Adirondack Leaf Peeping

It’s beginning!  The Fall Foliage Report (www.iloveny.com) is out - and many areas in the Adirondack and Capital Regions are at the “Just Changing” stage!  Time to plan your day trip/fall weekend!

The autumn season has begun, and where better to drink in the glorious colors than the Adirondack and Capital Regions!  Whether you view the colors from a mountain peak or a lake shore, the sights will not disappoint.

Hiking -  Trails await and can offer a quiet and peaceful way to enjoy the scenery.  Check out alltrails.com or skyaboveus.com for comprehensive listings.  The regions also abound in State Parks which are waiting to be explored and enjoyed.

By Rail -  What better way to enjoy the views than from a comfortable railway car!  Two historic railway companies offer fall tours - the Catskill Mountain Railroad (catskillmtrailroad.com) and the Adirondack Railroad (adirondack.com)

By Air  - How about a gondola ski ride over the gorgeous colors below?  Both Gore Mountain and Whiteface Mountain offer this experience.  Or, try a zip line at Hunter Mountain.

By Water -  Hudson River Cruises and Dutch Apple Cruises will delight you with spectacular and historic sights.  The Lake George Steamboat Company and the Minne-Ha-Ha Cruise also on Lake George are wonderful ways to see the colors.  Don’t forget the beautiful Great Scandaga Lake which never disappoints!

If you're looking to buy a home, trust the experts at Thomas J. Real Estate who know this area best!

For more information, visit these websites:

www.iloveny.com

visitadirondack.com

www.albany.com

www.newyorkupstate.com

Welcome to 580 State Hwy 30 Hope, NY 

Looking for a new home? Take a look at the ranch home for sale in Hope, NY. This home is located at 580 State Hwy 30  Hope, NY and offers 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath, combo living room & dining room, eat in kitchen and a full basement. The lot size is 1.10ac's. Current owner has kept up on the maintained. 

Asking price $229,000 MLS # 202226721 

If you're in the market to buy or sell a home in and around the Hamilton County, NY area contact Thomas J. McGroder, Lic. Real Estate Broker Thomas J. Real Estate, Inc. 518-863-4691.

Employment and the Real Estate Market

One of the most important factors in homeownership is the availability of employment in the selected area.  Jobs create growth in wages and salaries, and are how people afford their homes. Having a strong job market is a definite plus.

Here in the Capital Region/Adirondack Area, we are fortunate to have many job opportunities available.  The New York State Government offers the prospect of a rewarding career in Albany and the surrounding areas.  Over 40,000 people work for New York State in the Albany/Schenectady,Troy area alone!

New York State also offers many valuable employment benefits, including, but not limited to: career mobility, health benefits, and a strong retirement system.

Many fine medical facilities, such as Albany Medical Center, exist in the area and offer a variety of employment choices.  Excellent school systems and respected colleges and universities dot the area and are great places to work.  Shopping malls, major retail chains, eateries, and recreational facilities are found in the region, along with smaller businesses.

It’s good to know there are many avenues from which to choose rewarding employment and expand your career!  

Homes and jobs go hand in hand. Choosing a good area with great prospects provides you with the security you need to comfortably enjoy homeownership!

When you're ready to relocate to the Capital Region, contact the Professionals at Thomas J. Real Estate, Inc. We are members of the Global MLS and have access to all the active real estate listings in the Capital Region.

Top 5 Relocation Questions You Should Ask

Pulling up stakes and moving to a new area can be a daunting experience.  It is one of the biggest decisions you make when looking for a new home.

There are several important questions to ask when considering a move.  Let’s take a look at some of the most crucial in the process.

* Affordability - It is important to ask yourself, “Can I afford to live comfortably in this area?”  The cost of living is, perhaps, the most decisive factor in relocation.  Certain areas of the country, and even certain areas within states, are more expensive than others. Another consideration is the cost of property and school taxes in the area.

* Job Market -  Are there opportunities in your area of expertise?  Is the job market solid?  Are there reputable companies within the area or within commuting distance?

* Types of Society/Environment/Culture - Things to consider include schools, libraries, places of worship, the arts, restaurants, crime & safety, commutes & transportation, and walkability.

* Quality of Life - Does the area offer opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors with parks, summer facilities, summer concerts, etc.? Climate is another important consideration, especially as you age.

* Healthcare - Healthcare facilities can vary dramatically from area to area.  Check the qualifications of doctors, hospitals, and medical offices.  Be sure to ascertain that your particular healthcare coverage is accepted in the area.

It is also a good idea to try to get to know the area.  In addition to online sources, the local library is a great place to start.  The local newspaper will also give you a glimpse into life in the area.  Talk to people in the area.  Explore your new area-to-be with a stop at Town Hall, the local coffee shop, or deli.  You’ll be surprised at how easily people will share information about the area.

But, by far, your REALTOR® will be a tremendous resource in learning about a particular area.  Their expertise will help guide you toward the best possible location!

Thomas J. Real Estate, Inc. is ready to assist you with your relocation and real estate needs. Click here to connect with one of our professionals

Great Sacandaga Building Lot with 10' of access

Looking for a buildable parcel of land with Great Sacandaga Lake access? Take a look at the vacant parcel of land on S. Shore Rd just before Horse Hill Rd. The lot consists of 0.29 acres, drilled well and 10' of lake access just second away. 

For more information or to schedule a tour contact Thomas J. McGroder Lic. Real Estate Broker with Thomas J. Real Estate Inc. To view additional Great Sacandaga Lake listings Click here 

Looking for a Good Brew?

Relax and Have a Brew!

Whether it’s your morning coffee, a relaxing cup of tea, or a craft beer to wind down your day, the Capital Region/Adirondacks have just what you need.

