Albany, CA Reviews


4 Reviews



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What BestPlaces Users Say about Albany

Albany, California is a small city located in the San Francisco Bay Area. It has a population of about 20,000 people and is known for its scenic parks, diverse community, and vibrant art scene. It is also home to the University of California, Berkeley, making it a popular choice for students and young professionals. However, like any city, Albany has its own unique pros and cons, as reflected in the user reviews on BestPlaces.net.

Background information: Many people have chosen to share their experiences of living in Albany on BestPlaces.net. These reviews cover a wide range of topics, including the city's safety, cost of living, schools, and overall quality of life. Some reviewers have lived in Albany for many years, while others have recently moved there. This gives a diverse and well-rounded view of the city and its livability.

User Review #1: "Albany is a hidden gem in the Bay Area. It has a small town feel with all the amenities of a big city. The parks here are amazing, and the community is very diverse and welcoming. I've lived here for 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else." - Sarah G.

User Review #2: "I moved to Albany for work and have been pleasantly surprised by how much I love it here. The schools are top-notch, the crime rate is low, and there are plenty of job opportunities. The only downside is the cost of living, which can be a bit high. But in my opinion, it's worth it for the quality of life." - John T.

User Review #3: "I grew up in Albany and have seen a lot of changes over the years. While it's still a great place to live, I do feel like it's becoming more congested and expensive. The traffic can be a nightmare during rush hour. But I still love the community and all the events and activities that take place throughout the year." - Rachel M.

User Review #4: "I moved to Albany for college and it has been a great experience. The proximity to Berkeley is perfect for me, and there's always something to do on weekends. However, the cost of living is definitely a challenge for students on a budget. Overall, I would recommend Albany to anyone looking for a vibrant and diverse place to live." - Alex W.

 based on 4 Reviews
Get to know Albany with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Albany

Best suburb in California - 4/13/2023
Albany is one of the best places to live not only in California but the USA. Niche 2023 has ranked Albany the number one suburb in California and is consistently in the top 3 rank annually. Why, the weather, centralized location, extremely walkable, awesome restaurants, excellent police and city services, and beautiful homes. Read More

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People of Albany CA - 1/30/2012
Like many places in the Bay Area, there are some mixed-race couples and gay couples in Albany. What is really striking, though, is the number of families where both parents have college degrees. Yet it is not a strikingly affluent community like nearby Piedmont, because in many families one parent works from home or works parttime, or is home raising kids. This leads to unusually high levels of parent volunteers in the schools. About a quarter of Albany households are renters in University Village, which is family housing for UC Berkeley, and many of those families are noncitizens (typically the father is studying for a science PhD). This gives some interesting diversity in the overcrowded schools. There is only one high school and one middle school, so cliques are a Read More

Albany housing-- small and expensive - 1/30/2012
Albany was originally built as a railroad workers' town. So the bad news is that nearly every house was originally two, or at most three, bedrooms with one bath, about 1000 to 1200 square feet, on a lot between 3500 and 5000 sq ft. Many are flat-roofed, almost none have attics, and few have sunken basements other than garages. There's frequently little storage or privacy, and the houses are expensive compared to neighboring towns, because it's considered a desirable school district. The good news is that the houses are mostly charming stucco bungalows, no two alike, and fairly well maintained. Because houses are so crowded together, it's a short walk to schools or the central commercial arteries, Solano and San Pablo Avenues.Read More

Albany, CA, A well balanced community - 6/15/2006
I have lived and visited many places around the US and I have to say that Albany, CA is by far the best yet. The schools are excellent! The town falls in line with the new urbanism ideal yet its genuine has history and not manufactured. The Bay area offers some the best sights, activities and cuisine one could ask for. That said, you get what you pay for and you pay dearly to live Read More

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