Our city is built on many strengths—excellent schools, beautiful green spaces, and a charming downtown—but the heart of Saratoga has always been its neighborhoods. As I begin my third term as mayor, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, and I am continually reminded that Saratoga’s true character reveals itself at the neighborhood level.
What makes Saratoga special are the relationships between its residents. I wasn’t born in Saratoga, and I didn’t grow up here, but Saratoga is truly my home. With the holidays around the corner, there’s a renewed sense of warmth, connection and community spirit that reminds us how meaningful these neighborhood bonds truly are.
A neighborhood is more than a collection of streets and houses; it is a network of connections, relationships and shared experiences. In Saratoga, the sense of pride residents feel for their blocks, cul-de-sacs and hillside communities creates an environment where people feel rooted and supported. This neighbor-to-neighbor spirit shapes the culture of our city.
Saratoga has a rich tradition of resident involvement, and neighborhood-based groups are instrumental in that. Did you know that Saratoga was one of the first communities to embrace Nextdoor as a means of ensuring neighbor-to-neighbor communications? Yes, that came with some good and some not-so-good, but it’s important to have new and innovative means of sharing information with each other.
For more than 30 years, Saratoga has embraced Neighborhood Watch to provide a better way to help neighbors bond with law enforcement, helping keep our city safe. After all, in an emergency, your neighbor is often your first line of defense or at least the closest person you can ask for help.
Participating in other groups, such as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), getting involved with the city’s “Let’s Work” volunteer programs to beautify our parks and trails, and serving on a city commission are just other ways to strengthen your community. These groups remind us that community isn’t something the city builds alone; it’s something we build together.
Our city’s charm is rooted in neighbors knowing and supporting one another. When I moved to Saratoga, I found that my block had a tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July each year with a kids’ bike parade, volleyball and a cookout in the cul-de-sac. I love visiting Saratoga Woods to see the streets filled with trick-or-treaters and their families.
Speaking of Saratoga Woods, I love their Little Christmas Tree tradition, which began in 1996. Over the years, it grew as neighbors joined in, forming a joyful annual event now involving more than 200 staked trees in front yards. With volunteer “elves,” food and gift donations, music, a potluck and even a neighborhood band, this longstanding tradition has become a beloved celebration that strengthens connections and builds community among more than 300 households.
As this tradition continues to spread cheer and community spirit, we encourage residents to share their own stories and memories to keep the magic growing. Do you have a neighborhood story to share? I’d love to hear about it!
From a policy standpoint, decisions made at the state and city levels ultimately have an effect on each of our neighborhoods. That is why community voices are so important. When neighbors are engaged, they help guide local priorities, influence programs and ensure that public services meet real needs. Strong neighborhoods contribute to a resilient city because they create communication channels, foster collaboration and help the city to understand emerging issues early. Simply put, when our individual neighborhoods thrive, Saratoga thrives. And the more we do for each other, the stronger we become.
I encourage residents to get involved with existing neighborhood groups or even start new initiatives in their own communities. Participating in city events, volunteering for programs or starting new traditions with your neighbors can make a meaningful difference. Every small act strengthens the bonds that make Saratoga such a special place to live.
Thank you to all of our residents for contributing to the character and quality of life in Saratoga. I am committed to working alongside you this year to keep our neighborhoods safe, welcoming, and connected. Together, we will continue to preserve the sense of community that makes Saratoga truly unique.
Chuck Page is the mayor of Saratoga.
