On the eastern shores of the Hudson River just opposite Albany, Rensselaer has a storied history as a trade and manufacturing hub. Now home to 9,400 people, it remains the site of one of America’s busiest Amtrak stations, connecting it with Albany, Troy, and New York City. Rensselaer offers a lively suburban feel—rich with amenities and nightlife, yet quiet and neighborly. A diverse area, there’s always a restaurant or coffee shop to discover. This community does an excellent job supporting public parks that add lovely natural flourish to the surroundings.
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Rensselaer’s residents are distributed in more than 4,000 households and 2,500 families. About 82% of locals characterize themselves as white, 12% African-American, and 2% Asian. Native American, Pacific Islander, and other backgrounds make up less than 1% each. The median household income is over $35,000, and the median family income surpasses $40,000.
There are more than 3,700 housing units in the city, with 40-150 listings at any one time. The median listing price nears $200,000, but properties are available to suit a range of budgets. Browse the newest real estate listings in Rensselaer, NY.
The Rensselaer City School District is the home district for local students. It maintains Van Rensselaer Elementary School and a combined Rensselaer Junior/Senior High School. With total enrollment of 1,150, it has a very favorable student-teacher ratio of 12:1. Students have gone on to study at SUNY Albany, Syracuse University, and other top-ranked colleges.
Rensselaer is the site of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), ranked 49th among America’s research universities by U.S. News & World Report. As an engine of technological and economic advancement, RPI scholars and students have been behind breakthroughs in biotechnology, materials science, and cyber-security. It enrolls 4,900 students across six schools, awarding degrees to Ph.D. level. Find homes in Rensselaer by school district.
Although St. Peter’s Health Partners employs about twice as many locals (3,500), Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has long been a driving force in the local economy. In addition to adding 1,800 jobs on campus—slightly more than the Rensselaer County government—its innovations have sparked many startups.
Rensselaer is also at the heart of General Electric territory, and GE’s annual hiring provides a wealth of opportunities. IBM also has operations in the area, which may be due to expand after the company’s re-organization. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, which shot to fame for its novel COVID-19 treatment, has offices in Rensselaer and headquarters in Tarrytown.
Perched on the Hudson and just a stone’s throw from some of New York’s biggest cities, nothing is out of your reach when you choose to live in Rensselaer. Yes, you’re sure to visit the New York State Capital, USS Slater, and the New York State Museum—all in Albany—but there’s lots to see in your backyard.
For families, the award-winning Children’s Museum of Science and Technology is a can’t-miss. Its interactive exhibits captivate the young imagination—what better way to get a child started on their way to a future at Rensselaer Polytechnic? More than 100 live animals also live at the Museum.
Crailo State Historic Site is a fortified brick manor house formerly held by Kiliaen van Rensselaer—the Dutch merchant for whom the city is named. It offers guided tours that illuminate the area’s history as a Dutch colony at the very beginning of the American story.
Anglers will love to visit Hampton Manor Lake. Although only 13 acres, it’s known for great pan-fishing. A park in the southeast corner offers tennis courts, basketball courts, and a playground for youngsters.
Want to know more about the historic town of Rensselaer, NY? Contact us at Coldwell Banker Prime—we’ll get you started in no time!
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