Albany County Cities and Towns

The City of Albany's history can be traced back more than 400 years. From the 17th-century Dutch settlement Fort Orange, to being established as the official capital of New York State in 1797, there are tons of fascinating tales to uncover. Today Albany is known for rich architecture, an evolving culinary scene, world-class museums and more.

The Town of Bethlehem spans 52 square miles and is home to a population of over 35,000. The town's hamlets include Delmar, Elsmere, Glenmont, North Bethlehem, Selkirk, Slingerlands and South Bethlehem. Located on the west bank of the Hudson River, the town features friendly neighborhoods and scenic rural landscapes.

Berne is located in the heart of the Helderberg Hilltowns. The town boasts the highest point in Albany County with West Mountain at 2,160 ft. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy John Boyd Thacher State Park, Thompson's Lake Campground, Partridge Run Wildlife Management Area Cole Hill State Forest. Also nestled in the town of Berne is maple syrup producer, Mountain Winds Farm. 

The Town of Coeymans was incorporated in 1673. The town includes the village of Ravena and the hamlets of Alcove, Aquetuck, Coeymans, Coeymans Hollow and Roah Hook. Located along the bank of the Hudson River, the town features family-friendly parks and waterfront dining. 

Located where the Mohawk River meets the Hudson River, Cohoes began as a quiet agricultural community. Following the construction of the original Erie Canal and Champlain Canals and due to the abundance of water power, the city experienced rapid growth as a manufacturing center. By 1870, Cohoes earned the nickname "Spindle City" with six large cotton mills running 203,000 spindles. Explore Cohoes Falls, Cohoes Music Hall, Van Schaick Mansion and more. 

Home of the Albany International Airport and Wolf Road, Colonie covers more than 57 square miles and is home to nearly 82,000 residents. Colonie has transformed from "Albany's Breadbasket" into one of the area's most populous suburbs. The town is comprised of two villages, Colonie and Menands, and several hamlets including Boght Corners, Latham, Lisha Kill, Loudonville, Mansville, Maplewood, Maywood, Newtonville, Roessleville, Stanford Heights, Schuyler Heights, Verdoy, and West Albany.

Green Island is one of the tiniest towns in New York State. It is under one square mile in size and one of the few places in New York where the incorporated village and town have the same boundaries. Surrounded by the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, the town is comprised of three islands: Green Island, Center Island (now known as Starbuck Island) and McGill Island.

The Town of Guilderland spans just under 60 square miles with a population of a little over 35,000. Guilderland is comprised of the village of Altamont and the hamlets of Dunnsville, Fort Hunter, Fullers, Guilderland, Guilderland Center, Hartmans Corners, McKownville, Meadowdale, Parkers Corners and Westmere. From charming small town Main Streets, to a globally-rare ecosystem, to the Capital Region's largest shopping mall, Guilderland boasts many attractions. 

Knox is the northern-most Helderberg Hilltown. During the 19th Century, Knox manufactured millions of handmade, basswood pill boxes and is nicknamed "The Pill Box Capital of the World". Explore nature at the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy's 135-acre Wolf Creek Falls Preserve, the Limestone Rise Preserve or the 245-acre Margaret Burke Wildlife Management Area. Part of John Boyd Thacher State Park and Thompson's Lake also extend into the town of Knox. 

New Scotland is located in the center of Albany County. Spanning 58 square miles, the town is home to a population of 9,000 as of 2010. The villages and hamlets of the town include Clarksville, Feura Bush, New Salem, New Scotland, Onesquethaw, Unionville and Voorheesville. Home to the iconic John Boyd Thacher State Park, the town offers scenic adventures, beautiful lakes and plenty of small town charm.

Rensselaerville is located in the southwestern corner of Albany County. Stroll down the historic Main Street, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to see the distinctive Rensselaerville Library and a 19th century grist mill. The town is home to the Carey Institute for Global Good, a 100-acre historic estate that has been transformed into an innovative space. Venture to the Huyck Preserve to marvel at Rensselaerville Falls and Lake Myosotis. 

The city of Watervliet is geographically small at just under 1.5 square miles, but is home to a population of 10,000 people. During the early 19th century, Watervliet became a major manufacturing community. The Watervliet Arsenal was constructed in 1813 and is the oldest continuously active arsenal in the United States. Watervliet is aptly nicknamed "Arsenal City".

Westerlo has the largest population of the four Helderberg Hilltowns. Outdoor explorers can venture to the Bear Swamp Preserve, a National Natural Landmark maintained by the Nature Conservancy or Restifo Sanctuary, managed by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy. Westerlo is home to M & D farm, an idyllic barn and garden wedding venue. The town also recently celebrated 20 years of friendship with its sister city in Westerlo, Belgium!