Latham, Census-designated place in Albany County, New York, United States.
Latham is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in the Town of Colonie, Albany County, New York, sitting just north of the state capital. The area is made up of residential streets and commercial corridors running along broad roads, giving it the look of a classic northeastern suburb.
Latham grew as a suburb of Albany through the mid-20th century, when new roads and post-war housing brought families north out of the city. The opening of Latham Circle Mall in the 1950s marked a turning point, drawing even more commercial activity to the area.
Latham Circle Mall was once a gathering place for the whole region, but today the building stands largely empty and has become a symbol of suburban change. Locals still refer to the area by the mall's name, which shows how much the site shaped the identity of the community.
A car is the most practical way to get around, as the community spreads along wide roads with limited sidewalks and few public transit options. Most shops and services are found along Route 9 and the Troy-Schenectady Road, which are easy to navigate.
Pirate's Island is a small patch of land in Latham that is completely encircled by Blue Creek, making it a true river island that most people pass by without noticing. The waterways around Latham drain into two separate river systems, an unusual split for such a small area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
