What does it mean when a city is called “a good place to live”? Is it one where residents enjoy an active social life and leisure time? Is it one where people can easily get around the city without driving, with walkable neighborhoods and frequent public transportation? Is it one that offers affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and high-quality schools? A recent pitch by the city of Troy to attract new residents makes all these points.
The city’s website begins with this statement: “Troy is a great place to live!” But what about non-residents moving to Troy, NY, or businesses looking for a location for employees who want more than just suburban life with cheaper housing and shorter commutes? What about those concerned with climate change, keeping taxes low and the quality of services high? Here are some pros and cons concerning that pitch living in Troy – not only as someone who might retire there someday but also as someone considering any other options.
Troy Has a Walkable Downtown
The city’s downtown has been revitalized in recent years with new restaurants and shops and new public space along the riverfront and outdoor amphitheater. Another characteristic of this city is that it is one of the only places in the Capital Region where you can walk to work. On the other hand, residents who have been in the city for many years recall when downtown was full of stores and theaters.
A big part of revitalization has been creating new businesses, not the resurrection of what used to be there. The website touts the city’s vibrancy as a tourist destination. Several nearby attractions are listed: the Hudson River, the Rensselaer County Farmers’ Market, the Russell-Knox-Gunn House, and the Poestenkill Creek.
Affordable Housing Is Available
If you plan on moving to Troy, NY, you will find a mix of housing options that makes it a great place to live, work, and raise a family. You will find houses at different prices, and we are sure you will find what you need. But moving is very stressful if you don’t get some help.
After deciding that living in Troy is your goal,the next thing is to contact movers in Troy, NY. There are several of them, but we can recommend Mack’s Moving Company to help you and your family throughout the relocation process, with direct communication and support, from start to finish.Mack’s Moving Company offers complete moving and storage solutions. They will assist you in determining the most cost-effective ways of managing your move.
Troy Has Many Shops and Restaurants
Like many other cities in the Hudson River Valley, Troy has a mix of shops: some touristy (e.g., for ceramic items like mugs and plates) and others for necessities (e.g., hardware stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets).
As for restaurants, there is a diverse selection of dining options. Also, you and your family can enjoy events like the nearby Saratoga Springs horse races, the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, or the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood.
Troy is a college town as well. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Hudson Valley Community College, Russell Sage College, and Emma Willard Private Secondary School are all located there.
People should feel free to live anywhere in the city. A wide range of cultures and religions should be represented in every place you live. A city that meets these requirements is an excellent place to live.
The Catch: Bad Commute Times and Infrastructure
We have mentioned that this city is known for low taxes and easy access to major transportation routes, but there are some other things you need to know if you are moving to Troy. Troy is approximately 45 miles north of New York City and 40 miles south of the Canadian border. The city is not close to major transportation and is far away from the big cities.
Even though New York City is mentioned as a major transportation route, it is still far away from Troy. The nearest airport is Albany International Airport, which is around 30 miles away. The nearest train station is Amtrak’s Albany-Rensselaer station, which is over 40 miles away. And driving to New York City takes at least an hour and a half, with no fewer than three traffic lights along the way.
Conclusion
Overall, the city of Troy is a place to live if you want to be far away from big cities in a suburban neighborhood with low taxes and easy access to major transportation routes. That is unless you have kids in school and want more than just good test scores. In that case, you might want to stay close to New York City.
Either way we hope this article helped you a bit by deciding what you should do when it comes to moving to Troy.