Mover’s Guide to Life in Saratoga Springs, NY

Saratoga Springs was  once one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, and it remains a beloved destination to live, work, and play. Situated about 40 minutes north of Albany, the historic town offers a blend of old-world charm, modern culture, and natural beauty with all of the amenities and services you need within reach.

Learn more about this beautiful, iconic city, what it’s like to live there, and everything else you need to know when making a move.

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Why Move to Saratoga Springs?

Saratoga Springs may be considered a suburb, but it offers the charm of a small town and the convenience of a big city all rolled into one.  Over the last 15 years, it has earned numerous accolades for being one of the best places to live in New York and in the United States. In fact, US News Travel named it one of the most beautiful towns in America, and Alot Travel calls it one of the 30 best small cities in the country.

Additionally, Money Magazine named it one of the best places to live. NerdWallet named it one of the best places in New York to raise a family, while SmartAsset named it one of the best places in New York to retire. In short, the numerous accolades prove there is truly something for everyone in Saratoga Springs.

Other publications have praised the town’s food, schools, neighborhoods, nightlife, attractions, healthcare, and even various holiday celebrations. Discover all of these perks and more in this Saratoga Springs relocation guide.

Best Neighborhoods in Saratoga Springs

Because there are so many great places to live and explore, it’s hard to narrow down the best neighborhoods in Saratoga Springs. Newcomers will discover gorgeous neighborhoods throughout the city’s tree-lined streets with homes to fit every taste, budget, and lifestyle.

Downtown Saratoga Springs

Downtown Saratoga Springs is the heart of the city. The picturesque Broadway, which is often called one of the most idyllic main streets in America, runs through the center of the city, providing locals with numerous places to eat, shop, work, and have fun. While the downtown architecture is largely historic, you can find plenty of modern culture to enjoy.

Saratoga Springs is the perfect place to spend a beautiful spring afternoon window shopping for everything from clothing to books found in small businesses like Northshire Bookstore and Saratoga Trunk. It’s also the perfect place to enjoy a treat, like pastries from Mrs. London’s Bakery or a drink at Druther’s Brewing Company.

Geyser Crest

Located in the southwestern part of town near Milton, Geyser Crest is a popular established residential neighborhood with affordable high-quality homes. Considered a family-friendly place to live, the area includes ranch style and split-level houses that sit on half-acre lots with lush green lawns.

East Side

As the name suggests, the historic East Side neighborhood sits just east of downtown. Years ago, this community was where the city’s wealthiest residents lived. Today, some of those larger homes still stand and include a mix of housing styles, such as Mission and Colonial, on larger lots with spacious yards.

West Side

The West Side neighborhood sits just west of downtown and also contains historic homes and cottages, although they are typically smaller with less acreage. The West Side is a walkable community surrounded by some of the city’s most popular parks, making it a favorite among dog owners.

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Schools and Education (Public and Private Schools)

One reason why many families relocate to Saratoga Springs is its highly-rated school district. On Niche.com, the district earns an A- overall rating, as well as an A for academics. There are eight schools in the Saratoga Springs City School District:

• Caroline Street Elementary School
• Division Street Elementary School
• Dorothy Nolan Elementary School
• Geyser Road Elementary School
• Greenfield Elementary School
• Lake Avenue Elementary School
• Maple Avenue Middle School
• Saratoga Springs High School

Several private school options are also available, including:

• Clement’s Regional Catholic School
• Saratoga Independent School
• Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs
• Saratoga Central Catholic School

Home to the highly ranked private liberal arts school Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs is also a college town. The college offers more than 60 areas of study and welcomes students from more than 60 countries.

Amenities and Services

Saratoga Springs amenities and services make life quite convenient for residents. While Albany is just a 40-minute drive away, locals can find everything they need right here in town.

Healthcare Facilities

Find comfort in the fact that Saratoga Hospital, a part of the Albany Med Health System, is centrally located and easily accessible for all residents. The facility has won numerous awards, including making Newsweek’s list of the “World’s Best Hospital’s” in 2021 and 2022.

The city is also home to the Saratoga Community Health Center. It provides dental services, primary care, addiction treatment, and behavioral treatment to residents regardless of income or insurance status.

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Shopping and Dining

Whether they are walking down Broadway or exploring other parts of town, residents will find no shortage of shopping and dining options in Saratoga Springs. Purchase local food and art and enjoy live music at the Saratoga Outdoor Market from May to October or the Winter Market from November to April.

Along Broadway and other Downtown side streets, you can find numerous boutiques and small shops that have served the town for years. The Wilton Mall is home to some favorite national brands, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, HomeGoods, JCPenney, and Old Navy.

It’s hard to narrow down the best restaurants in town, but some of the highest rated options include the Olde Bryan Inn, Panza’s, El Mexicano, Boca Bistro, and Harvey’s Restaurant and Bar.

Recreational Activities

Life in Saratoga Springs, NY, begins with its recreational activities, which attract people from all over the world each year. The most famous, of course, is the Saratoga Race Course, the oldest thoroughbred racetrack in the U.S. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center sits on 2,400 beautiful acres and hosts everything from popular summer festivals to Live Nation concerts to performances of the New York City Ballet.

History buffs will enjoy a trip to Saratoga National Historical Park where the Battles of Saratoga were fought during the Revolutionary War. Outdoor enthusiasts might enjoy a day on a boat cruise on Saratoga Lake or spending time at Saratoga Spa State Park.

The city is also home to golf courses, museums, city parks, and countless other activities.

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Moving to Saratoga Springs Tips

Saratoga Springs moving tips include:

• Visit multiple neighborhoods before settling down. From a historic home on a walkable street downtown to a home on a large lot away from the city, there is something for everyone.
• Consider working with one of the city’s many reputable real estate agents. They can help negotiate great deals and find hidden gems.
• Take time to explore as soon as possible. There is so much to see and do here that it can take months or even years to explore it all. Take some time away from the stress of moving and enjoy a day out on the lake, have a nice dinner, or simply take a walk down Broadway.
• Get familiar with local services. It’s important to know where the local hospital, fire department, police department, doctors’ offices, post offices, schools, and utility companies are located and how to contact them.
• Work with a reputable moving company. Saratoga Springs is home to several highly rated movers. Rather than just reading online reviews, ask neighbors and colleagues who they might recommend. Saratoga Springs is a tight-knit community, and word of mouth is often the best way to learn about the best businesses.

Choosing the Best Self Storage near Saratoga Springs, NY

Whether you need a temporary place to store your items before your home is ready or you’re looking for a secure place where you can keep some extra belongings while you get organized, Stack-N-Stor is your best option for self-storage near Saratoga Springs, NY.

Our modern facility offers state-of-the-art security and climate-controlled spaces so you can feel comfortable storing your most valuable belongings there. Storage units come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 25 to 300 square feet, so you can store as little or as much as you like.

Best of all, Stack-N-Stor offers flexibility. Whether you need a storage unit for a few weeks until you can move into your new home, a few months while you get settled and organized, or even longer, you can rent a space for exactly as long as you need it.