The Capital &
Mohawk Region
The Capital Mohawk Region
The Capital-Mohawk region consists of nine cities and numerous towns, villages and hamlets, all with their own personality and all with something different to offer. Just about everything is within a thirty mile radius so it is easy to find a neighborhood that suits your needs and interests regardless of where you work.
For census information for all of New York including the counties comprising the region, go to http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/36/36001.html. The website for the New York State Office of Cultural Education at www.oce.nysed.gov/Albany_info.htm and the Albany County website at www.albanycounty.com provide excellent resources to learn about the area.
Public and Private Schools
For a detailed report on the public schools in region see: www.nystart.gov/publicweb/Home.do
There are also a number of well regarded private schools www.crisa.org/html/schools.htm and parochial schools in the area.
Junior Colleges
Joe Bruno Stadium at Hudson Valley Community College
Albany County – Sage College of Albany.
Rensselaer County – Hudson Valley Community College. HVCC is sponsored by Rensselaer County and is part of the State University of New York system.
Schenectady County – Schenectady County Community College, SCCC is sponsored by Schenectady County and is part of the State University of New York system.
Fulton and Montgomery Counties – Fulton Montgomery Community College FMCC is sponsored by Fulton and Montgomery Counties and is part of the State University of New York system.
Colleges and Universities
The region boasts a collection of some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. These are mentioned in the city and county capsules that follow.
Albany
The New York State Capital Building in Albany
As the capital of New York State, Albany has everything you could hope to find in a large but livable community, offering a unique blend of politics, business, education, the arts and sports.
In addition to its role as the center of State Government, Albany, is the home of the administrative offices of State University of New York and the University at Albany . The State University at Albany is the jewel of the New York State University system with 17,000 students. It is an integral part of Albany's business, cultural and sports atmosphere.
The College of Nano Scale Sciences
Recently the College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering at SUNY has added a whole other dimension to Albany and the region as the University has provided advanced research and development in conjunction with leading technological manufacturers, making it a key element of New York's "Tech Valley".
During the summer, the NFL's New York Giants makes the Albany campus its preseason home.
Also located in Albany are Albany Medical College, Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany Law School, The College of Saint Rose, Maria College, Sage Junior College, and Siena College . On a daily basis, these institutions offer athletic or cultural events that enrich the entire Capital Region.
Enthusiasm Runs Rampant at the Times Union Center in downtown Albany
The Times Union Center in downtown Albany is the home of The Albany Conquest of the Arena Football League2, the Albany River Rats and Siena College basketball. It is also the venue for major college basketball and hockey tournaments as well as concerts and entertainment ranging from rock to bull riding.
The arts are also served by the refurbished Palace Theater, The Capital Reparatory Company and numerous local theater groups.
Schenectady
GE Global Research Campus on the Mohawk River
The City of Schenectady is the original home and world wide headquarters of the General Electric Global Research division. Both the City and Schenectady County have been experiencing a renaissance spurred by an influx of new businesses and state government offices coupled with continued growth by General Electric Company.
Union College provides an intellectual and the refurbished Proctors Theater offers Broadway shows and world class performances. Extensive information about Schenectady County can be found at www.schenectadycounty.com.
Troy (Rensselaer County)
The Troy waterfront
The City of Troy in Rensselaer County, has been developing its riverfront and revitalizing its downtown area with a mix of retail and residential development. Troy has been designated a Preserve America Community because of its historical significance and its architecture which features classic brownstones with cast and wrought iron railings
Main campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
It is the home of both Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and Russell Sage College, which create a unique academic atmosphere amid the classic brownstones. RPI expresses pride in its hometown in answer to the question “What is Troy all about?”
Troy’s downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Featuring a picturesque and pedestrian friendly layout, Troy is ideal for walking and enjoying the waterfront and the growing number of antique shops, restaurants, coffee houses and pubs. Not only is Troy pretty enough to be in pictures, it has been. Several major motion pictures have been filmed in Troy, including “Ironweed”, “Scent of a Woman” and “Age of Innocence”. Troy Music Hall, is renowned for its acoustics and many of the concerts on National Public Radio emanate from its concert hall.
The Emma Willard School
Troy is also the home of The Emma Willard School, one of the foremost private secondary institutions in the country, and the Troy Music Hall, which is renowned for its acoustics.
For more information about Troy and Rensselaer County, see www.rensco.com.
Amsterdam and Montgomery County
Lock and boat on the Erie Canal
The City of Amsterdam is the largest city in Montgomery County. Located at Exit 27 of the New York State Thruway, Amsterdam offers an easy commute to the other urban centers of the region. It has all benefits of a small city together with the shopping, restaurants and amenities of its suburban areas. Somewhat to the west of Amsterdam, at Exit 28 of the Thruway, is Fonda which houses one on the oldest courthouses in the state among the county offices. A bit further to the west is Canajoharie which has been the home of baby food maker Beech-Nut for more than 75 years.
Rivers, creeks, waterfalls and rapids, all contribute to the county’s natural beauty, creating a relaxed living environment that is only minutes away from Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs and the Great Sacandaga Lake. Restoration of the Erie Canal has led to a return of pleasure craft and a resurgence of tourism. Montgomery County has seven locks on the Canal, each with a park where tourists can stop and picnic. The Canalway Trail will ultimately connect 541 miles of central and western New York. When it is completed, 41 miles of the trail will pass through Montgomery County connecting historic downtowns and communities.
Montgomery County prides itself on its historical significance dating from the days of the French and Indian Wars. It is the home of the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Fonda Speedway and minutes from some the best hiking and skiing in the state.
For more information and links see www.montgomerycountyny.com/tourism/outdoor.asp and www.co.montgomery.ny.us.
Johnstown – Gloversville and Fulton County
Enjoying a fine day in
Fulton County
Fulton County’s catch phrase is “Relax, Play Wander Discover”. As the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce says, “it is where the Adirondack Park meets the Mohawk Valley.”
While the cities of Gloversville and Johnstown provide urban living , much of the county features Great Sacandaga Lake, Caroga Lake and the unsurpassed beauty of the Adirondack Mountains. The Village of Northville is a great spot to experience the laid back atmosphere of small town, Adirondack life while being close to urban amenities and services.
Fulton Montgomery Community College a two year college which is part of the State University of New York provides both educational opportunity and cultural activities.
The Adirondacks Showing Off