Troy, NY Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Troy, NY: What You Need to Know

Troy, the seat of Rensselaer County in eastern New York, was an industrial center in the 19th century. Samuel Wilson, a Troy resident and meatpacker, was the inspiration for the iconic Uncle Sam symbol. 

Job Opportunities in Troy, NY

Troy is part of the Capital District, which includes Albany and Schenectady. The region’s government-centered economy has expanded into the technology industry. There are 2,997 businesses in Troy and Rensselaer County. Major employers include St. Peter's Health Partners, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Hudson Valley Community College, and Dake Bros./Stewarts Ice Cream Co.

Local History

The Dutch started settling in the area in the mid-17th century. Control over New York State as a whole was transferred to the British in 1664. Troy, laid out in 1786, was originally called Vanderheyden because it grew out of the Vanderheyden farm. In 1789, the town was renamed Troy. It was chartered as a village in 1791, and became a city in 1816. Hanna Montague invented the detachable collar in the city in 1827, hence Troy’s nickname, the Collar City.

Cost of Living in Troy, NY

Troy, located on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, has a population of 49,154. Its cost of living rate and housing costs are 13.1% and 13.9% higher than the national average, respectively. At least, food cost is 14.9% lower than the national average. The median gross rent is $945. The Empire State collects 4% to 8.82% in income tax and 4% to 8.875% in sales tax.

What is Troy, NY Known for?

The Uncle Sam symbol is based on Samuel Wilson, originally from Massachusetts. In 1789, he and his brother, Ebenezer, moved to Troy where they started a meat-packing business. During the War of 1812, Wilson supplied beef to the U.S. Army, which he shipped in barrels. As government property, the barrels were branded with the initials "U.S.," but soldiers joked that the initials referred to "Uncle Sam," or Samuel Wilson. By 1813, depictions of Uncle Sam as a symbol began appearing. In 1817, James Flagg created the iconic "I Want You" recruitment poster featuring Uncle Sam. Congress officially recognized Samuel Wilson as the progenitor of the Uncle Sam icon in 1961. 

Are There Universities in Troy, NY?

There are four institutions of higher education in Troy, including the nationally ranked Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). The university offers more than 145 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral academic programs. RPI has 7,895 students and boasts of one of the most powerful university-based supercomputers in the world. There are 28 other colleges and universities within 50 miles of Troy.