Albany, New York

The list of U.S. cities that can claim a median home sale price of $230,000 is dwindling quickly. Considering this low price point, and the similar state of the rental market (a 2-bedroom goes for about $1,635), Albany could be the perfect place to put your paycheck to work for you. Groceries, healthcare, and transportation are all also relatively inexpensive compared to other cities in the region. The cost of living combined with the city’s central location, cultural attractions, and access to the great outdoors checks a lot of boxes for young professionals and retirees alike.

Before you start packing your bags, though, take a look at the tax rate here. Homeowners can expect to pay upstate New York’s signature high property taxes. While these taxes go to support essential government services like public education and infrastructure, it means you need to look beyond the sticker price before you make the move.

It feels boring and predictable, but we can’t give you an honest snapshot of Albany without mentioning the snow. Albany experiences an average snowfall of 60 inches per year. Most winter months the temps average around freezing and you can expect to see lows in the teens, especially in January. The good news is this is nothing new for the city or its residents. The city does a decent job of plowing the streets and sidewalks and salting the roads. Locals know how to drive in snow and usually events and activities will go on “snow or shine.”

Unfortunately, when summer months come it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. In July and August, an 80-degree day can become quite unpleasant due to high humidity levels. For homeowners, there is an increased risk of humidity-induced mold and mildew growth in their houses during these months.

The state’s capital is where history, small-town charm, and modern amenities meet. Here historic buildings inspire a sense of reverence while the vibrant college-age population keeps the city feeling young. There’s plenty to do within and beyond the city limits. Tourists will travel to see the Empire State Plaza’s reflecting pools, the uniquely shaped performing arts venue known as The Egg, and the culturally significant New York State Capitol and New York State Museum.

Nature winds its way through the city via the Hudson River, offering residents kayaking, fishing, and boating in warmer months. Visiting Washington Park and Albany Pine Bush Preserve is a popular pastime for residents who love to hike, birdwatch and picnic. Albany is also a gateway to some of the country’s most sought-after nature areas, including the Adirondack Mountains and the Catskills. Just two hours north, the Adirondacks are a magnet for snowsports enthusiasts in the winter and camping and boating fans in the summer.

The plethora of colleges in the area inspires an active entertainment and nightlife scene. However, unless you’re a big lacrosse fan, you’ll need to drive a few hours to NYC or Boston to see a professional sports team play. Albany’s sports culture was once centered around the Albany Devils, the city’s pro hockey team, but they’re now the Utica Comets.

You’ll need a car to get around Albany. There is a bus system, but the routes and timings leave something to be desired. Most often it won’t be a long drive, just about 5-10 minutes to wherever you’re going, it may just be hard to find parking once you get there.