Downtown Schenectady Apartments for Rent

Downtown Schenectady is the neighborhood located in the heart of Schenectady, New York. The area is bordered by Union Street on the south, Seward Place on the east, Nott Street on the north, the river on the northwest and the railroad tracks on the west. Erie Boulevard and Nott Street are two main roads running through the area.

Originally settled by the Mohawk tribe of Native Americans, Europeans began moving into the valley in the 1600s from the Netherlands. The first settler was Arent Van Curler in 1661.Their first settlement was at Fort Orange. The name of the town comes from the Mohawk words “Schau-naugh-ta-da” which means “over the pine plains.” Schenectady later became home to General Electric and the Edison Electric Company.

The campus of Union College is located on Union Street and comprises much of the real estate in this area. Founded in 1795, much student housing is located on the perimeter of this area. College Park Hall is a large dormitory that was once a hotel. It is home to the Campus Safety Department. Memorial Field House and Viniar Athletic Center, as well as the Frank L. Messa Rink, are located in the northeastern section of the neighborhood, providing more access to recreational activities. Students attend Schenectady City Public Schools. The Schenectady County Airport is across the river from this neighborhood and the city’s Amtrak station is nearby on Erie Boulevard. Mohawk Hudson Bikeway runs through the area. This biking and hiking trail connects Albany and Schenectady and is part of the Canalway Trail, which follows the Erie Canal.