Albany, New York

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.

Located southwest of downtown, Buckingham Pond is as fancy as it sounds. Centered around a picturesque lake, this neighborhood features spacious homes, well-maintained streets, and Buckingham Park – a popular spot for outdoor activities and gatherings. Young professionals, families, and retirees all call this neighborhood home.

Niche.com named it the best place in Albany to buy a house and most residents do own their homes. The median home value here is $271,062 and the median rent is just over $1,200. Nearby schools include Eagle Point Elementary School, All Saints Catholic Academy, Mater Christi School, and Langan School that provides educational services for students with disabilities. As for groceries, you’ll find them a short drive away, one neighborhood over in Pine Hills. Your options include the highly rated Market 32, Maple Leaf Market, and Pine Hills Market.

You’ll find a diverse, tightly-knit community just northwest of downtown in the West Hills neighborhood. It offers residents a blend of urban and suburban living and features a mix of residential properties, cultural institutes, community buildings, and businesses.

For things to do, explore the beautiful Tivoli Lake Preserve or pick from the neighborhood’s well-regarded bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. This neighborhood does offer slightly more affordable living, with the median home price just below $100,000 and the median rental cost hovering around $1,175. Residents tend to be liberal and rent their homes. Nearby schools include Schuyler Achievement Academy (elementary), KIPP Tech Valley Primary School, and Blessed Sacrament School (elementary).