A strong tradition of industry and innovation continues to influence the local culture—General Electric, historically one of Schenectady’s powerhouse employers, has re-invested in the city with renewable energy initiatives, and many of the old manufacturing buildings have been repurposed to house locally-owned businesses in recent years. Streetcars make it easy to traverse the city, and local rail service connects Schenectady to nearby communities such as Albany, Troy, and Saratoga Springs.

The city’s parks and natural surroundings offer lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. Golf and disc golf are popular among locals, and in the winter, several ski areas (in New York, Vermont, and Massachusetts) lay within an hour’s drive of your Schenectady rental. The performing arts have a strong presence, from Broadway shows at Proctors to classical recitals at the Union College Concert Series to free outdoor performances at the Music Haven Stage in the summertime.