Welcome to our home
Nestled in a vibrant small city hailed by Princeton Review as a 鈥減erfect college town,鈥� Saratoga Springs is famous for its historic racecourse, mineral springs, and lively downtown. Just minutes from Albany and within reach of major Northeast cities, this cultural gem boasts one of "America's Greatest Main Streets" and ranks among Money Magazine鈥檚 top 100 places to live.
For our students, it鈥檚 more than a place鈥攊t鈥檚 where lifelong memories are made.
What's college life like Here?
Truthfully, you'll have to come and see for yourself to really feel the energy of this place. But to give you a preview, we collected some things our students have told us they love about spending their college years here.
Five things Skidmore students love about Saratoga...
1. Creative vibes and small-city charms
From Revolutionary War history and healing springs to gilded hotels, legendary horse
racing, and the annual Phish pilgrimage, Saratoga Springs is rich with stories and
passions. It鈥檚 a vibrant, creative community with a unique blend of small-city charm.
Ever attended a potato chip festival or sampled 30 chowders in a day? Get ready鈥攖hat鈥檚
Saratoga Springs.
2. The right size in the right place
With approximately 30,000 residents, Saratoga Springs is big enough to bustle with activities on the weekends and small enough to ensure you always have a quiet spot to sip coffee outside a caf茅. It's a community that's passionate about 鈥渟hopping small鈥� and as a result boasts an incredible number of unique restaurants, quaint shops, galleries and more. Feeling the big-city itch? We're only three hours from Boston, Montreal and New York City, too.
3. Outdoor Adventures Await
Consistently ranked as one of the region's healthiest communities, Saratoga Springs boasts over 25 public parks and trails, including favorites like Congress Park, Saratoga Spa State Park, and Saratoga National Historic Park. And just beyond the city, the stunning landscapes of the Adirondack, Berkshire, and Green Mountains offer endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.
You might like: 鈥淎dventure in the Adirondacks: My SCOOP experience鈥�
4. A Community of Care
Skidmore students embody the spirit of our founder, Lucy Scribner Skidmore, by giving back to the community. With countless nonprofits in Saratoga, our Office of Community Service and Engagement helps students get involved in meaningful ways. Whether supporting women and children, addressing homelessness, aiding seniors, or connecting with religious communities, the impact is felt by all. It's a shared passion between Skidmore and Saratoga residents.
5. A strong college-city relationship
For over a century, Skidmore has fostered an environment with "no walls or gates, for we want the world to enter." This vision is reflected in our social initiatives, arts programs, and strong ties to Saratoga鈥檚 industries. With hundreds of interns and alumni working in fields from finance to environmental preservation, creative thought drives our enduring partnership with the community.
Whether you come to see the fall foliage, experience the pulse of summer on Broadway,
or watch pristine snow fall quietly on our small city 鈥� we'd love to show you around.