Loudonville
Many of the homes of Loudonville are built to impress. The hamlet is the Capital Region's original "Gold Coast," a place of affluent mansions and more sedate middle-class living, laced with quiet suburban roads where strict zoning rules make sure the area stays that way.
Since the area is not an official municipality, but rather a part of the large Town of Colonie, its borders are not strictly defined. But you'll know it when you arrive, whether it's by the tony homes of Route 9 or the hidden mansions of Old Niskayuna Road. Residents who move here will find it a convenient location for a quick commute to Albany and Troy, as well as nearby shopping malls, golf courses and bike trails. Siena College, located in the heart of the community, adds another level of culture and hosts one of the nation's best college basketball teams. Loudonville is within the North Colonie School District, a top ranking district.
You don't have to be rich to buy a home here, but expect to pay more than in other communities, but this is somewhat balanced by a relatively lower tax rate by being within Colonie. A wide variety of housing stock is available -- including a handful of apartment complexes for those in the rental market -- making the hamlet an attractive option for most.
Description: Suburban, small town, mature and newer housing stock. Some new construction.