioneer Food Market/Troy Food Co-op is around the corner. *My bedroom window view is the architecturally fabulous Rensselaer County Couthouse.
*Russell Sage Commons is where I can play with my dogs
*The Ruck has amazing beers on tap
*Troy Farmers Market

... said Theresa on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:03 AM | link

My neighborhood is great because it is so walkable. Tree lined streets with sushi, bakeries, and bars just a quick walk away.

... said pearl on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:03 AM | link

The most interesting thing about my neighborhood is the wildlife. We live in a small town in Rensselaer so there isn't much of anything man-made nearby. There is a gun club, a church and a lumber mill within a mile of my house, but those are far less interesting to me than the critters that pass through, under and over our neighborhood. Right now I'm waiting to hear the Spring peepers, my definitive sign that Spring has returned.

... said Rhea Tannenbaum on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:05 AM | link

Hmm... well I live in a big apartmetn complex... the most interesting thing is the noises coming from my neighbor's apartment... but... that's another story.

... said Diana on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:06 AM | link

Interesting New Cafe in my neighborhood with yummy Mediterranean inspired food: Albany Sunspot on the corner of Quail and Elberon.

... said Laura on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:07 AM | link

I think the gas station on Henry Johnson Blvd (near the entrance ramp to Rt 9 and I90) always has something interesting going on there.

... said Marcie on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:10 AM | link

I live on the rural edge of the city of Albany. I can be both a country mouse and a city mouse, best of both worlds.

... said chrisck on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:10 AM | link

In the spirit of processed meats being the featured giveaway of this post, my neighborhood often smells like them thanks to the proximity of Old World Provisions.

... said Kiera on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:10 AM | link

how quiet a part of Albany can be!

... said Moe on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:16 AM | link

Currently, I'm living in Saratoga and I would have to say the most interesting thing about our neighborhood is how every house on our block has a barn in the back of it. In the 1800's, the barns were used to keep the horses but now in 2011, people have converted them to garages. It's still cool to walk down the street and imagine what it was like back then though. Instead of seeing your neighbor change his/her oil in 2011, in the 1800's, you could see your neighbor brush his/her horse!

... said Alex on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:17 AM | link

Right in my neighborhood, not too much :(. I live near RPI. But I can always go to downtown Troy and its coffee shops :)

... said Camilo Jimenez on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:21 AM | link

I LOVE Bilinski's!

Stuff that's interesting about my neighborhood...

The weekend farmers markets (Proctor's in Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga, the smaller-but-dog-friendly market in the Crossings), the parks, free music in the nice weather (Alive at Five, Freedom Park, etc.), the restaurants and stores (too many to name...) there's tons of stuff to do in the area if you look.

... said Kat on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:22 AM | link

There's a house in a fairly-expensive neighborhood nearby that keeps an 8-foot statue of "Bob's Big Boy" in the front yard garden. Yup, he's holding up a burger on a plate, too.

... said Bob on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:22 AM | link

@Kathleen - I'm right across the river from Cohoes too! The question is... which river? Mine's the Mohawk.

What's interesting about my neighborhood? The houses aren't row houses, but they might as well be with how close together they are... and the other side of the road from my house drops directly into the Mohawk 40 feet below.

... said Slacker on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:23 AM | link

Peeble's Island (for where I live right now). But I grew up in Troy which is the home of Uncle Sam and has the largest Flag Day parade in the nation.

... said Bethany on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:29 AM | link

tons of awesome neighbors, walking distance to sake cafe, the fountain, cardona's, the spectrum, new world, wine n' dine, and many other restaurants, on a bus line, with great green spaces

... said jalarson on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:30 AM | link

I live in Wynantskill, and there are some great things about this little known village:
Walkable to grocery store, butcher, library, Okinawa.
Wonderful K-8 school! And high school choice!
We have a town beach - Snyder's Lake is minutes away.
Just minutes (by car) to Pioneer market/Troy Farmers Market.
Friendly and helpful neighbors.
All that, and low taxes.

... said sara on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:32 AM | link

That although I'm so close to Troy, Albany and Schenectady, just up the road from Watervliet, I still live an an area where I regularly have a herd of deer in my backyard as well as the occasional coyote and other assorted wildlife.

