If you’re considering a relocation to upstate New York and looking for a historic village with modern convenience and a visible sense of community, Ballston Spa should be at the top of your list.
Just 3 miles southwest of Saratoga Springs, you’ll find the Capital Region’s other “spa city.” Like its spotlight-stealing neighbor, the Village of Ballston Spa offers charm, history and a distinct draw all its own. A thriving community with friendly hometown appeal, Ballston Spa surprises visitors with its variety of museums, festivals, destination shopping and restaurants.
Thinking about moving to Ballston Spa? Here’s some helpful information about this charming historic village.
Location
Ballston Spa is a 30-minute drive from Albany, and just around the corner from Saratoga and a number of other Capital District communities. It’s easily accessible via Interstate 87 and is home to many middle to upper class neighborhoods. Other towns in the region include Clifton Park, Malta, Halfmoon, Burnt Hills, Rexford, Round Lake, Ballston Lake and Mechanicville.
History
Settled in 1771, Ballston Spa maintains a well-preserved historic district with sweeping Victorian architecture and a rich heritage. Presidents, senators, governors and society’s affluent citizens flocked to Ballston Spa in the early 18th century for its mineral springs. Today, residents and visitors continue to enjoy therapeutic and relaxing mineral baths at the tastefully restored Medberry Inn & Day Spa in the heart of downtown.
Ballston Spa has also been the inspiration for several novels, including James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans and Richard Russo’s Nobody’s Fool. Several scenes from The Way We Were and The Horse Whisperer were also filmed on the village streets.
Shopping
Stroll along Front Street and Milton Avenue for the eclectic mix of shops, eateries, spas and museums that make up downtown Ballston Spa. Quirky boutiques, health food purveyors, spa and healing arts centers, antique shops, a decades-old pharmacy and a growing artist community seamlessly blend past and present for a unique shopping experience. There’s even a Village Barber and a comic book store.
Downtown is also home to the library, the post office and Wiswall Park, a town square with century-old oaks and benches.
Dining
From casual to fine dining, you’ll find it in downtown Ballston Spa. Delis and pizza parlors, coffee and tea houses, upscale bars and cafes, and several fine dining establishments line the streets. Enjoy family-friendly options and budget conscious alternatives, as well. What’s more, the close proximity to Saratoga Springs means your culinary choices are virtually endless.
Attractions & Events
In addition to downtown, Ballston Spa’s Wiswall and Kelly Parks are the perfect setting for countless year-round activities. Parades, Farmer’s Markets, Car Shows, Concerts in the Park, First Fridays and Sidewalk Sales, are among a few, as well as Family Fun Day, the Falling Leaves Festival and the Winter Festival. Take the kids to the expansive playground at Kelly Park, or relax at the Village municipal pool. There’s also a nature preserve and a fitness trail.
For some history and culture, visit the National Bottle Museum or check out the annual Ballston Spa Film Festival, held every August, it features short films from around the world.
Employment
Just minutes from Saratoga and a 30-minute drive from Albany, residents of Ballston Spa enjoy a variety of employment opportunities in a number of fields and industries. With large employers to small, independently owned businesses and not-for-profits, the Ballston Spa area has it all.
GlobalFoundries, a chip fabrication manufacturing center located in Saratoga County, has brought hundreds of new jobs to the region, while the area’s thriving tourism scene, educational institutions, booming manufacturing and engineering industries, and state-of-the-art medical facilities provide many job opportunities, as well.
Ready to Move to Ballston Spa?
If you’re looking for a new home in Ballston Spa, consider visiting the model homes at Mourningkill Meadows and Timber Creek Preserve. Just minutes from downtown, these new home construction communities are two of three Saratoga County developments built by Heritage Custom Builders.
Located in the Town of Ballston, Mourningkill Meadows features single-family homes starting in the mid $300’s, while Ballston Lake’s Timber Creek Preserve offers single-family homes and twin town homes starting in the mid $200’s. Both communities feature spacious lots, a variety of semi-custom floor plans and natural wooded surroundings.
To learn more about the Ballston Spa area and these beautiful suburban communities, visit the Heritage Custom Builders website or contact us with your questions and inquiries.