The history of the city of Schenectady, New York is a long and storied one. In 1765 Schenectady was incorporated as a borough, and the city was incorporated in 1798 and quickly became an important hub of transport, connecting Albany to the west and Saratoga to the north. In the late 1800s, rivers began to be harnessed for power as advancing technology powered industries such as American Locomotive Company, (ALCO). Edison Machine Works was moved to Schenectady in 1892, and Schenectady became the headquarters of the General Electric Company and became the powerhouses of innovation and technology throughout the country. By 1901 The Schenectady Locomotive Works built railroad locomotives from its merger into American Locomotive Company
Additionally, The Union College is located in Schenectady and was founded in 1795 making it the oldest college in New York state. Recently, more than ever before Schenectady has seen increased prominence in part due to its opening as a casino destination near the river front. With 350 years under its belt, this city has definitely shaped up into something special!
Demographics
With 66,809 people, Schenectady is the 26th most populated city in the state of New York out of 1,523 cities. The largest Schenectady racial/ethnic groups are White (52.7%) followed by Black (17.8%) and Hispanic (11.8%). In 2021, the median household income of Schenectady households was $50,237. The median age for Schenectady residents is 36.8 years young.
Education
Schenectady City School District, which operates 16 elementary schools, three middle schools and the main high school Schenectady High School.
Schenectady’s educational institutions are Union College, a private liberal arts college, and Schenectady County Community College, a public community college.
Real Estate Market
According to refin.com: In November 2022, Schenectady home prices were up 12.8% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $214K. On average, homes in Schenectady sell after 19 days on the market compared to 14 days last year. There were 72 homes sold in November this year, down from 98 last year.
The Schenectady housing market is very competitive. The average sale price of a home in Schenectady was $191K last month, down 2.3% since last year. The average sale price per square foot in Schenectady is $128, up 9.8% since last year.
Schenectady, NY has a whole lot of personality that is worth exploring! Whether you’re looking to visit or live, this upstate destination is bound to please. It’s all about the unique combination of cultural attractions, festivals and events, restaurants, parks, and excellent shopping. This New York gem has something for everyone!
Attractions
Proctor’s Theater- A famous theatre and former vaudeville house that was restored in 1979. Many famous acts have performed at the theatre and it’s one the largest movie screens in the Northeast. 432 State St, Schenectady.
Central Park Rose Garden- From June until October the roses saturate the garden with vibrant rich hues and tantalizing scents. Central Park Rose Garden has been a favorite place for strolling, reflecting, taking family or wedding photos and hosting events for over 50 years. 1791 Central Pkwy, Schenectady.
Via Aquarium- Family aquarium housing many local & international species in 25,000 ft. of water tanks. features 37 exhibits: from local habitats like the Hudson River to far off ecosystems. 93 W Campbell Rd, Schenectady.
Rivers Casino and Resort- New York’s premiere gaming destination. Open 24/7, 365! Slots, Table Games, Quick Bites, Live Entertainment, headlining concerts, dinner shows and interactive performances. 1 Rush St, Schenectady.
Museum of Innovation and Science– A museum and planetarium visitors explore the creative processes that inspire discovery and invention, and engaging visitors with interactive exhibitions and programs that encourage them to inquire about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subject areas. 15 Museum Dr, Schenectady.
The Mohawk Towpath Byway- According to nsbfoundation.com- a series of local, county and state highways that follow the historic route of the Erie Canal between Schenectady and Waterford/Cohoes in upstate New York. As one travels the Byway you unlock the story of the Mohawk River, Erie Canal, the waterway west and the part our communities played in the westward expansion of the country and the Industrial Revolution.
Restaurants
Tara Kitchen- Moroccan dishes & imported wines offered in narrow, laid-back quarters with bar & table seating. 431 Liberty St, Schenectady.
Katie O’Byrnes Restaurant- Relaxed hangout where American menu items have Irish names & musicians entertain on weekends. 121 Wall Street State Street &, Erie Blvd, Schenectady.
Johnny’s- Casual joint serving homemade pasta & Italian staples is a draw for happy hour & pre-theater meals. 433 State St, Schenectady.
Jasmine Thai Restaurant- Unassuming spot turning out classic Thai dishes in a relaxed, traditional atmosphere. 2717 Broadway, Schenectady.
20 North Broadway Tavern- Wings, burgers & other pub grub in a storied, old-school corner watering hole with darts & a patio. 20 N Broadway, Schenectady.
Night Life
151 Bar and Restaurant- Industrial-chic restaurant & bar featuring craft beer, pub grub & indoor/outdoor seating. 151 Lafayette St, Schenectady.
Katie O’Byrnes Restaurant- Relaxed hangout where American menu items have Irish names & musicians entertain on weekends. 121 Wall Street State Street &, Erie Blvd, Schenectady.
20 North Broadway Tavern- Wings, burgers & other pub grub in a storied, old-school corner watering hole with darts & a patio. 20 N Broadway, Schenectady.
Wolff’s Biergarten- Cozy tavern with old-world flair offering German beer & food & international soccer games on TV. 165 Erie Blvd, Schenectady.
Backstage Pub- Burgers, wings & hearty American mains pair with craft beer & cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere. 501 Smith St, Schenectady.
Sport Courts
Central Park Basketball Courts- 420 Robinson St, Schenectady.
SPORTIME Schenectady- 2699 Curry Rd, Schenectady.
Central Park Tennis Courts- 500 Iroquois Path, Schenectady.
Viniar Athletic Center- Located in Union College. 807 Union St, Schenectady.
Upstate Premier Sports- 1903 Maxon Rd Extension, Schenectady.
Notable People & Events From Schenectady
According to Wikipedia: Schenectady is referred to or the setting for several of Kurt Vonnegut’s books, most notably Hocus Pocus and Player Piano.
Doctor Octopus, a Marvel Comics supervillain, was born in Schenectady.
Joseph S. Pulver, Sr.’s Lovecraftian serial killer novel, Nightmare’s Disciple (Chaosium, 1999) is set in Schenectady.
In the 1952 Looney Tunes short Fool Coverage, Daffy Duck plays an insurance salesman from the Hotfoot Casualty Underwriters Insurance Company of Schenectady.
In the 1950s television series, The Honeymooners, Trixie’s mother was from Schenectady.
The Way We Were (1973) was filmed on location at Union College, and in nearby Ballston Spa.
The Place Beyond the Pines (2013), starring Bradley Cooper and Ryan Gosling, was filmed locally in 2011 near the Schenectady Police Headquarters and other areas of Schenectady.
In the NBC sitcom Will & Grace, Schenectady is the hometown of character Grace Adler (played by Debra Messing).
The music video for the song “Hero” by Mariah Carey was filmed at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady.
Mickey Rourke (born 1952), Academy Award-nominated actor, born in Schenectady.
John Sykes (born 1955), co-founder of MTV: Music Television, Chairman of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, raised in Schenectady.