From perfectly roasted coffees, to specialty teas, to unique, flavor-filled beers, there are many local places that will meet and even exceed your expectations.

Nothing beats the satisfying scent a freshly brewed cup of coffee.  Where to find a coffee shop?

Albany boasts of quite a few local shops such as Stack’s Espresso Bar and Professor Java.  In Troy you’ll find Jacob Alejandro and Spill’n the Beans, in Delmar, there’s Perfect Blend, and in Northville, Java John’s.

Specialty tea shops provide relaxing respites from the busy day.  The Tailored Tea in Latham is ensconced in a farm house built in 1785.  Don’t forget Short & Stout Tea Lounge in Albany and The Whistling Kettle located in both Schenectady and Troy. The Saratoga Tea and Honey Company has a large selection of specialty teas and honey to satisfy any taste.

Craft beer boasts a richer and very distinct taste of the highest quality, made from all-natural ingredients.  The brewing process is longer than that of regular beer, and highly controlled, producing a unique, flavorful product.  

Where can you enjoy a freshly poured glass? Here are a few locations:

The Great Sacandaga Brewing Company in Broadablin

Druthers in Albany, Schenectady, or Saratoga Springs

Fort Orange Brewing, and The Albany Pump Station, in Albany

The Warbler Brewery, and The Real McCoy Beer Company, in Delmar

Whatever your taste, relax and enjoy a brew, here in the Capital/Adirondack Region!

The Story of the Great Sacandaga

Driving north on Route 30 from Amsterdam, NY, nothing compares with the first glimpse of the stunning and majestic Great Sacandaga Lake.  The sight of the sun glistening on the water, framed by lush green mountains, is breathtaking.  And, when one realizes this gorgeous beauty is man-made, it boggles the mind!

The story of the Great Sacandaga is one of foresight and fortitude.  This amazing feat was set in motion more than 100 years ago.  In 1913, spring flooding of the Hudson River created disastrous destruction to communities downstream of the then Sacandaga River.  A project was initiated to dam the flow of the river and create the Sacandaga Reservoir.

Many homes and businesses in the path of the new reservoir were re-located to sites outside the flood zone. Other home and business owners were recompensed for their losses and the structures were burned down. Additionally, over 3,800 graves were moved, as the flooding of the area began.

In the 1960s, the reservoir was renamed the Great Sacandaga Lake, attracting tourism and bringing economic and recreational benefits to the region.  In addition to year-round residents, summer homes and camping grounds bring many to the area to enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and the great outdoors.  The Great Sacandaga Lake is a jewel in the crown of the Adirondack region, a resource  that will continue to be loved and appreciated by generations to come.

To learn more about the remarkable story of the Great Sacandaga Lake, please view:  Harnessing Nature: Building the Great Sacandaga - You Tube

For information on real estate on around the Great Sacandaga Lake contact the professionals at Thomas J.. Real Estate, Inc.

Welcome to Pine Crest Estates

Pine Crest Development has 13 shovel ready building lots ranging from 3 acres to 8.5 acres. Located in the Town of Edinburg, Saratoga County and within minutes of public launches and marinas for Great Sacandaga Lake Access. 

Live in an area of extraordinary natural beauty and reasonable taxes. Appreciate rural living with easy access to amenities like restaurants, theaters, boutique shopping and art galleries. Saratoga Springs Racing and Casino's are within 30 minutes. 

For more information contact 
Thomas J. McGroder 
Lic. Real Estate Broker 
Thomas J. Real Estate, Inc.
518-863-4691
www.thomasjrealestate.com

Adirondack Camping

The need to return to nature and enjoy the majesty of the mountains, has been felt for generations.  The Adirondack Region more than satisfies that urge!

Beginning in the Gilded Age, the rich and famous retreated to the Adirondacks in the summer to enjoy the peaceful splendor and escape the heat and oppression of the cities.

The Adirondacks is a six million-acre state park.  It is larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon combined!  The Adirondacks consist of mountain summits, lakes, valleys, forests, and parklands.

Adirondack Great Camps were built in the late 19th century, and were vacation homes for families such as the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers.  Made up of an original 13 dozen Great Camps, many are still privately owned.

Six Adirondack Historic Lodges offer tourists a chance to experience the luxury of the Great Camps.

These include:

• The Point on Saranac Lake  (thepointresort.com)
• White Pine Camp, the summer White House of President Calvin Coolidge (whitepinecamp.com)
• The Hedges on Blue Mountain Lake, built by a Civil War Hero (thehedges.com)
• The Waldheim on the northern shore of Big Moose Lake (thewaldheim.com)
• Lake Kora, a place of grandeur on 1,000 acres  (lakekora.com)
• NYS Northampton Campground  Great Sacandaga Lake Camping 
• Saranac Waterfront Lodge in the High Peaks region (expedia.com)

Other camping opportunities abound in the Adirondack Region, including:

Island Camping on secluded and peaceful campsites, perfect for fishing and picnicking.

Glamping - glamour camping catering to your every need!

Region Campgrounds - ideal for hiking, boating, fishing, and beachgoing

RV Camping Parks - offering electrical, water, and sewer hookups

Backcountry Camping - serious camping on primitive campsites in the Adirondack wilderness

See visitadirondacks.com to learn more!

Great Sacandaga Lake Access Ranch Home

Live out in the country yet still closets area amenities. Family room with additional living space, 1/2 bath in the lower level. Main floor has open living room, dining area and kitchen, 3 bedrooms and 2 baths  along with a 3 season sunroom. Two Detached garages for cars and toys. Lake access through Sinclair Heights Beach Association. Membership required.

Asking $468,000 MLS# 202221512

For more information contact 
Thomas J. McGroder
Lic. Real Estate Broker
518-863-4691 Click here to email