The “Hardest Town to Pronounce” In New York Has Been Named — And It’s Also Known As “The Electric City”

Have you ever been looking at a map of Upstate New York and stumbled over some town called Schenectady wondering how to say it? Well you’re not alone. A new study and map highlighted by Mental Floss has officially named this quirky Upstate spot the “hardest town to pronounce” in New York State . And despite its tongue-twisting reputation, Schenectady also holds another nickname you might not expect: “The Electric City.” The ranking comes from a national analysis by Preply , a language-learning website, which looked at tricky town names across all 50 states . From Massachusetts’s “Worcester” (*WOO-ster*) to California’s baffling ghost town “Zzyzx” (*ZY-ziks*), the study highlights just how creative—and confusing—American place names can be. For New York, the winner was clear: Schenectady, NY . So... how do you say it? ---------------------- According to Preply’s list, locals will tell you it’s skin-ECK-tah-dee , with the emphasis on the second syllable. The spelling may throw off first-time visitors, but once you get it down, it rolls right off the tongue. Why it’s called “The Electric City” ----------------------------------- Beyond its pronunciation quirks, Schenectady has a fascinating history that earned it the nickname “The Electric City.” In the late 19th century, Thomas Edison relocated his Edison Machine Works here in 1887 , which soon merged into General Electric . From that point forward, Schenectady became a global hub of innovation, powering the nation’s industrial future . It wasn’t just about lightbulbs — Schenectady was the site of the first long-distance power transmission in the United States in 1896, when electricity was successfully sent 30 miles from a hydroelectric plant in Mechanicville to downtown Albany. The city also played a huge role in radio and television technology, with WRGB Schenectady becoming one of the first experimental TV stations in the world . For decades, the hum of industry and invention defined the city, making its nickname “The Electric City” more than just a catchy title — it was a testament to how Schenectady helped spark the modern age. Things to do in Schenectady, NY ------------------------------- Pronunciation aside, Schenectady is a vibrant Upstate destination with plenty to explore, these are our favorite things we can highly vouch for when visiting: * 🏛️ Proctors Theatre – An iconic, beautifully restored 1926 theater that still hosts Broadway shows and concerts. * 🌳 Central Park Rose Gardens – A bundle of gorgeous gardens home to over 4,500 rose bushes of 200+ varieties. * 🛶 Mohawk River & Waterfront – Scenic spots for boating, kayaking, or riverside strolls. * 🍝 Little Italy District – A foodie hotspot filled with family-run restaurants and bakeries. * 🎲 Rivers Casino & Resort – A modern entertainment hub on the waterfront with casino, dining, live entertainment, and more. Getting there from NYC ---------------------- Schenectady is just about 3 hours north of Manhattan by car , making it a doable weekend getaway. If you’d rather skip the drive, you can hop on an Amtrak train from Penn Station to Schenectady Station , which takes around the same time and drops you right in the heart of the city. Source: https://secretnyc.co/hardest-town-to-pronounce-in-new-york-schenectady-ny/