Hi all, I've been here for 1 years and Poverty rate is 19.3%, which is higher than I expected. With a population of 68,521, Schenectady is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 5.3%, which is about average. It's a a smaller city city with about 68,521 people. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The city has invested a lot in new development. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
6 upvotes
8 Replies
Eli Murphy
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor recreation is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Feel free to reach out with questions..
35 upvotes
Connor Kelly
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely hit or miss and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Springfield) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
32 upvotes
Gabriel Taylor
yep
32 upvotes
Kayden Ward
preach
28 upvotes
Landon Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 34, moved here 5 years ago from Baltimore. I've lived in Pine Hills and Cedar Grove, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The safety situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for retirees. improving vibes, walkable.
- Cedar Grove: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Baltimore, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
18 upvotes
Lawrence P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 13 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Greenfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
14 upvotes
Henry Turner
spot on
14 upvotes
Nolan Morris
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The dating scene is genuinely improving and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
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