FB: Empire 8

[realistic]

I obviously don't know N.Y. crappy as well as you guys (although I did live in the Bronx), but I must say that having been from place to place in NY, you can tell that the bloom is of the rose in a lot of places. I will tell you that I was very impressed with the Saratoga area, and some parts of Albany are really nice. From a Florida perspective, Albany and environs make sense for Florida kids wanting to go to school in NY state because you can fly Southeast non-stop from Tampa or Orlando into Albany cheap. I will also say that Oneonta looked like a very nice place to go to school, but I wouldn't want to try and make a living there. What's up with St. Lawrence University? It seems like a beautiful place but very remote. What sort of kid (besides one with some money.) goes there? Do they have a competitive football team? I am kind of mystified  as to how the school is able to carry on. It must have alot going for it to overcome its location.

St. Lawrence is an old school, semi-preppy type school that is one of the best small liberal arts schools in the country.  A degree from St. Lawrence is pretty impressive in the grand scheme of things but like you say, its a long way from ANYTHING and its cold, snows and probably has crappy weather more than anywhere else in the country.  Probably not too much different than anywhere else upstate, but its just that much farther from everywhere else (New York City, Boston, and even Syracuse and Rochester.)  But it carries on because it is a great school with some old money.  Kind of like Hobart or Union.  The kid that goes there is the same kid that would go to a school like Hobart, Union, Alfred or any Nescac school.  Im assuming they give plenty of financial aid, as I know some kids that went there that werent rich perse (they werent paying the full tuition by themselves anyway)

Florida - JU hit the nail on the head with SLU on the demographic and all of that.  As athletics are concerned, the Men's Hockey team is usually very good (D-I) though they have had some down years recently.  And the Men's Soccer team (D-III) is very good as well.  I believe it was Superman that was somewhat decieved on this when he looked at SLU for football.  The facilites are nice and as you mentioned, the campus and surrounding areas are beautiful....a nice small town feel, etc.  Just hours and hours from anywhere that isn't Canada.

RT -

Very interesting run down on the dumpiest places in Upstate. 

Kinda hurts you threw Geneva in there, but there is some truth to that.  Haven't been back in many years so TGP is not sure whether or not G-Town has improved it's game.

TGP would nominate Auburn, NY to the dumpy list.  Once played a gig (filling in for a buddy on bass) at this bar DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE FEDERAL PEN!  The mullets, mesh trucker hats and black leather jackets were in full effect at this joint.  No joke.

As far as quality spots go, it's tough to beat all that Saratoga offers.  Still, TGP thinks his all time fave for Upstate towns is Skaneateles.

Auburn is indeed an interesting place.  It has a lot of very nice areas but is overshadowed by the Prison.  It is strange that there has never been a move to change the location.  Obviously this would not be easy, but a Max security prison downtown wasn't that big of a deal in, say, the 1950's.....but now it casts a shadow (literally and figuatively) on the rest of the town.

Side note, I did the "scared straight" program there when I was in High School as part of a law class.  WOW

[Sir Spiedie]

I am in Central Florida. I am originally from NY and have a lot of family in NY/NJ, hence my interest in the area. My son is a junior this year and hasn't really zeroed in on any school.

[realistic]

unbelievably quiet on the first day back at work today.  Keep the board lively today so I have some entertainment.  +K to all still around on PP....

[JQV]

I am in Central Florida. I am originally from NY and have a lot of family in NY/NJ, hence my interest in the area. My son is a junior this year and hasn't really zeroed in on any school.

+k for being in Central Florida.  I went all the way to Ithaca from Tampa.  Always good to add Floridians to the board.

[fisheralum91]

swamped here guys- just wanted to stop in and say hey!

[superman57]

I don't consider glens falls north country....  I agree that Ballston Spa has a lot of money in it because they all spill out from albany and toga...and Clifton park and Niskayuna are now filled...trust me you don't want to be on 146 heading out to clifton park around 5 PM it's PACKED bumper to bumper the entire way...

[labart96]

I am in Central Florida. I am originally from NY and have a lot of family in NY/NJ, hence my interest in the area. My son is a junior this year and hasn't really zeroed in on any school.

+k for being in Central Florida.  I went all the way to Ithaca from Tampa.  Always good to add Floridians to the board.

TGP's has in-laws, nieces and nephews in Central FLA as well (Orlando area).  K+ to the CFL.

[fisheralum91]

super hit the nail on the head about traffic in and around the nirthway and 146 at 5.
Wow.
Now with the chip fab in Malta- you are going to see sick traffic!

[Senor RedTackle]

I don't consider glens falls north country....  I agree that Ballston Spa has a lot of money in it because they all spill out from albany and toga...and Clifton park and Niskayuna are now filled...trust me you don't want to be on 146 heading out to clifton park around 5 PM it's PACKED bumper to bumper the entire way...

Glens Falls is considered the southern point of the "North Country"...but since you've raised it as an issue, I'll replace it with Jay

[fisheralum91]

I have no problem with GF noted as North country-- For most CD'ers it is...Now for the few Uticans on here- we are talking Old Forge, Inlet and Raquette Lake....

[superman57]

most people I talk to consider on the very very outskirts of the CD....a Place where we go when we have to but not more than that....

[fisheralum91]

super- gf is a great place to catch a hockey game and has a killer brew pub!
Not a bad place!

[Senor RedTackle]

In the next installmen of "RT's NY Dive Towns", we will explore the West region of NYS:

1)Jamestown
2)Albion
3)Medina
4)Olean
5)Wellsville
6)Newark
7)Waterloo
8)Batavia
9)Red Jacket
10)Salamanca

[fisheralum91]

ya forgot Dansville----

or did ya mention that already?

[Senor RedTackle]

ya forgot Dansville----

or did ya mention that already?

I mentioned Dansville in the original list i think...or I put it is an Honorable Mention w/ Mt.Morris