From Gazette staff come these reasons why we love Schenectady. You may have other reasons. Share them with us and our readers by e-mail to news@dailygazette.net or comment on this blog.

1. The Stockade Historic District, the oldest residential neighborhood in the U.S., and the GE Realty Plot, both of which feature some of the finest historical homes upstate.

2. Proctors, which last summer won the Outstanding Historic Theatre Award from the League of Historic American Theatres.

3. Union College campus with its Jackson’s Garden and Nott Memorial.

4. Jazz at venues such as the legendary Van Dyck, founded by Harlem refugee Marvin Friedman and, after a brief break, back and cooking under new owners.

5. More Italian bakeries and fine restaurants than you can shake a breadstick at.

6. Central Park and its spectacular Rose Garden.

7. The giant illuminated General Electric sign that’s visible all around the city. (They don’t call us “the Electric City” for nothing).

8. Curling.

9. Magnificent City Hall.

10. Rowing on the Mohawk River where economic development officials envision expanding waterfront recreation opportunities.