For more than a three decades Faye F. Rispoli has been a household name when it comes to selling or buying prime residential real estate in New York's booming and beautiful Capital Region. Residents of this incredible part of America already know how picturesque, productive and welcoming it is. But for newcomers to upstate New York from across the country and around the world, Faye F. Rispoli is anxious to extend a cordial greeting -- and take you on a tour of the peaceful, picture-book communities that are ready to become "home" for you and your family. (NIS-KA-YOU-NA) Crown Jewel of the Capital Region Here, along the rambling Mohawk River in Schenectady County, lies historic Niskayuna -- a city with a smiling face and a small town personality. A city with a wide choice of housing styles, from smaller homes of the 1940s and 50s, to truly luxurious custom-built homes for young families, corporate executives, and professionals. "Old Niskayuna" is an area that offers a special warmth, thanks to its many finely preserved older homes. This area, and many others, have made Niskayuna one of the Capital District's favorite neighborhoods, thanks to the many lifestyle amenities available for the enjoyment of young and mature alike, including: Avon Crest Park, featuring tennis and basketball courts, and playing fields for town soccer league. River Road Park, Niskayuna's newest, with its exercise stations, soccer fields and softball facilities. Jeff Blatnick Town Park -- named for the town's own Olympic wrestling gold medalist -- offers tennis and basketball courts, playing fields, and Mohawk/Hudson Bike Way access. If you're a nature lover -- Niskayuna was made for you. Thanks to: The Schenectady Museum Nature Preserve. The Lisha Kill Nature Area. Reist Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary. Since Niskayuna is professionally and scientifically oriented, with an above-average proportion of highly educated residents,the community places heavy emphasis on quality education. Grades 1-5: Birchwood, Craig, Glencliff, Hillside, or Rosendale Elementary. Grades 6-8: Iroquois or Antvan Middle Schools. Grades 9-12: Niskayuna High School. Niskayuna's principal industries include: General Electric Main Research & Development Center. Lockheed Martin Laboratory. Besides a choice of local shopping areas, Niskayuna's location makes visits to Albany, Saratoga, and Schenectady County stores and malls very convenient. TAXES For property tax information, call the Niskayuna assessor at (518) 386-4552. For school tax information, call the Niskayuna Central Schools business office at (518) 477-4666. HOMES For a tour of Niskayuna's fabulous selection of housing opportunities, call Faye F. Rispoli, RE/MAX Park Place at 1-518-512-9060 She'll show you the GOOD LIFE and get you moving...like yesterday! The Tale of Two Cities of Albany County Latham is one of 13 Capital Region hamlets within Albany County -- and is known for its variety of housing opportunities. Any Taste, Any Checkbook From newlyweds' "starter" homes and postwar resales, to new developments and upscale custom-built residences, there is something in Latham for any taste and checkbook. Perhaps Latham's biggest attraction is its appeal for those of you who want to live close to city convenience and workplaces. A variety of popular shopping areas include the Latham Circle Mall, a $10-million dollar facility, and a multitude of other stores and businesses. The Dutch Called It "Yearsley" When this city was founded in the 1600's by the Dutch, they called it "Yearsley." In 1756, Lord Loudon, Commander of the British Army during the French and Indian War, initiated the construction of Loudon Road, now Route 9, which travels south to Newtonville. Newtonville, a quaint and prospering hamlet, was originally named Newton Corners in honor of John M. Newton, a well known property owner and manufacturer of fire bricks, stove linings, and ceramics. Jog, Ski, Cycle Today, this historic community is home to families who enjoy the environment, and take part in the many activities available, including jogging, cycling,swimming, picnicking, and during winter , cross-country skiing in the 150-acre Colonie Town Park overlooking the Mohawk River. Children from grades kindergarten through six can look forward to quality education at: Blue Creek Boght Hills Forts Ferry Loudonville Latham Ridge Southgate Elementary Schools Grades seven and eight attend Shaker Junior High. Grades nine to 12 enroll at Shaker High School. For property tax and school information, call the Town of Colonie Tax Office at (518) 723-2730. For current listings in Newtonville call or email Faye for specific information at 518-512-9060. A Charmer since 1793 This wonderful area goes way, way back to 1793, when it was first incorporated on the banks of the Hudson River, a swift six miles from Albany -- New York State's capital city. The city includes the charming hamlets of Delmar, Elsmere, Glenmont, North and South Bethlehem, Selkirk, and Slingerlands. You cannot find perhaps a more hospitable community than Bethlehem, whose population is a mere 28,000, living in some 52 square miles. Bethlehem is primarily a residential community of more than 10,500 households with an average family size of three. Educated And Upwardly Mobile Home values here average about $150,000, thanks to a median household income of nearly $50,000, with 26.7% of the residents earning more than $75,000. Fifty percent of the adult population hold college degrees. Most important, Bethlehem is noted for its progressive school system, prudent planned development, and outstanding town services. Community organizations include a "superb" Senior Citizens Department. Visualize Yourself In Bethlehem Visualize