Why the Town of Colonie?
Colonie is the perfect place to start a business or raise a family. Located at the heart of the Capital District, Colonie is known as the “Crossroads of the tri-city area”. With easy access to high-quality health care, education, and entertainment of all kinds, it’s no wonder why so many people relocate here.
Education
The Town of Colonie provides our children with exceptional education from top-ranked schools. With 6 public school districts, a variety of private schools, and many top-rated college campuses, the Town of Colonie is proud to make education a priority, growing top talent right here at home. In 2021 Niskayuna and Colonie School Districts were ranked top 100 out of 500 schools in the Best Public High Schools in New York State. Additionally, Colonie was voted “Best Communities for Music Education” for nine consecutive years. When it’s time to look at higher education options, the Town of Colonie has a nearby mix of affordable community colleges, well-known four-year state and private colleges, and private research universities.
Source:
https://wallethub.com/edu/e/best-public-high-schools-in-new-york-state/88443
https://www.northcolonie.org/about-us/
Healthcare
When it comes to access to health care, the Town of Colonie is just a short drive from Albany Med, one of the largest teaching hospitals in New York State. This renowned medical facility provides a wide range of outstanding clinical care – from routine preventative care to life-saving emergency medicine at its Level 1 trauma center. Additionally, Albany Med teaches the next generation of medical providers and helps advance critical biomedical research. The area is also home to St Peter’s Health Partners and Albany Memorial Hospital, several urgent care centers, and multispecialty offices providing primary care, pediatrics, and outpatient specialty care to residents of all ages. There are also several senior living facilities, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers to provide the best care for our elderly residents.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in the Town of Colonie is lower than the state average and in some categories below the national average, making living in Colonie a safe and affordable option.
According to the most recent data:
| COST OF LIVING | Colonie | New York | USA |
| Overall | 102.5 | 120.5 | 100 |
| Grocery | 104.2 | 103.8 | 100 |
| Health | 99.7 | 105.8 | 100 |
| Housing | 103.2 | 132.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $238,500 | $305,400 | $231,200 |
| Utilities | 109.2 | 115.9 | 100 |
| Transportation | 89.2 | 140.7 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 112 | 101.6 | 100 |
Source: https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/new_york/colonie
Safety
With the help of the Town of Colonie Police Department, Town of Colonie Emergency Medical Service (EMS), and the twelve firefighting agencies in the area, the Town of Colonie is able to provide a safe and secure environment for its community. The Town of Colonie’s violent crime rate is at 10.3/100, ranking significantly lower than the national and state average. Source: https://www.bestplaces.net/crime/city/new_york/colonie
SAFETY ACCOLADES
- 2009 and 2010 CQ Press ranked the town of Colonie with the lowest crime rate of all communities in the United States with a population of at least 75,000 residents.
- All years since 2010 continuously ranked at the top 10 or better for having the lowest crime rate of all communities in the United States with a population of at least 75,000 residents.
- In 1999, the town of Colonie Emergency Medical Services Department was awarded the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians’ National Paramedic Service of the Year Award. The award is given to one service of high distinction that has demonstrated excellence, innovation, and community service.
- May 4, 2010, the town of Colonie was awarded the 2010 International Association of Fire Chiefs’ “Heartsafe Community” award for making significant advances in emergency cardiac care.
- August 28, 2010, the New York State EMS Council awarded the town of Colonie Emergency Medical Services Department the New York State “EMS Agency of the Year” award.
Climate
With four beautiful seasons, it’s easy to find something to look forward to in Colonie any time of year. Crisp and bright fall leaves, snowball fights and skiing on a snowy winter day, hiking in the spring and enjoying a local park or waterfront in the summer. Residents and visitors alike love to experience the excitement and opportunity each season brings.
Recreation, Entertainment, and Culture
The Town of Colonie offers endless options for recreation, entertainment, and culture. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or enjoy a day of shopping and dining, there is always something fun and exciting right at your fingertips. Located at the confluence of the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, there are several waterfront parks including The Mohawk River Park and Pool, the Mohawk Hudson Bike/Hike Trail, and Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park. The Crossings is Colonie’s largest public park with 130 acres of bike and running paths, picnic areas, and a 3-acre pond as its centerpiece. With youth and adult sports leagues and events, and the ability to rent indoor and outdoor fields, Afrim’s sports complexes are the home to local athletes of all ages. After a long week, there’s nothing better than going for a skate at Guptill’s, the world’s largest roller-skating rink, then getting a scoop of one of their 80 award-winning ice creams to end the night! Just about any need you have can be fulfilled at the Colonie Center Mall, located at the epicenter of all shopping and dining, Wolf Road. With over 100 specialty stores, a variety of restaurants, and activities, it’s easy to see why Colonie Center is ranked as the Capital Region’s ‘Best Of’ Shopping Center for 12 years in a row, based on a Times Union readers’ poll.
Location – Easy Access to Everywhere
Whether you’re traveling across the country or just across town, getting around is easy in the Town of Colonie. As the “Crossroads of the tri-city area,” the Town of Colonie provides smooth and easy travel in any direction by way of one of its major interstates. In fact, Colonie residents traveling by car have an average commute of just 18.6 minutes. If you don’t have access to a car, the CDTA bus system has routes that will get you around town quickly and affordably. For air travel, the Albany International Airport, located right here in Colonie, is the first and oldest municipal airport in the United States and is the airport of choice for the Capital Region, Northeastern New York, Western New England, and Southern Vermont.
