Welcome

From New York’s Capital city of Albany to the nationally famous tourist destinations of Saratoga and Lake George, the Capital Region encompasses vital urban centers, suburban communities, and rural townships. This diverse area draws together counties in regions that include the Hudson River, historic towns, colonial villages, growing cities and rolling farmland. Business centers, historic sites, country roads, attractions, and quaint towns are just a few of the elements that make New York’s Capital Region so appealing and unique. Agriculture, tourism, industry, and services all play vital roles in the local economies, with cities like Albany, Saratoga, Troy and Schenectady. The Capital Region is home to a vibrant business economy that is driven by a technology renaissance taking place throughout the area. Strategically located along the Hudson River and just a few hours from every major east coast metro area, this region is part of the founding of the United States and part of its earliest heritage.

New York’s capital city of Albany and nearby Troy, Schenectady, and Saratoga combine to form a nucleus of culture, education, healthcare, and government. Located on the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers claiming the panoramic backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, Albany blends the influence and sophistication of a leading city with the preservation of small-town friendliness and historic charm. Other corners of the Capital Region offer serene country settings where quaint communities nestle in pristine mountain valleys and the rolling farmland claims some of the nation’s most fertile soil. Some towns are located in close proximity to the employment centers in metropolitan area and serve as quiet bedroom communities for commuters. In recent decades, many sections of the Capital Region have experienced impressive growth in every sector.

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The New York Capital Region has become nanotechnology engineering and technology focused and Albany County is the center of this movement. This region along with other areas in Upstate New York are now called Tech Valley, a term local residents have become very familiar with. Tech Valley covers more than 250 miles along the Hudson River, and encompasses 18 counties that reside on the eastern edge of New York State. It is where business leaders and government have joined together to build a tech-oriented economy in the region. The epicenter of Tech Valley is the Albany – Schenectady – Troy – Saratoga metropolitan area. The areas location with easy access to the major population and business centers of the east along with the regions long history with higher education make it a perfect place for high tech companies to settle.

Albany is increasingly seen as a leader in nanotechnology, with the SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering being respected as a national leader in the field. In 2006, Small Times magazine ranked the college as the best in the country for micro- and nanotechnology; the school was also ranked top in education, facilities, and industry outreach. In 2010, chipmaker GlobalFoundries broke ground on a $4.6 billion chip manufacturing complex in nearby Malta. In 2010, Forbes ranked Albany fifteenth on its “Most Innovative Metros” list. In late 2010, the Capital District was noted for being “one of the fastest growing areas in the country for technology jobs”.

Residents and businesses both recognize that their most valuable resource is human “talent and intelligence” and they invest accordingly. The quality educational facilities throughout the region are known for excellence at all levels, from pre-school to post-graduate and professional degree programs. Included in the mix are first-rate opportunities for technical and career or vocational training. The region houses and educates well over 130,000 college and university students on campuses across the Capital Region. Students discover links to their future, valuable connections, and real world experiences. The Capital Region is the place to excel in the fields of arts, healthcare, law, government, education, social services, technology, and more. Local colleges and universities serve as a link between the business community and academia. The trend of expansion in part-time and graduate and degree programs for working adults is spurred by an increased demand for advancement and educational attainment within the workforce.

The Capital Regions public and private school districts reflect the diversity of the region in many ways, and all share in the commitment to academic excellence and high achievement. School districts vary in enrollment size, from small village districts to larger urban systems and are recognized nationally for dedicated staff members, innovation, ground-breaking educational reform, and special attention to every child’s unique needs. Achievement test scores also distinguish the county’s school population. SAT scores exceed state and national averages, and an exceptionally large proportion of students take the exam. Students excel in the Regents examinations, pupil evaluations programs and preliminary competency tests. Area students receive a quality education in some of the finest public and private schools in the nation. Computer use, the Internet, and high technology are well integrated into the curriculum, preparing students to assume leading roles and achieve success in today’s competitive world. New York public schools excel in presenting opportunities for self-expression and enrichment in such diverse areas as the arts, sports, foreign languages, and vocational training. Private schools, both independent and parochial, add to the opportunities for parents who are interested in alternative learning approaches and unique educational environments. Progressive and comprehensive technical and career schools provide a selection of programs to students of all ages.

 

Albany County and its surrounding communities were listed number 30 in the nation on Forbes Magazine’s “Best Bang-For-The-Buck” list, a study that looked at the stability of the housing and job markets, cost of living, and commute times. The area continues to rank highly in surveys rating the lifestyle and living experiences of this historic area of the country. The region is focused on preserving its rich heritage while keeping pace with advancing technologies and modern conveniences the Capital Region is an area of delightful contrasts. New residents will discover productive farms, unspoiled countryside, and roadside fruit stands in close proximity to internationally recognized healthcare institutions and acclaimed colleges and universities.

Capital Region communities are a reasonable drive from hospitals, medical centers, and research institutes that enjoy a worldwide reputation for excellence. Health care is a priority in the area and is well represented by an excellent full-service hospital, healthcare facilities and human service agencies that offer a continuum of care, resources and support to meet the physical, mental and developmental needs of the community. Albany is served by the St. Peter’s Health Partners, Albany Medical Center, Ellis Medicine and several other facilities. The organization is the region’s largest and most comprehensive network of high-quality, advanced medical care, primary care, rehabilitation and senior services, and is the “parent corporation” for the three merging health systems. St. Peter’s Health Partners includes Albany Memorial Hospital and St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany; Samaritan Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy; Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital in Schenectady; as well as The Eddy system of continuing care and Saratoga is served by Saratoga Hospital. Throughout the region, skilled professionals in private practice, leading hospitals, emergency care centers, women’s health centers, and rehabilitation hospitals meet routine and advanced needs close to home. Ongoing health screenings, wellness programs, and educational programs are evidence of the proactive attitude toward health maintenance.

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