Albany, NY


56 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
Albany, NY

About Albany, NY

Albany, New York is an incredible city located in eastern New York. It's known for its beautiful architecture, diverse culture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can take advantage of outdoor activities like exploring Corning Preserve or going for a walk at Washington Park to explore the local area. History buffs can visit places like the USS Slater or Ten Broeck Mansion to gain insight into local history. After exploring, sample delicious food from restaurants like Café Capriccio or Jack’s Oyster House. With so much to offer, Albany is an amazing place to visit for an unforgettable experience! Large metro area set in the rolling hills and rivers of the Mideast region. Primary industries include healthcare and manufacturing. Also the state capital. - Situated in east New York, 150 miles north of New York City and 40 miles south of Saratoga Springs..

Location Details

State: New York
County: Albany County
Metro Area: Albany-Schenectady-Troy Metro Area
City: Albany
Zip Codes: 12203 12208 12206 12209 12210 12202 12222 12207
Cost of Living: -0.7% lower
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Elevation: 148 ft above sea level
Buying or selling a home?
Find top real estate agents in Albany.
Find A Top Agent

Dig Deeper on Albany

The Albany, NY metro area is a place with a deep history and a variety of landscapes. It's located in upstate New York, sitting along the Hudson River. This area has seen a lot of history since it was founded by Dutch settlers in the early 17th century. Over the years, Albany played a big role in the American Revolution and grew to be an important spot for trade and commerce.

Geographically, the Albany area is surrounded by nature, including the scenic Adirondack and Catskill Mountains. These natural features offer a lot of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and boating. The Hudson River adds to the beauty of the region and provides more opportunities for water-related fun.

When it comes to the economy, Albany is quite varied. It's home to a growing technology sector, thanks to many high-tech companies and research institutions. The healthcare and education sectors are also significant, with numerous hospitals and universities providing jobs and contributing to the community. Additionally, being the state capital, government jobs are plentiful.

The voting patterns in Albany show an engaged and active community. The area has a history of strong voter turnout, with a mix of conservative and liberal viewpoints. This shows a community that cares about its future and participates actively in democracy.

Living in Albany offers a blend of urban and suburban life. There's a vibrant arts and culture scene, with plenty of museums, theaters, and galleries to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the parks and recreational areas, especially the popular Washington Park. Throughout the year, various festivals and events bring the community together, showcasing local food, music, and culture.

For new residents, it's good to know that Albany experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and hot summers. The cost of living here is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in New York State, making it an attractive place for many. The area has a welcoming vibe, with a strong sense of community and safety.

In conclusion, moving to the Albany, NY metro area means becoming part of a community with a rich history, surrounded by beautiful geography, and participating in a diverse economy. Newcomers will find a politically engaged community, plenty of activities and attractions, and a welcoming environment.

Albany Cost of Living
$$$$

Educated population, pleasant summers, and few natural hazards make Albany a great place to live.

$253,100
-33.6% lower than avg
$52,583
-31.3% lower than avg
$1,320 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
-8.3% lower than avg
Albany Crime
52.1 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Albany, New York
$48,600
for a family
$43,600
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Albany
   Educated population
High personal crime
   Pleasant summers
Harsh winters
   Few natural hazards
High taxes
Reviews for Albany
    See all (56)

Over 2 years ago

I live relatively close to Albany, and I gotta say, its a great city. I think it has a lot of good places for food, good living spaces, nice jobs and offices, and I  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

I’ve lived just outside of Albany in Clifton Park and its always been decent for me. The town is nice and theres a lot to do. The prices are a little expensive including  More

   |    Reply

Over 4 years ago

Good place to retire. Walkable. Young people. Buses. Sidewalks. Feel safe here in Whitehall neighborhood. Plenty to do. Taxes in ny are high,but you get what you pay  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Albany

Cost of Living
Compare Albany, NY
cost of living
Compare food, housing, utilities, and more in Albany, New York to any other city in the US.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.