yourself living in Bethlehem. You'll find it a unique blend of suburban neighborhoods, rural living, and commercial enterprises. That makes this area pleasant, attractive, and enjoyable both for businesses as well as residents. A perfect combination that Faye F. Rispoli will be pleased to demonstrate to you via a personal tour. Email or call for YOUR trip to upstate New York's Bethlehem Community. Federal, Greek Revival & Victorian Amid Modern Capes and Raised Ranches. Shortly after being settled in the early 1800's, Guilderland blossomed into one of the Capital Region's most prosperous centers of commerce. Many mills were constructed along the fishable Bozen Kill, Black Creek, and Normanskill in those early days -- waterways which meander in and around the hamlet of Guilderland today. And connect to the area's Watervliet Reservoir. From Victorian To Modern Mill owners and management were responsible for building the fabulous collection of Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian homes that today are juxtaposed with new homes for 21st Century living. It all makes for an eclectically fascinating upstate New York lifescape. A wide variety of attractive new residences have been added to the mix, in addition to collector's item resales from the 18th and 19th century. Capes, Ranches, Greek Revival New capes and raised ranches co-mingle with the Victorian charmers, and even shops-turned-residences that echo the flavor of horse and buggy or steam car days. You may, as many folks do, work in Schenectady, Colonie, or Albany or in Guilderland Center Industrial Park -- built in the early 1940's for the military, but converted to civilian commerce in the mid-60's. For shopping, Guilderland residents have the Crossgates Mall and Stuyvesant Plaza, as well as a variety of shops and services. Summer Culture Trip As a homeowner here, you'll probably pitch a blanket on warm summer nights to enjoy the many shows conducted by the Guilderland Performing Arts Center in beautiful Tawasenta Park. By day, your children will sun and swim at the Park, play softball, Little League, or scramble up the newly constructed rock climbing wall. And don't forget the wonderful Guilderland schools: Altamont, Lynwood, Guilderland, Pine Bush, or Westmere Elementary for grades Kindergarten through five. Farnsworth Middle School for grades six to eight. Guilderland High School for grades nine to twelve. For property and school tax information, call the Town Assessor at (518) 356-1980. For a "must see" sojourn into the Guilderland area, call or email Faye F. Rispoli, RE/MAX Park Place Champion Home Seller, at 518-512-9060. Life Is an Adirondak Vacation The family car can make the trip from Albany to Lake George, a unique collection of quaint hamlets and villages, in about an hour on U.S. I-87. Call it home or call it a respite from city life, Lake George draws thousands of newcomers from May to October and throughout the Northeast to sun, fun, fish, boat, parasail, paddle-boat and "ride the rides." Year 'Round Vacation The area also attracts folks who -- perhaps like you -- want to be near the water, skiing, hunting and fishing -- would like a year 'round Lake George home. Like almost everyplace else in Northern New York state, Lake George is drenched, even submerged in history dating back to 1744. Adirondaks Have "Caught On" Today, the Adirondaks have "caught on" and home prices range greatly. It's possible to find reasonably priced family houses outside the village's boundaries. But prepare to spend MILLIONS for lakeside homes, villas, and estates. Faye Will Take You Where The Homes Are Faye F. Rispoli knows where the homes are -- and how to put you into a property that will not only be invigorating -- but invaluable. Be it a $130,000 unit, or Lake George multi-level chateau. Kindergarten through grade six children will attend the Lake George Central Elementary School. Grades seven through 12 enroll at the Central High School. For property and school tax information call the Town Clerk at (518) 668-5722. For listings, call Faye F. Rispoli at 518-512-9060. Eclectic Housing At Its Best! Clifton Park borders the Mohawk River on the south and west; Schenectady County on the west, Halfmoon on the east, and the Towns of Ballston and Malta on the north. This geographic location seems to place Clifton Park's citizenry near to everywhere and everything in the Capital Region. Twenty miles away lies Albany and all it has to offer, via U.S. I-87. Broad Spectrum Of Housing The result: The Clifton Park has been opened up for housing developments, apartment complexes, townhouse communities, condominiums, and custom-built homes for a broad spectrum of residents. Here, in a 52-square-mile area, single people, professionals, families, empty-nesters, retirees, and newlyweds have found a home. And you will, too, with the help of Faye F. Rispoli, RE/MAX Park Place. Look At The Lifestyle Just look at the lifestyle benefits Clifton Park has to offer: Three parks for hiking, tennis, golf, league soccer, softball, and football. Clifton Commons, near the town's excellent Senior Center, for soccer, baseball, basketball, softball, children's playground, and an outdoor stage. Captain Youth Center for sports and social programs, and the indoor ice skating arena at Clifton Commons open to you seven days a week the year 'round. Shenendehowa Senior Center, which provides noontime meals, hobby groups, guest speakers, dances, parties, trips, even overnight weekend tours. Senior Express transportation for shopping or medical is also available. Clifton Park is also home to a variety of thriving businesses, restaurants, retail stores, and five shopping malls. School Days Children from kindergarten through grade five may attend