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Schenectady, New York

USA · Comprehensive city data and intelligence

70
Overall Score

Schenectady, a city with a rich industrial heritage, was once known as "the City that Lights and Hauls the World" due to its historical ties with General Electric and the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) [25, 41]. Situated along the Mohawk River, the city's development was significantly shaped by the Erie Canal, transforming it into a vital transportation and manufacturing hub in the 19th century [25]. Today, Schenectady is undergoing a revitalization, with a focus on redeveloping its downtown area, attracting new businesses, and enhancing cultural attractions like the expanded Proctors Theatre [41]. This ongoing renewal aims to build on the city's history of resilience and foster a dynamic environment for its residents.

About New York

New York, USA, is a diverse state offering both the fast-paced, culturally rich environment of New York City and the more tranquil, naturally beautiful landscapes of upstate regions. The state's economy, the third largest in the U.S., is heavily driven by service-providing sectors, with finance, healthcare, and professional and business services being major industries, particularly in NYC. Living costs are significantly higher than the national average, especially in New York City where housing is a primary expense, though more affordable options exist upstate. The climate ranges from humid continental in upstate areas with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, to a humid subtropical climate in the New York City metropolitan area, characterized by hot, humid summers and moderately cold winters. The lifestyle varies from the constant energy and extensive cultural, dining, and career opportunities of NYC to a slower pace with abundant outdoor recreation in other parts of the state.

68,847
Population
$55K
Avg Salary
99
Cost Index
70.0
Quality Score

Quality Scores

Business
65
Livability
78
Affordability
75
Growth
70

Cost of Living

Schenectady offers a cost of living that is generally more affordable than the national average, particularly when compared to New York State's higher-priced urban centers. While some sources indicate it is about 1% less expensive than the US average [22], others suggest it might be slightly higher overall, with housing costs being a significant factor in its affordability relative to New York City [4, 21]. The city's cost of living index is 99, meaning it is just 1% less expensive than the national average [22]. This relative affordability, especially in housing, makes Schenectady an attractive option for those seeking a balance between cost and access to amenities.

Average Rent
$1,425/mo
Groceries
$442/mo
Transport
$899/mo
Utilities
$323/mo
Gym membership (monthly)
$39.00
Cinema ticket
$11.00
Restaurant meal (mid-range)
$32.00
Monthly groceries
$442.00
1BR Apartment (city centre)
$1,300.00

Salary Insights

Schenectady's economy is diverse, with key sectors including Health Care & Social Assistance, Retail Trade, and Educational Services forming the backbone of its employment landscape [3, 9, 10, 31]. The city also benefits from a presence in Manufacturing and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, with General Electric (GE) remaining a significant employer and contributor to the region's technological advancements [25, 39, 41]. The job market has seen steady growth, with Schenectady County experiencing an employment growth rate of 0.917% from 2023 to 2024 [10]. The city's revitalization efforts have also spurred growth in tech firms and renewable energy sectors, contributing to a dynamic job market [25, 41].

The average salary in Schenectady is $55,374 per year. You would need approximately $70,000 to live comfortably.

Top Industries

Retail Trade Manufacturing Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Educational Services Health Care and Social Assistance

Climate

🌡️
Avg Temp
☀️
Summer High
❄️
Winter Low
🌧️
"
Annual Rain
💧
66.00%
Humidity
🌤️
Sunny Days

Transport

Getting around Schenectady involves a mix of personal vehicles and public transit, with a moderate walkability score of 60/100 [4, 6, 27]. The average commute time is 22 minutes [3, 26], and while 77% of residents travel by personal vehicle, there is also access to public transit options, reflected in a transit score of 50/100 [26, 27]. Car ownership is noted as being lower than the national average, with an average of one car per household [3], suggesting a medium level of car dependency.

22 min
Avg Commute
50.00/10
Transit Score
60.00/10
Walkability
Medium
Car Dependency

Pros & Cons

Advantages
Exceptional Livability Score of 78/100 [22].
Cost of living is 18% lower than the New York State average [22].
Median sale price of homes increased by 6.2% year-over-year as of June 2026 [25].
Revitalized downtown area with growing tech firms and cultural attractions [41].
Schenectady County experienced a 5% GDP growth in 2023 [8].
Drawbacks
High crime rates, with a safety grade of 'F' and violent crime rates significantly above national averages [8, 22].
Homeownership rate (45.6%) is lower than the national average (65.2%) [3].
Median household income ($58,399) is lower than the national average.
Moderate public transit score of 50/100 [27].
Higher than average transportation costs (5% higher than national average) [21].

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