Mt Pleasant - Schenectady, NY

The Dutch began to colonize the area of Schenectady in the mid-1600s. At the time, the land belonged to the Mohawk nation, who had three villages in the area. It was the site of the Schenectady Massacre in 1690, when the French aligned with Mohawk warriors to attack the settlement. Schenectady became a city in 1798 and began to grow rapidly. A fire in 1819 destroyed much of the early Dutch architecture. The Erie Canal was completed in 1825 and Schenectady became an important transportation and trade center. In 1892, General Electric built its headquarters in Mt. Pleasant, and in 1903, Schenectady annexed Mt. Pleasant from its neighbor, Rotterdam. The Great Depression and the decline of manufacturing, including the closing of the GE plant, ushered in a difficult period for the area. Today, Schenectady is reshaping its economy with an emphasis on renewable energy, and the population is once again on the rise.

The Museum of Innovation and Science in Schenectady provides learning resources and events for children and adults. Science, nature, and technology exhibits celebrate the planet and discovery with hands-on experiences and presentations available throughout the year. Part of Union College, the Mandeville Art Gallery's collection includes more than 2,500 works of American, European, and Asian art and cultural artifacts to explore.

Ferrari's Ristorante on Congress Street serves traditional Italian fare in a cozy atmosphere. Guests of Ferrari's sit close to each other in a tucked-away dining room. As dishes are served, you might wonder how the waiter can possibly fit it all on the table, since the portions in Ferrari's are huge. Homemade sauces, meatballs, and sausage bring locals from Mt. Pleasant and Schenectady for large portions of authentic Italian cuisine and some drinks at its fully stocked bar.

On Broadway, Jasmine Thai Restaurant's light wooden walls, large potted plants, and white tablecloths invite you in, and its menu of curry, duck, and seafood options keep you coming back. The mango curry, a sweet and spicy blend of red curry, coconut milk, mango, pineapple, and green peas, fills you up on its own or when paired with a choice of duck, chicken, pork, or seafood for lunch and dinner specials. All of Jasmine Thai's dishes are treated as art, presented to you proudly by an attentive and courteous wait staff.

Moroccan flair has made its way to Schenectady in the form of Tara Kitchen on Liberty Street. Towards the back of the restaurant, guests sit in an open dining space and are served heaping plates and bowls of favorites such as chicken in apricot prune sauce and lamb meatballs with rice and egg. Those seated at the bar up front can watch their made-to-order dishes prepared in front of them.

Home-brewed beers and great prices at Van Dyke's Restaurant and Lounge can be enjoyed inside or on the patio. Van Dyke's features weekly live music and becomes packed during events. This local lounge provides the perfect weekend escape to unwind and listen to jazz and blues notes while sipping a cocktail.

Mount Pleasant's proximity to Albany and retail shopping provides much to do without a car; however, residents average a work commute time of up to an hour. Buses available on State Street connect directly with the Rotterdam Square Mall and locations throughout Albany. An Amtrak station with free parking serves the community with routes directly to Albany, Utica, and Saratoga Springs. Cycling throughout the quiet neighborhood is a safe alternative to driving within the town. Though bike lanes are not installed, navigating along wide lanes on main streets is generally safe.

Mount Pleasant is one minute away from state route 890, connecting with route 5 to Buffalo, Utica, and Syracuse. Route 890 also connects with Interstate 90 and runs from the Pennsylvania state line to the Massachusetts state line.

One minute from the neighborhood, Hillhurst Park on Campbell Avenue has space necessary for most activities. A running track, ball fields, and a community pool are great ways to spend an afternoon or beat the heat.

Five minutes outside of Mt. Pleasant, Central Park has a wide range of activities and events year round. Community pools, a performance stage, playgrounds, Iroquois Lake, a dog park, and tennis courts make this NYC-inspired park perfect for all members of the family. A rose garden inside the park sets the tone for romantic late afternoon walks. The pool and performance stage opens during summer months with scheduled performances that are free to residents.

Though limited rental housing is available, one-bedroom apartments in Mt. Pleasant tend to cost seven percent less than other Schenectady apartments, beginning at $700 per month. The already low cost of living becomes even better with $2 bus rides to Albany. Likewise, happy hours at local restaurants and bars serve drafts for $5. Commuters in Mt. Pleasant and Schenectady see gas prices 16 percent higher than national averages, making commuting the most expensive part of living in Mt. Pleasant.

Ten minutes from Mt. Pleasant, the Rotterdam Square Mall serves Schenectady and surrounding areas with Macys, Kay Jewelers, GNC, Gap, Express, and American Eagle Outfitters. A Plato's Closet on Watt Street buys and sells gently-used, name-brand clothing at reasonable prices.

The Katbird Shop on Liberty Street sells antiques, cameras, housewares, clothing, toys, and assorted knickknacks on two floors of the shop. The historic building was once home to 21st U.S. president Chester Arthur before he attended college. To experience a bit of local history, check out Hermie's Music Store, a Schenectady business since 1945. Aspiring Mt. Pleasant residents benefit from musical lessons, while professional players find top brands and a knowledgeable staff.

Local supermarkets ShopRite, Gabriels, and Aldi serve most Schenectady citizens. Bulk items can be bought at the membership-required BJ's five minutes from the neighborhood. Cappiello Foods carries imported and specialty Italian goods and products. Schenectady Farmers Market on Jay Street sells fresh local produce at competitive prices.