Depends on what you like… - 6/16/2022

I grew up in Saratoga and moved out in my late 20’s. I only live about 20 minutes from there now, so I go there sometimes. Downtown Saratoga is very nice. Broadway, the Main Street always looks nice. It’s an artsy area with mostly upscale stores. They have a great independent coffee shop there called Uncommon Grounds, and it’s always packed. It’s a rich area. The cost of living is high. Rents and homes are priced high. Besides the downtown area or Saratoga, there are some run down areas around it. There is low income housing right outside of downtown that has some crime. There are some gorgeous Victorian homes right outside of downtown. Downtown has some cool bars, so the nightlife is usually fun. There are a decent amount of restaurants, however they’re more on the fancy side. There’s a famous racetrack there, so summers get extremely busy and congested with tourists. I’m not a fan of the track because I don’t agree with horse racing, but that’s just me. There’s a nice park in the downtown area, where I spent many summers. The majority of people who live there drive luxury cars or junkers. The middle class is slowly getting squeezed out. There are a fair amount of homeless and hippies that hang around the main strip and play guitar for money, or just ask for money outright. All in all, Saratoga - specifically downtown Saratoga is a really nice place. I would maybe consider moving back if the cost of living wasn’t so high. However, if you’ve got a high paying job and can afford it, you may really like it.

[Comment on this Posting]

Visit - 7/13/2019

I came from buffalo New York home of the chicken wings and forgot my phone in the uber the people at the concert were very nice they let me and my friend and I leave and come back in so I could find my phone I finally got it back the next day I definitely will come back to visit Sincerely Christopher Traynor

[Comment on this Posting]

People must have a weird view on what is beautifu - 4/5/2015

Saratoga springs is one of the safest cities to live in. You don't really have to worry about getting shot, mugged, assaulted (Those things do happen, but no where near the levels like in Troy Schenectady or Albany. Saratoga is a very expensive place to live with nothing to do. You have the track for the summer and dirty bars and clubs (STD anyone). Saratogians seem to be the most delusional people I ever met when it came to drinking booze. I think 95% of the city are borderline alcoholics and just don't want to admit they have a problem. I question their IQ levels a lot as for some odd reason they will bring their trash to the supermarket (Price Chopper, which will become Market 32 in the near future) I don't mean a small bag of trash say from McDonald's, I'm talking about a bag of trash from their house. Plenty of them seem to just hang out at the store with nothing to do. You will notice People simply don't watch their kids in the parking lot in Saratoga. The stay at home moms are either 40 feet ahead of their kid or 40 feet behind them. You will notice shopping carts through out the city, nothing like playing "spot the cart" while driving through Saratoga. The only place that is well kept is Broadway, which is basically the main road in town. The weather can be really harsh at times and you won't hear the end about it as people love to complain about the weather in Saratoga. I'm not joking, it's down right comical for people to complain that much about snow,wind,rain,cold when you live in the Northeast. In the end Saratogians are vastly judgmental ignorant people, who live in a very expensive low crime city. I've been in Saratoga for a while now and nobody I know will call this city beautiful, as they say it's nothing but a dump.

[Comment on this Posting]

