Moving to Waterford, New York

by btobers · Published June 24, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Waterford, New York is a small city located in the northeastern part of the state. It is situated on the banks of the Mohawk River, just north of Albany. The city has a humid continental climate that features hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature is around fifty degrees Fahrenheit in summer and thirty-five degrees Fahrenheit in winter.

The history of Waterford dates back to the late seventeenth century when it was settled by Dutch immigrants. Since then, it has been an important transportation hub for the region due to its proximity to Albany and other major cities in New York State. The city has been home to many notable figures throughout its history, including former US President Martin Van Buren who was born here in 1782.

Today, Waterford remains an important transportation hub for both commercial and industrial purposes. It also serves as a center for education with several public schools as well as private institutions such as Waterford Central High School and Hales Corners Technical College. The economy of Waterford is mainly centered around manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.

Waterford is home to a number of notable landmarks, such as the Waterford Bridge, which was built in 1802 and spans the Mohawk River. The city also features a number of historic buildings including the Waterford Town Hall, built in 1811, and the Van Buren Mansion, which was constructed in 1799 and has served as a museum since 1972. Other attractions include the Waterford Historical Museum, which showcases artifacts from local history, and the Waterford Public Library.

Population: 8,515. Estimated population in July 2024: 8,723 (+2.4% change)
Males: 4,095 (48.1%), Females: 4,420 (51.9%)

Saratoga County

Zip code: 12188

Demographics

Median resident age: 37.1 years
Median household income: $46,362
Median house value: $110,100

Population by Race

Races in Waterford:

White Non-Hispanic (96.2%)
Two or more races (1.0%)
Hispanic (0.9%)
Black (0.7%)
American Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: Irish (28.5%), Italian (20.2%), French (19.0%), German (16.2%), English (10.2%), Polish (7.1%).

Land area: 0.3 square miles

Population by Education

Waterford, New York is a small town situated in Saratoga County with a population of just over 1,700 people according to the 2019 US Census. This quaint community is comprised of mostly white residents with a small but growing Hispanic population. The median age in Waterford is 42 years old. Most people living here are married and have children, making this a great place for families to call home. The median household income is $63,000 per year and most residents own their own homes. Waterford offers its residents access to many recreational activities such as hiking trails, skiing, snowmobiling and kayaking on the Hudson River. There are also several parks and playgrounds in the area where families can spend time outdoors together. Shopping centers, restaurants and other businesses are located near Waterford as well so that all of your needs can be met without having to drive far away from home. Education-wise, Waterford has one elementary school that serves grades K-5. Nearby cities such as Troy offer more educational opportunities for students looking to further their education after high school graduation. All in all, Waterford is a safe and peaceful community that provides its residents with plenty of amenities close by while still maintaining its small-town charm that makes it so desirable for families seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

For population 25 years and over in Waterford

High school or higher: 82.8%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.9%
Graduate or professional degree: 6.9%
Unemployed: 4.0%
Mean travel time to work: 23.0 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Waterford town

Never married: 26.6%
Now married: 54.6%
Separated: 4.0%
Widowed: 6.4%
Divorced: 8.4%

2.2% Foreign born (1.0% Europe, 0.7% North America, 0.3% Latin America).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Waterford:

EDDY COHOES REHABILITATION CENTER (about 3 miles; COHOES, NY)
SAMARITAN HOSPITAL (about 5 miles; TROY, NY)
SETON HEALTH SYSTEMS INC (about 5 miles; TROY, NY)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Waterford:

ALBANY INTL (about 10 miles; ALBANY, NY; Abbreviation: ALB)
FLOYD BENNETT MEMORIAL (about 38 miles; GLENS FALLS, NY; Abbreviation: GFL)
RUTLAND STATE (about 72 miles; RUTLAND, VT; Abbreviation: RUT)

Other public-use airports nearest to Waterford:

BURRELLO-MECHANICVILLE (about 7 miles; MECHANICVILLE, NY; Abbreviation: K27)
ROUND LAKE (about 11 miles; ROUND LAKE, NY; Abbreviation: W57)
RENSSELAER COUNTY (about 11 miles; TROY, NY; Abbreviation: 5B7)

Amtrak stations near Waterford:

12 miles: ALBANY-RENSSELAER (RENSSELAER, 555 EAST ST.). Services: ticket office, partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, snack bar, ATM, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service, taxi stand, public transit connection.
19 miles: SCHENECTADY (332 ERIE BLVD.). Services: ticket office, fully wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, vending machines, ATM, free short-term parking, free long-term parking, call for car rental service, taxi stand, public transit connection.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Waterford:

RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE (about 5 miles; TROY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 7,150)
HUDSON VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 5 miles; TROY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 6,337)
SIENA COLLEGE (about 9 miles; LOUDONVILLE, NY; Full-time enrollment: 3,001)
SUNY AT ALBANY (about 13 miles; ALBANY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 14,168)
EXCELSIOR COLLEGE (about 13 miles; ALBANY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 7,096)
THE COLLEGE OF SAINT ROSE (about 13 miles; ALBANY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 3,116)
UNION COLLEGE (about 17 miles; SCHENECTADY, NY; Full-time enrollment: 2,315)

Schools

Public high school in Waterford:

WATERFORD HS (Students: 245; Location: 125 MIDDLETOWN RD; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Waterford:

WATERFORD MS (Students: 318; Location: 125 MIDDLETOWN RD; Grades: 05 – 08)
WATERFORD ES (Students: 314; Location: 125 MIDDLETOWN RD; Grades: KG – 04)

Private primary/middle school in Waterford:

WATERFORD CENTRAL CATH SCHOOL (Students: 291; Location: 12 SIXTH STREET; Grades: KG – 8)

Libraries

Library in Waterford:

WATERFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $179,032; Location: 117 THIRD STREET; 33,288 books; 1,220 audio materials; 654 video materials; 95 serial subscriptions)