... said llcwine on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:35 AM | link

being so close to Honest Weight Food Co-Op

... said Olivia on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:35 AM | link

My neighborhood is interesting because of the characters I always see walking the busy road I live on - the bearded 20-something who twirls a cane as he strolls up Route 4, the mysterious guy I went to high school with who walks the roads of E.G. all day, no matter the weather (he's even been hit by cars a couple times), the old man in the yellow rain slicker and hat who looks like he's looking for a place to fish as he weaves in front of traffic, the big guy with a heart on the back of his shirt going for a jog each morning as I drive into work (I cheer him on in my head), and so on.

... said Meagan on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:37 AM | link

Thacher Park.

... said Ben on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:37 AM | link

Absolutely it is the Pine Bush. I love, love, LOVE the Pine Bush.

... said Bob W. on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:39 AM | link

I really can't say enough how much I love my neighborhood. I live in the adorable village of Scotia, and truly love the charm of the local businesses (including J Watt's Barista House!), the small grocery market and history-holding library, extra friendly neighbors who nurture a brilliant sense of community and of course, Jumpin Jacks (it really can't be warm out soon enough, if you ask me! I'm ready for some evenings on the river!)

... said Heather on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:41 AM | link

Something interesting in Schaghticoke, other than the fair...
Hemstreet Road (named after Brigadier General Stanley W. Hemstreet), is a little country road in the small town of Schaghticoke. Dominated on one end by the Hemstreet Farm, the road still possesses stretches of beautiful open fields untouched by development. Over the course of Hemstreet's career, he flew the F-47 Thunderbolt, F-51 Mustang fighters, the C-47, the C-97 transports, the T-33 jet trainer, the F-80 and F-86 fighter jets, to name a few. Everyday, as I drive back and forth on that road, I pass a stretch of field that I've read was used back in the 50's as his own personal landing strip. When he passed away in 2008, the 109th Division did a flyover up our road in a C-130, in his honor.

... said donna on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:43 AM | link

Quiet solitude, the pond, an aviary-like deluge of birds atwitter at dawn and dusk, bunnies and not a college student in sight...ever - all in the Albany city limits.

... said -R on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:43 AM | link

I live in the best neighborhood in Albany. I have a little under an acre, with a huge backyard that backs up to about a quarter mile of woods bordering Route 85.

The street itself is a dead end that gets virtually no traffic. Kids and dogs run around unchained and the neighbors are all very friendly. In the summer it has the feel of a campsite and several people have regular backyard campfires. You know what goes well with those campfires? Delicious Belinski sausage.

Also, I live within walking distance to Capital Hills, and in the winter it's the best dog park in the area. Maybe the world.

... said Adam on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:44 AM | link

i live in a brewery thats been redone into apartments. the building is beautiful (not managed well - but awesome inside). it is big and there are lots of different people that live there. i wish we were more of a community - but it is still a cool place to live.

... said nic on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:44 AM | link

I love that Colonie FD brings Santa & the Easter bunny through our neighborhood. It's fun for the kids.

... said Kari on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:45 AM | link

The Lark Tavern

... said MattW on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:51 AM | link

Vishcer Ferry Nature Preserve, nice place for a long walk!

... said Nancy on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:53 AM | link

Live near the uptown SUNY Campus, and spend a lot of time walking around, seeing a ton of garbage all over the ground. Lots of Arizona iced teas, 4 Hour energy drinks, and 2 brands of cigarette packs. Why so specific, SUNY students?

... said Gabby on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:57 AM | link

Interesting, or AWESOME? Either way, I'ma go with Bombers!

... said rshep on Mar 24, 2011 at 11:58 AM | link

I hear so much drunk singing. Drunk singing makes me happy. And it makes the public urination and vomiting more tolerable.

... said meierrain on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:00 PM | link

Despite living in suburban hell (Clifton Park), there are some great local restaurants: Jonesville Country Store, Pasta Pane, Zaika, Sushi Thai and Blue Spice to name only a few. There's also a great little used bookshop - East Line Books - that hosts some great community events.

There's plenty more, too, if your just willing to look.

... said Jay on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:02 PM | link

The best pizza in Albany is right here in my neighborhood at the Hill Street Cafe....If kids are visiting, we have the State Museum, where you can go on the merry-go-round inside...and wander into the Native American longhouse. You can walk to a Roches concert at the Egg....get your car fixed at Miller's...and this time of year, it's a short walk up to Washington Park to visit the tree (maybe it's the right one) where you read Catcher in the Rye one sunny afternoon 20 years ago. The Mansion Neighborhood rocks!