Proud of my Hometown - 1/27/2015

Saratoga Springs is a "small" town with a bigger feel. When I moved away for work after graduating college, I was happy to say I was from Saratoga. "Oh what a pretty town" and positive reactions were all I received. Uncommon Grounds and Saratoga Coffee Traders are great local coffee shops. Nice up kept downtown. I felt safe growing up here, walking around, riding my bike through the town, Congress Park and Saratoga State Park (which has a geyser, National Museum of Dance, Car Museum, Home Made Theater and Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) where big bands come in the summer time. Yes it is more tourist-y in the summer when the horse race track is open but it just means a more bustling downtown. Fun Culture- New Year's Eve called "First Night"- Spend $15 for a button and go around the whole town with live music and entertainment, free shuttle, ending in fireworks for the night. WinterFest/Chowderfest - usually late Jan/early Feb - music, food tasting, pond hockey and more Saratoga Beer Week- usually mid February - beer pairings, beer Dance Flurry - usually mid February - all sorts of dance - latin, ballroom, Chinese ribbon, Irish dancing, square dancing, workshops you can learn or performances to just watch SPAC Rock N Run - usually in May - run a 5k or 10k to live music beginning and ending at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) in the park First Friday - usually May thru Oct - galleries and shops are open around 5pm-8pm on Beekman Art District First Friday of each month Saratoga Arts Fest - usually around June - theater, art, music, dance and more all around town Saratoga Brewfest - usually June - another beer festival! JazzFest - usually late June - jazz at SPAC (Saratoga Performing Arts Center) Hat's Off- July when the horse racing track opens - celebration around downtown when the tack opens, music, fun Oktoberfest - usually late September - at Saratoga Fair Grounds, music and drink Turkey Trot - Run on Thanksgiving morning - run before you eat everything, supports the Christopher Daily Foundation Victorian Street Walk -early December - kick off to Christmas, Broadway closes to cars and is open for pedestrians to walk about, eat, hear music, sing carols, see Christmas trees and lights etc. tldr- loved growing up here, fun things to do

[Comment on this Posting]

Taxes! - 3/4/2014

Saratoga is gorgeous. There is no doubt about it. We have lived here for twelve years but are finally getting out of New York! I work around the country with individuals from almost every state and when they have all heard what our property and state income tax burdens are here in the Saratoga area....THEIR JAWS ALWAYS DROP! Don't get sucked into the hype here about Saratoga having the lowest taxes in the state....Just look at the bottom line amount that is absconded every year from TAX PAYING, hard working people and you'll understand why many are fleeing the state. It's too bad....other than January, February and March weather, Saratoga is a fantastic place to live. It's the governments, State, City and County that are killing the golden goose. It really is sad.

[Comment on this Posting]

My 'hometown' - 10/5/2013

My 'hometown' is the breathtakingly beautiful Saratoga Springs, NY. I was born and raised, moved away and relocated back to Saratoga Springs, N.Y. I am a humble Ultra High Venture Capitalist, Angel Investor, Entrepreneur, PRIVATE Investor. I come from one of the most famous prestigious families, not only in Saratoga, but known around the world. I am not snobbish whatsoever. I am grounded, helpful, compassionate, giving, a positive chi energy, and one of the most patient and understanding people that I know. I know many people. of all walks of life, various social classes...am well - respected...and I have equal respect, admiration, and am privileged to know or be acquaintance with each and every one of them! In fact... I am an advocate for people, places, animals and things. I am very passionate about sustainable living, Eco friendly lifestyle, technology, Solar Wind, Solar energy / turbines, etc. I live a healthy lifestyle...Mind, body and soul. I care, contribute, do good and positive things all around the world...PRIVATELY!!! NOT needing notoriety! Nor wanting it. Safety, security, dependability, stability, worthiness, reputable, honorable, humble, grounded, fairness and privilege are words I practice and implement in my personal and my professional life. I have very intelligent, amazing young adult sons, and we absolutely adore, appreciate and respect each other. My oldest son is a humble prodigy genius... PhD in Math & Statistics Research Scientist at age 24. He utilizes practically all of his time for the good of mankind, sustainable living, cures, is a strong advocate, etc. He cares and is passionate about fairness in all things! Lessons learned in life...are those you choose to have the mindset of. Saratoga is a friendly, welcoming town in upstate New York. I would know as I am involved with ALL social classes, various groups, events, and and sociable and utmost respected in the community here. Humbly so. Valerie Vanderbilt

[Comment on this Posting]

It's an absolutely beautiful town - 7/2/2013

Wide treelined streets with rows and rows of amazing old victorian houses. Its in an extremely picturesque setting as well. The economy in that area is also much better than most of the rest of the region too.

[Comment on this Posting]

Lindsey is a angry, full of hate, social disorder - 11/1/2012

Lindsey, just because your life blows and you have no idea what "community" means doesnt give you the right to slam a wonderful small town full of history and hard working polite residents. I truely believe you secretly wish you could of "joined" or became a psrt of the community. But judging by your harsh words it is clear that you are not a decent or caring person with obvious social disorders. So in closing i think you should move.

