Decent
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9/25/2011
I am originally from Long Island but I have been living in Albany for a several years since I attended college here and the cost of living is much cheaper compared to the NYC metro area. Like every city/region, Albany has it's pros and cons. Living here for some time I can relate to some of the negatives stated in previous comments. Albany is bitter cold in the mid-winter months with having negative to teen temperatures on average many days. Albany, as well as with a lot of areas in upstate New York, is very gray and overcast, particularly during the winter. The weather can definitely make one feel gloomy and depressed and is probably the biggest con about Albany and the whole capital region. One spring comes around the weather gets much nicer with less rainy days, fall is the best season with the foliage and crisp temperatures.
I agree with a previous comment that comparing Albany to bigger cities is like comparing apples to oranges. Albany is small city and it's primary purpose is home of the New York State government and some other small industries. This isn't the type of city a typical young, single person would move to for opportunity and excitement. There are many young people here but mostly because they went to college here (Albany is a big college town with some fine institutions) or they native to the area. People are generally friendly and down-to-earth. Being a low key city you don't find many "hipsters", which can be good thing. However that doesn't mean there isn't diversity and I encountered all kinds of people up here. The Albany region is great for families since there are many nice suburbs with good public schools and recreation. I personally find the suburbs of Albany and capital region nicer than some suburbs outside of bigger cities.
There are some run-down areas but just as many nice areas. For a city it's size, Albany has a lot to offer for entertainment which seems to be under-appreciated by many of the people. There are many bars, clubs, restaurants, and stores that are enjoyable and nightlife in downtown areas is very good on the weekends. Other surrounding cities have a lot to offer as well: Saratoga is only about 30 minutes away with a horse-racing events in the summer and a beautiful, quaint downtown area also containing many great shops, restaurants, and bars. The city of Schenectady has been revitalized in some parts making it enjoyable as well. Another benefit about Albany is the outdoor activity. There are many great parks (Washington Park, The Crossings, Thatcher State Park) along with the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Lake George close by offering fun hiking trails and water-rafting.
There are mixed feeling when it comes to employment and job opportunities in Albany. Almost everywhere in the United States is having declined job-growth because of the economic recession. Regardless, people have found good jobs in Albany. The diversity of job types seems to be more of a problem rather than the number of available employment opportunities. This is to be expected since it is small city.
Albany is a pretty good place to live if you don't mind a smaller city with a laid-back lifestyle. If you don't like cold, rainy weather and would rather be in a bigger more cosmopolitan city this is not the right place for you.
Nancy | Albany, NY