... said Karen on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:06 PM | link

I loive in the Stockade section of Schenectady and couldn't love it more - friendly neighbors; beautiful, historic buildings; a lovely riverside park and an easy walk to downtown.

... said meg944 on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:07 PM | link

Hearing the sound of people mowing their lawns. You never realise how much you missed having a yard until you have one again.

... said Jesse on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:12 PM | link

I live in Albany's Campus neighborhood, and while I dislike almost everything about the State Office Building Campus, I like how it serves as a track for runners and cyclists in the evenings and on the weekends.

... said Rohan on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:13 PM | link

The big old church on Green St... too bad it's deteriorating.

... said Shannon on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:15 PM | link

I'm stuck out in the suburbs, (V-ville, represent!), but I kind of love it. I can wander around at 3 in the morning without seeing a car or another human being. Indian Ladder farms is like 5 minutes away, and you can go there and eat apple cider donuts all year 'round without ever waiting in line. Thacher Park is similarly a five minute drive, so you can to watch the sunrise and then head over to Jake Moon for some homemade toast and marmalade. All in all it's kind of a boring place, but oh so comfortable.

... said M. on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:17 PM | link

how fast and and often the little kids can ride their bikes around the neighborhood "circle" cul de sac and still seen excited about it each and every time....

... said Beth on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:18 PM | link

Local Pub...great food and plenty of craft brews.

... said Chad on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:23 PM | link

This winter specifically, I have really loved my neighborhood's proximity to the state office and U Albany campuses which have provided safe (somewhat) snow-free places to run outside!
I also love its proximity to Albany's Montessori Magnet School, which my daughter attends. Yay for neighborhood preference in the magnet lottery!

... said jillya on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:24 PM | link

My neighborhood is filled with SHAMs and retirees so everyone always feels protected. Granted, sometimes too protected. Five or so years ago I was donating several pieces of furniture to TAUMs (Troy Area United Ministries) and had everything out in my carport because the guys were coming while I was at work.
When they arrived (in their marked truck) my neighbor thought they were stealing. She chased them away with a broom and I had to have them come back the next day when I was home.
A little nutty, sure, but certainly neighborly.

... said Kristi on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:25 PM | link

A railroad used to run right next to my apartment, so that is why Kennedy's is build with a diagonal wall! Everyone is friendly! You can walk to just about anything and it was great fun to watch the neighborhood kids all lined up this winter to ride down this one huge snow bank accross the street. The ride was only about 2 seconds long, but they seemed to really enjoy it!

... said Renata on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:29 PM | link

I also live in a big apartment complex, so don't have much of a neighborhood, per se - I guess what's interesting is that everyone there is a mystery. I know nothing about anyone who lives there. They're all kind of weird and a little wacky (which I suppose would make me, by affiliation, the same) but no one talks to anyone there. So my neighboorhood is...insulated? I guess?

... said Amy on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:51 PM | link

My neighborhood is interesting because there is a real mix of people who live there, as well as the stores. We've got Art on Lark, Larkfest, drunk college kids, young professionals hitting up burrito buffets, and new Asian restaurants popping up. Great stuff.

... said Chris on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:54 PM | link

You can always find interesting gifts at Elissa Halloran's store!

http://www.ehdesigns.com

... said Leigh on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:54 PM | link

The Hudson River Coffee House and Sunspot Cafe are helping bring good stuff to my neighborhood despite the recent negative publicity kegs and eggs has brought it. Most time I like the energy the students bring to my neighborhood but I always love how quiet and beautiful it is in the summer time.

... said AlbanyJen on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:58 PM | link

The shiny new library, hardware store, italian delis, grocery stores, thrift store, stewart's and many bars/restaurants within a stroll of my Delaware Ave apartment.

All the benefits help me ignore the HORROR that the melting snow has revealed... I mean come on people... diapers!?

... said Emily on Mar 24, 2011 at 12:59 PM | link

the diversity and washington park

... said yeehaw on Mar 24, 2011 at 1:04 PM | link

Helderberg neighborhood is amazing. Friendly neighbors, community pride and it's walking distance to Tap &Tea Room, The Fountain, Graneys and Sake Cafe.

