Capital Region
Schenectady, New York
City in Schenectady County
A river city of invention and the Stockade district
Schenectady is the seat of Schenectady County, on the Mohawk River west of Albany. General Electric's legacy, Proctors Theatre, Union College and the Stockade historic district shape its identity.
History & Local Character
Schenectady was settled by Dutch colonists in 1661 and burned in 1690 during King William's War. In the 20th century it became a center of electrical manufacturing and broadcasting.
Housing & Real Estate
The city has Victorian and Dutch houses in the Stockade, rowhouses and apartments in its neighborhoods, and single-family homes in the outer wards.
Restaurants & Shopping
State Street, Jay Street and Erie Boulevard hold restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars, with a growing downtown scene around Proctors.
Schools & Education
Schenectady City School District serves the city, with Union College and SUNY Schenectady nearby.
Parks & Recreation
Central Park, the Mohawk River waterfront and the Plotter Kill Preserve provide forests, trails and recreation.
Transportation & Accessibility
I-890 and Route 5 connect the city to Albany, with Amtrak's Empire Service stopping at Schenectady station.
Local Businesses
Restaurants, shops, engineering firms, healthcare practices and the county's legal community serve the city, with downtown revitalization underway.
No businesses are listed in Schenectady yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Proctors Theatre
- Stockade Historic District
- Union College
- miSci museum
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Strong historic architecture
- Amtrak and Thruway access
- Affordable housing
Considerations
- Older industrial sites
- Poverty in some neighborhoods
- Downtown vacancies
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Schenectady a city?
Yes. Schenectady is a city in Schenectady County and the county seat.
What is the Stockade?
The Stockade is a historic district on the Mohawk River with houses dating to the 17th and 18th centuries.