Hometown USA: Glens Falls, NY

[Duckbutter]

So... my family and I are very close to pulling the trigger on a move from SW Montana, arguably the best ski region in North America after interior BC, though that too is within road tripping distance, to Glens Falls, NY and just wanted to get peoples' insight. Trading alpenglow on the Bridgers for the billowing smoke of Finch Paper might not be the easiest pill to swallow but there are practical reasons (family, friends, affordability, job opportunities, etc.) that seem to make sense at this point in our lives. I identify as a skier and proudly as a NY skier (rep'ing the St. Platty's Day shirt right now) and have enjoyed reading this blog for over decade so I kinda know what I am getting into, but not really. To be honest, Glens Falls became a target more from looking at maps than anything else, a remote spatial analysis exercise so to speak and Covid hasn't made on the ground recon any easier. GF meets the following important criteria:

• Close to family in the Hudson Valley
• Decent schools / close to daycare
• Close to significant open space (Adirondack Park)
• Ski area with night skiing that I can potentially see from my house
• Centrally located to bigger ski areas / BC zones in NY and VT
• Youth hockey programs
• MTB trails close by
• Other summer stuff - lakes/ rivers
• Relatively affordable

On paper things look good and we are excited about the transition. We want to become part of the community and raise our sons there. Will we miss the West at times? Absolutely. Will the trade offs be worth it? Hopefully. The reality is we don't know anyone in Glens Falls and what it is really like living there on a daily basis. What do you all think...?

 

[Harvey]

 

[Campgottagopee]

I've never lived in Glens Falls so I can't give you any insight, but, I can wish you all the best in your new adventure.

 

[Brownski]

I think your analysis is spot on. Lots of normal suburban food/shopping options right there and anything that’s missing is down in Albany County. The closest Ted’s Fish Fry is in Guilderland I think so that’s a con

 

[Benny Profane]

Saratoga.

 

[Milo Maltbie]

The closest Ted’s Fish Fry is in Guilderland I think so that’s a con

There's a Ted's in Clifton Park.

I think if I were moving to Upstate NY I'd look at Saratoga Springs or, if I wanted to be a hermit, Hamilton County. Maybe Hudson if I needed to be closer to the City.

Most of Upstate is a zero opportunity zone since the demise of both the farm economy and industry. It's sad what has happened here in the last 50 years.

mm

 

[sig]

have never lived in Glens Falls but enjoy the local pubs and proximity to Adirondacks. If you have kids, there is a ski mnt you can see from town. West mountain has night skiing and is a great place to teach younglings. Plus you are day trip distance from gore, white face, killington.

 

[marcski]

I'd also have to give a notch for Saratoga. Granted it will definitely be pricier than Glens Falls, but I think you'd get what you pay for in terms of niceties, restaurants, awesome town and vibe. You are still in a great jumping point for skiing in NY and VT. You are that much closer to Albany (airport plus anything your heart may desire). To me, the only downsides of Saratoga are price and the August pony crowds.

 

[Milo Maltbie]

You are that much closer to Albany (airport plus anything your heart may desire).

"...anything your heart may desire..." is not something you usually hear about Albany.

To me, the only downsides of Saratoga are price and the August pony crowds.

Track season is awesome. Buy a house on the east side of town and make bank by parking cars on your lawn or renting your house for August.

mm

 

[Milo Maltbie]

have never lived in Glens Falls but enjoy the local pubs and proximity to Adirondacks. If you have kids, there is a ski mnt you can see from town. West mountain has night skiing and is a great place to teach younglings. Plus you are day trip distance from gore, white face, killington.

West Mountain still has Tuesday night racing, and there used to be a group if old timers who skied weekday mornings. GF is also the closest you can get to Gore without getting further from Vermont, and it has the Sports Page for boots and tunes.

Still, you probaby shouldn't move here until you have figured out how to make a living.

mm