... said Bert-Bert on Mar 24, 2011 at 1:06 PM | link

My neighborhood is interesting because while I live in Schenectady, our home is right on the line of Niskayuna. We live right next to Lexington Parkway (the part that runs between Nott St. and Balltown Rd.) There are always people walking their dogs, riding their bikes, walking or jogging, etc. It is a beautiful neighborhood and so enjoyable to spend time in outside during the spring/summer/fall. It's also nice being so close to the Niskayuna Coop, where the do sell Billinski's!

... said xina on Mar 24, 2011 at 1:13 PM | link

In my part of Clifton Park, it's the geese. Honk, honk! :)

... said KB @ Home-Baked Happiness on Mar 24, 2011 at 1:19 PM | link

the most interesting thing about my neighborhood is how the culture and sensation of each street has its own distinction. I've moved just 2 blocks down (from willett to dove) in the past year, and there is just a whole new vibe, and i really like that.

also, growing up in a jersey suburb just outside of NYC and then attending college in west NY, I love how downtown Albany captures a great balance between the two.

... said brs on Mar 24, 2011 at 1:25 PM | link

Diversity and walkability.

... said Joe on Mar 24, 2011 at 1:30 PM | link

Lincoln Park gets a bad rap but is really lovely, great for walking or lying on the grass - never crowded. Andy and Sons deli has really awesome sandwiches.

... said Sarah on Mar 24, 2011 at 1:41 PM | link

During the summer, my neighbor around the corner collects nick knacks he finds in the road & creates art with it.. then he displays the finished pieces out front of his house for everyone to admire.

... said Arielle on Mar 24, 2011 at 1:54 PM | link

Hudson/Park: Basically Center Square but at a much more reasonable price ;)

... said Paul on Mar 24, 2011 at 1:55 PM | link

Interesting? How someone managed to throw a bucket into the tree in my front yard.

... said Erin on Mar 24, 2011 at 2:11 PM | link

The characters who live in my Center Square neighborhood - doesn't get much more interesting than that.

... said Allison on Mar 24, 2011 at 2:22 PM | link

The people. Anyone who's ever lived in Albany know it's a
City of characters

... said Hm on Mar 24, 2011 at 2:48 PM | link

miles of sidewalks, deciduous tree line streets, friendly faces and cold beer.

... said Nuts About Nuts on Mar 24, 2011 at 2:52 PM | link

My neighbors, the good and the bad.

... said Jess on Mar 24, 2011 at 2:55 PM | link

Our house, and most of the houses around it for about two blocks of the street, were originally Sears Catalog houses. Our house was originally a Sears "Dayton" house design. Built in 1925 or so.

... said tomato(e) on Mar 24, 2011 at 3:08 PM | link

The Circus Cafe on the 1st and 3rd Saturday nights of the month!

... said Tim on Mar 24, 2011 at 3:08 PM | link

Interesting/strange about my neighborhood (off Hackett Blvd.): we never lose power. I mean, never.

... said Ellen on Mar 24, 2011 at 3:12 PM | link

I live on Lark Street so if it's not people watching from my stoop, or walking around and seeing awesome people I know then it's being within walking distance if not right ON local fairs/fests. Also lots of good food and bars.

... said Alex on Mar 24, 2011 at 3:13 PM | link

the smell of pizza and indian food mixed together

... said Linnea on Mar 24, 2011 at 3:24 PM | link

The Gade Farm.

... said Dani on Mar 24, 2011 at 3:24 PM | link

I also live right across the bridge from Peebles Island and I absolutely love all the fireworks hosted on the Waterford Canal, Tugboat Roundup, Steamboat Meet, live music Friday nights, and Farmer's Markets every Sunday from Spring to Fall. It doesn't get any better than that :-)

... said Dee Dee on Mar 24, 2011 at 3:38 PM | link

My favorite thing of interest in my neighborhood is the architecture - it's a mixture of houses built at different times. I love going for walks and just looking at the different houses on different streets... it's a far cry from cookie cutter subdivisions.

... said t.e. on Mar 24, 2011 at 3:45 PM | link

Buckingham Pond is an unexpected treat in my neighborhood.

... said Heather on Mar 24, 2011 at 3:50 PM | link

I think this goes across the board for all Albany City dwellers, but it’s especially true in my neighborhood the city is so walk-able, even in undesirable weather. In my neck of the woods, I am close a couple of grocers, a few decent restaurants, and shopping.

