Nestled in the town of Guilderland in Albany County, Westmere, NY is a growing and dynamic suburb of the Capital Region. With a blend of residential charm and bustling commercial activity along U.S. Route 20 (Western Avenue), Westmere has become a popular destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike. As the hamlet continues to evolve, Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys is proud to serve the residents of Westmere from our Albany office, providing experienced, compassionate legal support to those injured due to accidents or negligence.
Though Westmere is considered a relatively modern community, its location along the Great Western Turnpike—constructed in 1799—makes it a historically significant crossroads for travel and migration. Even before the turnpike’s official creation, hundreds of wagons passed through the area annually, en route to New York’s western frontier. A toll gate once stood in what is now the Highland Estates area, a reminder of Westmere’s early role in regional transportation.
Westmere's true residential development began in earnest after World War I, with cottages and bungalows emerging among the wooded landscape. However, it wasn’t until the post-World War II boom that the hamlet experienced rapid growth, becoming the fastest-growing section of Guilderland during the 1940s. The name “Westmere” came into use during this era, reflecting the area's transformation from rural pass-through to thriving suburb.
Today, Westmere is officially designated as a census-designated place (CDP) by the U.S. Census Bureau. The defined borders (as of the 2010 census) place Westmere directly south of Albany, with New York State Route 155 forming its western boundary and Interstate 87 (the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway) marking the northeastern edge. Westmere occupies approximately 3.2 square miles, all land, and is home to a population of 7,560 residents as of the 2020 census.
The area is bisected by Western Avenue (U.S. Route 20), a major thoroughfare that serves as Westmere’s central artery. This commercial corridor is home to numerous strip malls, shopping centers, and local businesses, including Crossgates Mall—the Capital District’s largest shopping destination—located in Westmere’s northeastern corner. Meanwhile, quieter residential streets branch off from both sides of the avenue, offering a peaceful suburban atmosphere just minutes from Albany’s urban core.
Westmere is a diverse, middle-class community with a population that includes families, young professionals, and retirees. According to the 2000 census:
Median household income: $55,000
Median family income: $61,827
Per capita income: $28,790
Population: 7,188 (2000); steadily growing since
Population density: Over 2,200 people per square mile
The community features a racial makeup that reflects the increasing diversity of the Capital Region, including White, African American, Asian, and Hispanic residents. About 26.6% of households have children under 18, and 48.1% are married couples, showing the area's family-friendly orientation. A significant portion of households are also individuals or seniors, highlighting Westmere's broad appeal across age groups.
Safety and community service are cornerstones of life in Westmere. The Westmere Fire Department, established in 1935, continues to operate as a 100% volunteer force. With over 50 active members, it is the busiest fire department in the Town of Guilderland, responding to a wide variety of emergencies across the area. The department operates multiple specialized vehicles, including fire engines, a tower-ladder, heavy-rescue trucks, and more.
This commitment to public safety extends beyond emergency response—Westmere is a place where neighbors look out for one another and community involvement is deeply valued.
Despite the peace and stability that define life in Westmere, accidents and injuries can happen anywhere. Whether it’s a motor vehicle accident on Western Avenue, a slip-and-fall in a shopping plaza, or a workplace injury at one of the area’s many businesses, Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys is here to help. We represent victims of negligence throughout the Albany region and take pride in offering responsive, results-driven legal counsel to residents of Westmere.
Led by attorneys Steven Brill and Joseph Sullivan, our firm has decades of experience handling personal injury claims ranging from auto accidents and pedestrian injuries to premises liability, construction site accidents, and wrongful death cases. We fight to secure full compensation for our clients’ medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We understand how difficult it can be to face insurance companies and legal hurdles after an injury. That’s why we offer personalized legal guidance every step of the way—from the initial free consultation to trial, if necessary. At Sullivan Brill, you’re not just a case number—you’re a neighbor, and we treat every client with the respect and attention they deserve.
Local Representation: Our Albany office is just minutes from Westmere, allowing us to stay closely connected to the community.
Proven Results: We have secured millions in settlements and verdicts for clients across the Capital Region.
No Fees Unless You Win: We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency basis.
Compassionate Service: We listen, we advise, and we advocate—always with your best interests at heart.
If you or someone you love has been injured in Westmere, don’t face the legal aftermath alone. Let Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys be your trusted legal advocate. We are proud to serve the people of Westmere and the entire Albany County region with professionalism, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of justice.
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