[Comment on this Posting]

If You're Snotty and Rich, Come Here - 9/6/2011

I've lived nearby for 20 years. If you are stinking, filthy rich and incredibly snotty, then you will feel right at home here. This small city prides itself on taking every last cent from your pocket. The towns nearby sell nearly every item for about $2 less. You can't even use a laundromat in Saratoga for cheap! The locals are either rich snobs or poor hippies in their 20s, complete with a handful of hipsters. This is all right for the music and art scenes. There is one major coffeeshop downtown, but because many of the young adults who work there spend more time smoking pot, there is the chance of getting food poisoning. The Starbucks down the street is no better. Late summer is the worst around Saratoga. This city is completely obsessed with the abusive "sport" of horse-racing. In fact, Saratoga expects everyone living in a 50 mile radius of the small city to be into such a fake sport. During this time, people with money pouring out of their pockets and rudeness pouring out of their mouths drive their super-expensive sports cars into Saratoga, clogging the streets, abusing all of the local workers, and causing the local atmosphere to be filled with such tension that I'm surprised they don't all beat each other to death with polo mallets. If it rains at all, all of the tourists with an income large enough to go seed the clouds themselves will spend the day going around to the shops verbally abusing everyone else. The locals themselves aren't very bright. I'm not sure why this is, they are in a town with money, you would think the school system would be quite rigorous. But I have found that the locals about a half hour away are much brighter and have better critical thinking skills. Saratoga is simply filled with airheads and ditzy women. For a few positives, if you do go: Four Seasons eatery; Saratoga Spa State Park; Ben & Jerry's (I don't care if it isn't 'local'); Petrified Sea Gardens; the Tang Museum at Skidmore College (don't linger on campus though, it is just as bad as the rest of the city).

[Comment on this Posting]

Weather - 12/29/2010

Winter = November thru March. Cloudy, cold, snowy. Summer = Mid-June thru August. Sunny, comfortably warm.

[Comment on this Posting]

Saratoga Springs living - 7/9/2010

Saratoga Springs is a small town about 45 minutes north of Albany! Broadway, the main street of Saratoga has marvelous little shops and wonderful restaurants. All different nationallity of food selections! In the spring and summer Saratoga comes alive with various concerts, the jazz festival, NYC ballet and symphony orchestra! The biggest draw to Saratoga is the annual thoroughbred racing season which is 6 weeks long from the end of July to labor day! Some of the biggest and best thoroughbreds come and draw tremendous crowds! That's when Saratoga is at it's finest! The weather is typical NE warm, humid and sunny! There are three lakes within a 30 min drive from Saratoga. Saratoga lake is ten minutes out of town, lake George to the north and Sacandaga to the west! There is also a wonderful community hospital and surgery center, with two urgent care facilities near by. Come and visit Saratoga! You will fall in love with it's charm, hospitality, and diversification! You will want to visit or buy a second home once you experience what I already have!

[Comment on this Posting]

place i live - 6/27/2010

I live in Clifton Park ny nice big lots very spread out,good schools

[Comment on this Posting]

the quality of life is very high - 3/14/2010

After retiring, I moved to Saratoga Springs after having lived in NYC for forty years. Although at times I miss the city, the quality of life here is so high that it is hard to complain. It is a very lovely and gracious place, with enough cultural opportunities and events in the area to maintain a sense of connection with a larger cultural framework. The cost of living, compared to NYC, is a great gift. Also, one can take Amtrak from Albany to NYC and be there in two and a half hours, or drive to Boston or Montreal with a few hours. The Adirondacks are an half an hour north and Vermont forty-five minutes east. My one concern is that, in comparison with NYC, there is much less ethnic diversity, which concerns me.

[Comment on this Posting]

Saratoga Springs - 1/21/2010

Lot's of galleries, performing arts, and close to the Adirondacks.