The one thing I find odd- no nearby Stewarts.

... said Jules on Mar 24, 2011 at 4:36 PM | link

Cohoes Falls!

... said Ryan on Mar 24, 2011 at 4:47 PM | link

Guilderland has a bit of everything... shopping & restaurants on one side, and private houses in the woods on the other.

... said Jeff W on Mar 24, 2011 at 5:22 PM | link

Most definitely my neighbors. I just moved here, and I'm constantly surprised how awesome is.

... said Matthew S on Mar 24, 2011 at 5:25 PM | link

What's interesting about my neighborhood? I live on The Hill in Troy just a few blocks from RPI. Besides the school, it's like the world lives within a few blocks. People from all over the world, a Polish cafe, Italian restaurant, Middle Eastern restaurant, The Cookie Factory--all within walking distance. Plus Prospect Park, the Masonic Lodge that was an Underground Railroad site, and of course, Poestenkill Gorge.

... said James on Mar 24, 2011 at 5:55 PM | link

What's interesting about my neighborhood? It has a nice florist and library within walking distance! :-)

... said Reet on Mar 24, 2011 at 6:15 PM | link

1999 Block of the year! need I say more?

... said Dan on Mar 24, 2011 at 6:40 PM | link

Able to walk anywhere!

... said Brandon on Mar 24, 2011 at 7:24 PM | link

Rotterdam...a nice place to live. Hey, did you know we have a roundabout!

... said mike on Mar 24, 2011 at 7:35 PM | link

My neighborhood, here in Lansingburgh, is very culturally diverse. And it really shows its colors in the summer. A great time to be grilling Bilinski's!!!!!

... said C.A. Shepherd on Mar 24, 2011 at 7:39 PM | link

I love all the beautiful old houses in my neighborhood. I like to try and look in the windows at night to see how the owners decorate.

... said patty on Mar 24, 2011 at 7:42 PM | link

That the neighbors all know each other and look out for each other....

... said Katie on Mar 24, 2011 at 8:08 PM | link

South Allen Pub, the former McCaffery's. You never know who you'll find in there.

... said Maeve on Mar 24, 2011 at 8:15 PM | link

how many different types of neighborhoods (wealthy, artsy, slummy, academic, etc.) there are a few minutes in each direction. that, and schenectady's revitalization - it's slow, but promising.

... said IR on Mar 24, 2011 at 8:28 PM | link

I live in the by the Upper Union Street area of Niskayuna/Schenectady. My neighborhood is an eclectic mix of city and community. Businesses (restaurants, barbers/hair dressers, and other entertainment possibilities), apartments (buildings and multiple family homes), and single family homes. I love living here and being around so many options for food and entertainment. I live close to Central Park, friends and family. Being a young newly wed, this is a perfect place to live!

... said Courtney on Mar 24, 2011 at 8:48 PM | link

no two house are the same

... said Lisawitz on Mar 24, 2011 at 8:56 PM | link

Quiet streets, friendly people and plenty of space.

... said Shaun on Mar 24, 2011 at 8:56 PM | link

Three words: Manor House pizza!

Oh, the running routes, hills, lakes...

... said Colton on Mar 24, 2011 at 8:56 PM | link

I'll say the Niskayuna Co-op. And the fact that it survives (and thrives, I think) while none of the big grocery chains can make a successful run of it across the street in the so-called St. James Plaza.

... said laiskiainen on Mar 24, 2011 at 9:02 PM | link

Hmm, I'd have to say the dinosaur on top of John Ray & Sons. It's just so random!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gigielmes/435573888/

... said Kim M on Mar 24, 2011 at 9:31 PM | link

The most interesting thing about my neighborhood are it's hidden treasures--sometimes it's a building you see as you take a detour down a block you don't usually go to, sometimes its the family of ducks swimming in the wild looking Poestenkill juxtaposed with the loud cars and people on 3rd street, finding an amazing Alice Walker cookbook at the used book store in the Atrium, the awesome view of, well, everything, from the top of Prospect Park where I took my 3 year old to watch fireworks last summer; all things I never expected to find when moving to Troy.

... said Kizzi on Mar 25, 2011 at 9:39 AM | link

I live right around the corner from ... Bilinski Sausage plant! Good neighbor.

... said BobF on Mar 25, 2011 at 10:33 AM | link