If you were moving to the Capital Region today, where would you choose? Looking for honest opinions.
Hi everyone!
I've been researching the Capital Region for months and have read countless Reddit threads, but I'd love some current opinions from people who actually live there.
I'm planning a move from Greenville, South Carolina, and the Albany area keeps coming up as somewhere that seems like it would fit what I'm looking for.
A little about me:
Single parent with one child.
I currently work remotely in business sales for Spectrum (Charter Communications). If I relocate, I'd likely be looking at local opportunities or transferring within the company, so I'd also love to hear what the job market is like and whether Spectrum is considered a good employer in the area.
Safety and good public schools are important.
I love bookstores, coffee shops, local restaurants, farmers markets, hiking, and being close to nature.
Winters don't scare me—I actually look forward to having four real seasons. I'm from Asheville, NC and SC is too hot.
One of the reasons I'm considering this area is that it would put us much closer to Boston Children's Hospital. Where my child's doctors are located and we have been traveling up there for over a decade multiple times a year.
I've been looking at places like Ballston Spa, Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park, Bethlehem/Delmar, Guilderland, Niskayuna, East Greenbush, and a few others. But as you all know, NY and SC are far apart with the cost of living piece.
I'd really love your honest opinions:
If you were starting over today, where would you choose to live in the area?
Which towns have surprised you in a good way?
Which places are overrated?
Are there any areas you would absolutely avoid?
Is there anywhere people don't usually recommend that deserves more attention?
What's something you wish you had known before moving to the Capital Region?
How's the job market, especially for someone with a background in business sales or telecommunications?
If you work for Spectrum (or have in the past), what's your experience been like?
I'm not looking for people to sell me on the area—I genuinely want the good, the bad, and the things only locals know. I appreciate any advice. Thanks!