Schenectady 78 Exceptional
Schenectady Livability #161 ranked city in New York#2,416 ranked city in the USARanks better than 91% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Schenectady

PROS
  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

What's it like Living in Schenectady?

Located in the state of New York, Schenectady is a moderately-sized city with a population of 66,726 residents. In Schenectady, there are 6,183 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. In Schenectady, only 40% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle.

Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Schenectady could be a positive experience compared to other cities in New York if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Schenectady, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, commute, education, employment and more.

With a livability score of 77/100, Schenectady is ranked #2,612 in the United States and #160 in New York. This is a terrific score, as Schenectady ranks well in multiple categories! Schenectady is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Schenectady ranks very well for amenities (B-), cost of living (B+) and housing (A). There are some categories that Schenectady scores poorly for, including: crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

If you're considering living in Schenectady, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Schenectady provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Schenectady are: Proctor's Theater, Schenectady Civic Players, and Central Park Rose Garden.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Schenectady excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Schenectady real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Schenectady. Median real estate prices in Schenectady come in at $199,646, which is 60.3% lower than the New York average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Schenectady, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 50% lower than the New York average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Schenectady

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Schenectady?

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Compare Schenectady, NY Livability

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      Schenectady transportation information

      Statistic Schenectady New York National
      Average one way commute22min33min26min
      Workers who drive to work72.0%53.0%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.1%6.7%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit7.6%28.0%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.0%6.3%2.8%
      Working from home4.2%4.0%4.6%
      Source: The Schenectady, NY data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.