Albany, New York
Smallbany
The Best Thing About Albany?
You’ll Get Your Money's Worth
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.
The Worst Thing About Albany?
Grab Your Snow Shovel
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.
Lifestyle of Albany
More Than a College Town
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.
Schools in Albany
Hit or Miss
Albany County is home to several school districts. Together they average out for an overall rating of “C+” on Niche.com. The Albany City School District includes more than 15 schools, with standouts like Montessori Magnet School (PK-5), William S. Hackett Middle School (6-8) and Albany High School (9-12) all receiving “B” ratings or higher from Niche.com.
In other parts of the county, the North Colonie, Niskayuna Central, East Greenbush, Bethlehem Central and Voorheesville Central districts all have some of the top schools in the area. If you have flexibility on which part of Albany you call home, check out Niche.com and U.S. News Rankings for the top-performing schools around town.
For private options, parents have several highly rated schools within the city and a short drive away in neighboring towns. Start your search with Emma Willard School (9-12) in Troy, The Albany Academies (PK-12) in town, and The Doane Stuart School (PK-12) in Rensselaer – they all have “A+” ratings on Niche.com.
If you’re interested in earning your degree while living here, Albany is home to a long list of higher education institutions as well. You can find everything from general options like Maria College and Siena College to more specialized programs like Albany Law School and Albany Medical College. Whether you are attending school or not, you will experience firsthand how the sheer volume of students in Albany shapes the demographics and culture of the area, for better or for worse.
Why You Should Move Here Now
If the Shoe Fits
Like all cities in central New York, you have the haters and the die-hard loyalists (or the common but strange combo of people who love to hate their city and vow to never leave). Albany has its fair share of all the above. Poised with potential for the right individual or family, Albany might just be your perfect combination of affordable housing, historic charm, and recreational opportunities – especially if you don’t mind a little snow.
Living in Albany
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Neighborhoods in Albany
View AllCenter Square
Young Professionals, DINKs
You can find the best of downtown living in the historic Center Square. Here residents enjoy the charm of historic brownstone buildings and the best of the city’s amenities. Walk along tree-lined streets through a mix of residential and commercial spaces on your way to nearby restaurants, bars, and shops. Need some fresh air? Steps from your front door you’ll find the city’s gem, Washington Park.
Niche.com named this neighborhood as the best place for young professionals in Albany. That doesn’t mean it isn’t family-friendly, though. There are several nearby schools including William S. Hackett Middle School, Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology, The Free School (primary school), Albany Leadership Charter School for Girls, and many more.
As one of the nicer parts of town, the median home value is a bit higher at $367,329 and renters can expect to pay more than $1800 for a 2-bedroom apartment.