Rensselaer County

Rensselaer County is the gateway where the Hudson River meets the rolling hills of the Taconic Mountains. Defined by its motto, “Tradition and Progress,” the county offers a distinct mix of rugged natural beauty and urban architectural splendor.

At its heart sits Troy, the “Collar City,” famous for one of the most perfectly preserved Victorian downtowns in the country and the world-renowned Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Whether you are exploring the bustling Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, hiking the sprawling trails of Grafton Lakes State Park, or visiting the site where “Uncle Sam” Wilson once lived, the county feels both deeply historic and vibrantly creative.

From the tech-forward innovation in East Greenbush to the peaceful farmland of the Rensselaer Plateau, it is a place where industrial heritage and scenic serenity coexist.