Located in Southern Rensselaer County, East Greenbush was once a small Dutch settlement, but now covers more than 24 square miles of land. Bordering the Hudson River on the town's southwestern point, East Greenbush is mainly flat land with marshy areas between the river and Route 9J.
East Greenbush apartments for rent offer the best of both worlds. Residents enjoy the small town life, but aren't too far from all the action in Albany. Located just 6 miles away from the state's capital, residents can dive even deeper into history in the urban metropolis. According to City Data, the population of East Greenbush is approximately 4,500.
Historians are unsure exactly when the first settlers arrived, but the region known today as East Greenbush was made by tenants under Patroon Kiliaen Rensselaer before 1631. The name Greenbush came from the Dutch "Green Bosch," the pinewoods that covered the land. By 1855, Greenbush Township was divided to form two towns, Clinton and North Greenbush, but three years later Clinton was changed to East Greenbush.
In the towns early years, it lacked industrial development that was going on in much of the country because it didn't have waterpower. Instead, the town was primarily a farming town, producing grain and fruit. After the War of 1812, 300 acres of land were sold to Hawthorne McCulloch of Albany.
Today, East Greenbush is a quaint town with a rich historical background prevalent in some of the area's buildings.
Since East Greenbush is so close to Albany, many residents travel to the city for work. State and local governments in the area employ roughly a quarter of the workforce. There is also a booming technology industry in the city. For instance, the Albany NanoTech university-based research facility opened in 2003 and received much of the $1.4 billion grant the state was giving out to establish research centers across New York. The area also employs many in the manufacturing, finance, insurance and real estate markets.
Many students living in apartments in East Greenbush also travel to Albany or nearby towns for their postsecondary education. The College of St. Rose, Hudson Valley Community College and the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences are all within a few miles of East Greenbush.
As East Greenbush is close to downtown while still keeping its small town flair, the cost of living is more expensive than the national average. According to Best Places, the overall cost of living is 20 points higher than the national average, food is 6 points higher and utilities are 1 point higher. This also translates to the cost of apartments in East Greenbush. According to statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, the average cost of an apartment is $948.
Residents of East Greenbush have enjoyed WinterFest since 1990. Residents celebrate the family-oriented event with pony rides, a magic show, face painting, crafts, jewelry, an exotic animal show, indoor mini golf and a huge silent auction.
The county of Rensselaer also holds yearly events like the Labor Day Sand Sculpture Competition, and summer events such as farmers markets and weekly music in the park events.
In Albany, events like Tulip Fest draw a large crowd of residents and visitors. The event is a one of a kind spring tradition that always happens around Mother's Day. More than 100,000 tulips blossom every year and guests enjoy live music, craft vendors, a fine arts show, children activities and food.
Rent.com® can help you get settled in an East Greenbush apartment. Look through our rental listings and find the perfect home for your needs.