one of five elementary schools, while sixth graders attend Acadia School, grades seven through nine attend either Koda or Gowana Junior High School. Grades 10 through 12 attend Shenendehowa High School. For property tax information call the Town of Clifton Park assessor at (518) 371-6460. For school tax information, call the Shenendehowa School District at (518) 877-6251. If Chicago is the city of "Broad Shoulders," Albany County and the entire New York Capital Region is the area of "Open Arms." So, whether you've got your eye on life in Bethlehem, Colonie, Guilderland, Latham, Loudonville, Newtonville, Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, Niskayuna and Lake George, or any of the many gorgeous upstate New York communities, come on along with Faye F. Rispoli -- and listen to the lullaby of GOOD LIVING. See how great it can be when Faye is doing the showing, selling or buying. Purchased from Mohawk Indians for 1/2 Bushel of Wheat and 1/2 a Heifer. Talk about a special neighborhood! Colonie with its predominately single-family living environment, is absolutely breathtaking. Like much of the Capital Region, Kiliaen Van Rensselaer purchased the Village from the Mohawk Indians for half a bushel of wheat and half a heifer as part of the 700,000 acre patroonship. A transaction Faye F. Rispoli will be happy to explain in detail as you personally tour the real estate opportunities that abound here. Gorgeous, Newly Constructed Homes Many of the village's early farms have been transformed into gorgeous, newly constructed homes. But a few farmhouses still may be seen among new ranches, duplexes, and bungalows. The village of Colonie was incorporated in 1921 on 3.5 square miles within the Town of Colonie. Today, it is bounded on the south by the city of Albany, New York's state capital, with convenient access to air transportation. Recreational Cornucopia As a resident of the Village of Colonie, you'll enjoy a wide variety of recreational opportunities, including Cook Park, home of Babe Ruth and Little League baseball -- as well as girls' softball and soccer. Your family will also find Colonie Town Park's picnic facilities, hiking trails, swimming pools, tennis courts, and boat launching sites along the Mohawk River amenities for leisure living. Senior Citizens may enjoy a new Colonie facility for many and varied recreational, educational, or social events and activities. Quality Education Youngsters, on the other hand, will receive schooling at two elementary schools: Saddlewood and Forest Park for grades Kindergarten through four. Grades five through eight will attend one of two excellent middle schools: Sand Creek and Lisha. Colonie Central High School If family life is what you're seeking, Colonie and surrounding area is a "must see" community. And Faye F. Rispoli will see to it that -- YOU SEE IT! Preliminary to calling or e-mailing Faye for more information or a visit to prime Colonie properties, call the Village Town Hall at (518) 869-7562 for tax information, or the Town of Colonie Tax Office at (518) 783-2730 for School Tax rates. No Wonder It's Faye F. Rispoli's Favorite Summer Place! Faye loves it -- and so do the people who call Saratoga Springs home the year 'round. Starting with the city's nearly 1,000-home galaxy of mostly raised ranch homes, Geyser Crest has a rural environment that'll make you feel more like being in a bedroom community than Saratoga Springs itself. Cultural Kaleidoscope And finishing with an abundance of world-famous leisure attractions that'll make you feel more like being in a cultural kaleidoscope than a bedroom community, thanks to... Internationally renowned Saratoga race course where the world's finest thoroughbreds run. An equally well known harness racing track. Museums almost everywhere you look. Amazing healing waters that draw followers from everywhere. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Eclectic boutiques along Broadway. Scrumptious dining in Saratoga Springs' collection of restaurants and cafes. Canfield Casino and Congress Park. The Gideon Butnam and Saratoga Spa State Park. The Gardens of Yaddo, estate turned artist-retreat. Skidmore College. Historic homes and an attractive collection of prime residential real estate developments as well as quality resales. Romantic Residences Many fashionable and "romantic" residences were built along Saratoga's Union Avenue during the late 1880's. Often referred to as the city's "presidential section," thanks to its many sidestreets named for American presidents, this area yields a variety of architectural home styles. Something for Every Home Buyer From ranches to capes, raised ranches, colonials and contemporaries, there is something here for the most discerning home buyer. Even including some homes embellished with Greek Revival and Victorian flourishes. So, why not Saratoga Springs? Wouldn't home in a city that can stack up with, say, a Boston or Paris for its exotic flavor, be a great idea? The Real Thing Saratoga is the real thing. A functional city with a taste for fun, fun, fun. With scholastic bent as well. The city's school district has six elementary schools for grades kindergarten through five. Maple Avenue Middle School is for grades six and seven. Saratoga Springs Junior High teaches grades eight and nine, while the Senior High enrolls grades 10 through 12. See It With Faye During warm summer nights you're liable to find Faye F. Rispoli and her husband of over 40 years strolling the byways of lovely Saratoga Springs. Or, tomorrow, for that matter, if you have an appetite for living in one of New York's -- and America's -- grandest cities. Call or email Faye today at 518-512-9060 for more information on residences in Saratoga Springs right now.