[Comment on this Posting]

Culture and recreation - 9/17/2008

Saratoga Springs has all of the things you want in a big city with a small town atmosphere. Skidmore college adds the benefit of a great education/college town atmosphere, while the fantastic restaurants and night life (live music, theatre, arts & much more) add to the variety. Great place to visit, great place to live

[Comment on this Posting]

After 4 yrs, I've concluded Saratoga is easily one - 2/29/2008

Four years ago, our family made the big move relocating from top rated Boston to Saratoga Springs and it has been the best decision of our lives. Saratoga is a great place to raise a family and experience the simple pleasures of life. Saratoga is one of the fastest growing and most prosperous communities in New York State. It is ideally situated an equal distance between NYC, Boston and Montreal. The Adirondack Park is just 30 minutes North, Vermont Ski areas are within 90 minutes and you can be on Cap Cod in 4 hours; a place we continue to visit each summer. Culturally, no small city in America can beat it from one of the most eloquent Main Streets featuring an array of festivals, top rated wine restaurants, boutiques, NYC style bistros, jazz bars and museums to the oldest thoroughbred race course in the United States (Est. 1863). There’s also the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) offering summer performances by the NY Ballet, Philadelphia Philharmonic, top rock groups and Annual Jazz and Wine Festivals and a fantastic state park. From a family perspective, Saratoga offers top rated schools, thriving youth athletics and strong literary and spiritual communities. And the best part about living in Saratoga...when you travel and mention to people you meet that you live in Saratoga, there’s inevitably a bit of envy in their voices as say “I’ve visited there and it’s an amazing or brilliant (in the UK) place!”

[Comment on this Posting]

Saratoga Springs - Wonderful place to live...if yo - 2/24/2008

Saratoga Springs has a wonderful Downtown, with classic two+ story brick buildings lining the streets, beautiful parks, many great restaurants, a good public library, and many extra touches (trees and flowers along the sidewalks) that make it a very pleasant place to pass the time. In looking at other places to live around the country, I have come to appreciate even more what Saratoga offers. The schools are well rated (although in NY that means that the kids do well on the state tests). Crime is very low. Tourism and convention visitors seem to increase every year. Cultural events abound. Outdoor activities are too numerous to list. With ready access to the Adirondacks to the north, and the myriad lakes in every direction, hiking and paddling activities are endless. The cost of living is higher than in some areas, but pales in comparison to locations down-state, or in parts of New Jersey or New England. Overall, one of the best places in the country to live (IMHO)...if you don't mind the long winters (Dec-April). We get lots of snow in the average winter, and it usually covers the ground well into March. It's not unusual to have a snowstorm in April. If you are a skiier, or enjoy other winter activities then you won't mind the long winters. I often find it depressing. There is no better place to be than Saratoga in the Summer, but you have to put up with all of that cold ice and snow while you are dreaming of the sunshine.

[Comment on this Posting]

The Summer Place To Be - 10/19/2007

Everyone who visits Saratoga wants to live there. An old Victorian town with all the fun and culture of a big city. A big summer resort because of: the oldest racetrack in the US, Performing Arts Center and summer home to NYC Ballet and Philly Orchestra, on and on.

[Comment on this Posting]

A Mini City With Appeal To Urbanites Looking For Q - 6/6/2007

Saratoga is the type of city that should encourage higher density and longer distance mass transit. An absolutely charming under-populated city, it can be walked from end to end in an hour or less, and one can actually live there without ever needing a car. Still, despite dozens of good bars and restaurants and a strip of trendy and national chain stores throughout the downtown, the place has few high quality jobs. SUNY Empire State College and Skidmore College bookend the collegiate environment, with one being impractically elitist, and the other being unconditionally accepting. If you absolutely wanted a city lifestyle in a more remote location, Saratoga could be the place. (Now if only they could attract more jobs, or find a way to bypass the usually 1 hr. commute to downtown Albany, where most of the region's middle class jobs are...)

[Comment on this Posting]

it might be cold, but it's worth it! - 5/25/2007

For those of you from fairweather states, Saratoga might be freezing. For those of you from parts north, it's balmy! Plus you get a cute little town, good food, culture, and shopping. It might be NY taxes, but it's a reasonable cost of living, complete with a great school district. So, it's not just a good place to visit.

[Comment on this Posting]