Albany, NY, known as 'The Capital City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Albany County, Albany is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like New York City (150 miles) and Boston (170 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Albany's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Albany is home to several iconic landmarks, including the New York State Capitol, the historic Empire State Plaza, and the scenic Washington Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Albany Institute of History & Art to the bustling Crossgates Mall, known for its shopping and dining. Albany's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from New American cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Tulip Festival and the Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Albany's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like the University at Albany contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Albany is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Palace Theatre and the Capital Repertory Theatre are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Albany provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Albany’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Albany Empire (arena football) and the Albany Patroons (basketball), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Albany include government, education, and healthcare, with significant employers such as Albany Medical Center and the State University of New York driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and a rail system, making it easy to navigate. Albany's weather features cold winters with snowfall and warm summers, providing a diverse climate for residents to enjoy.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Albany, New York is a mid-sized city with a population of 96,860 inhabitants. Albany has a population density of 4,525 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Albany is mostly populated by White (54%) and Black or African American (29%) ethnic groups. Albany tends to attract a younger crowd, as the median age of 31 is far below the national average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Albany, only 34% of the population is married. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Albany is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to figure out if living in Albany is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before moving to any new city in New York, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Albany and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Albany to New York and the national average.
The livability score in Albany is 77 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 92nd percentile of all cities across America. This is a great score, as Albany ranks well in multiple categories! Albany also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Albany ranks well for housing (B) There are some categories that Albany does not rank well for, including: crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.
If you're considering living in Albany, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Albany provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Albany are: New York State Museum, New York State Capitol, and The Egg.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Albany can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Albany. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Albany are affordable. Median real estate prices in Albany come in at $186,800, which is 34.8% lower than the New York average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Albany, the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 17% lower than the New York average.
| Statistic | Albany | New York | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 33min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 57.8% | 53.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.5% | 6.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 13.6% | 28.0% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.7% | 0.7% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 10.3% | 6.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.7% | 4.0% | 4.6% |
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