Albany is one of the best and most affordable places in Upstate New York to call home. Retirees, young professionals, and families love living in the NY capital for its strong job market and easy access to outdoor recreation. However, some residents dislike Albany’s harsh winter weather and college-town atmosphere. Check out these 12 pros and cons of living in Albany!
Quick Facts About Albany
| Population | 96,860 |
| Average Home Price | $617,610 |
| Average Monthly Rent | $1,788 |
| Average Commute Time | 19 minutes |
| Average High Temperature | 83° |
Statistics from AreaVibes, Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), & Best Places
Pros of Living in Albany
There are many benefits of living in Albany, including top-tier education and outdoor recreation opportunities. Discover other top reasons to move to Albany below.
Pro: Affordable Living in the Northeast
For those seeking affordable living in New York State—but wanting to avoid the expensive price tag of an NYC borough or other Northeast cities like Boston—look no further than the City of Albany! Albany’s cost of living is 18% below the state average. Plus, while New York City’s home prices are a staggering 403% higher than the U.S. average, housing in Albany is just 14% above the national average—which makes buying and renting more attainable. Not to mention, Albany residents see lower costs for everyday expenses like utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare, allowing your income to stretch even further.
Pro: Great Jobs in Albany
Albany offers residents a diverse job market across many industries. Most notably, Albany is at the heart of Tech Valley, the Capital Region’s hub for tech companies and education. This means residents will have no trouble finding tech careers in Albany, with opportunities at top companies like SUNY Poly, Rational Enterprise, Voyatek, and more.
Beyond technology, you’ll also find a variety of Fortune 500 companies in Albany. Check out great opportunities in real estate with CBRE, or consider a career in healthcare at Humana. Healthcare professionals can also look to Albany’s many great local hospitals for employment, including St. Peter’s Hospital, Samaritan Hospital-Albany Memorial Campus, and Albany Medical Center. As the capital of New York, there are a variety of state government jobs in Albany, too!
Pro: Top Albany Schools
If you’re looking for higher education options, there are several top-notch colleges in Albany to choose from, including:
- University at Albany for over 50 undergraduate majors & minors or 150 graduate programs
- Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences to study public health, pharmaceutical sciences, or biotechnology
- Maria College to earn your degree in nursing, psychology, or health and occupational sciences
- Excelsior University for a fantastic online school in Albany offering degrees in public administration, business, cybersecurity, & more
- Bryant & Stratton College‘s Albany campus to prepare for a career in human and social services, graphic design, or digital marketing
Pro: Prime Spot for Weekend Getaways
Albany is centrally located in New York State, making it easy for residents to access other popular Northeast and New England destinations! If you want to take a quick weekend trip, Albany offers close proximity to great places like:
- Providence, RI (2.5-hour drive)—for a charming coastal getaway
- Boston, MA (2.5-hour drive)—for sporting events, world-class museums, & more
- New York City, NY (3-hour drive)—for big-city energy, Broadway shows, & iconic landmarks
- Philadelphia, PA (4-hour drive)—for historic sites & great food
- Niagara Falls (4.5-hour drive)—for breathtaking views of a bucket list destination
Pro: Lots of Things to Do in Albany
With a variety of museums, historical sites, and fun Albany events to attend, it’s easy to keep yourself busy! These are some of the best things to do in Albany:
- Explore New York’s natural and cultural diversity through exciting exhibits at the New York State Museum.
- Learn about the Upper Hudson Valley through art exhibits and collections ranging from paintings and sculptures to manuscripts at the Albany Institute of History & Art.
- Tour historical sites in Albany like the Schuyler Mansion, The Stephen & Harriet Myers Residence, and the U.S.S. Slater.
- Get a look into legislative chambers, the Hall of New York, historic carvings, and more at the New York State Capitol.
- See a variety of shows—including comedy sketches, musical acts, theatre performances, and more—at The Egg.
- Try different sliders at the Slider Slam, sample food from local chefs, and taste exquisite wines and spirits at the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival.
Pro: Plenty of Outdoor Recreation
Albany is surrounded by natural beauty, so outdoor enthusiasts can experience all four seasons while looking forward to year-round outdoor fun! Some of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in Albany include:
- Albany Pine Bush Preserve to explore interactive exhibits about plants & animals at The Discovery Center, hike or mountain bike along 20 miles of trails, & attend a variety of kid-friendly events
- Washington Park to play a game of doubles, watch the kiddos run wild on the playground, & attend local events like the annual Albany Tulip Festival—which celebrates Albany’s rich Dutch culture
- Thacher State Park to spend the day hiking, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing while taking in the views of the Adirondack & Green Mountains
- Barberville Falls for gorgeous forest views & a 92-foot waterfall
- Dutch Apple Cruises to celebrate a wedding, anniversary, or special event while cruising down the Hudson River
- Capital Region farmers markets to shop around for fresh produce & handcrafted goods
Pro: Lark Street Is Hopping
Known as Albany’s own “Greenwich Village,” Lark Street is Albany’s hot spot for shopping and dining.
- Spend the day looking at art from local artists, trying different foods, and more at the annual Art on Lark event in Albany.
- Make your own bouquet or pick up daisies and mums from Lark Street Flower Market.
- Stop by Seasons Skate Shop for your skateboarding and apparel needs.
- You can also head to Lark Street for amazing restaurants in Albany—including Savoy Taproom, The Loft @205, NOHO Pizza, Iron Gate Cafe, and even Herbie’s Burgers—the Capital Region’s old-school burger joint!
Get Everything You Need For An Easier Move to Albany
Cons of Living in Albany
Some disadvantages of living in Albany include cold weather and weak public transit. Before deciding to relocate, consider the following cons of living in NY’s capital.
Con: Extreme Weather in Albany
If you’re moving to Albany, you’ll need to get ready for all kinds of weather. Located in Upstate New York, Albany experiences cold winter weather—with low temperatures that dip below 20 degrees and average snowfalls of 52 inches per year. However, residents still have fun with winter activities in Albany, like ice skating at Empire State Plaza, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding—as well as attending fun events like the Annual Holiday Parade or the City of Albany Tree Lighting.
But winter isn’t the only season to prepare for—Albany residents also experience high humidity, with levels reaching up to 60% in the summer months. Despite the moisture in the air, summer temperatures tend to stay below 80 degrees, providing residents with more comfort. Cool off on your kayak after setting off from the Corning Preserve Boat Launch, enjoy the summer concert series at outdoor amphitheater Freedom Park, and bring the kiddos for Summer at the Plaza movie nights!
Con: High Property Taxes
Something to keep in mind if you’re considering living in Albany County is the area’s high property taxes. Albany residents can expect to pay an average of 1.74% of their assessed property value—among the highest median property tax rates in the country. That said, because Albany housing costs are much lower than other Northeast cities, overall bills are still more manageable than in other places.
Con: Albany Is a College Town
With a fantastic selection of colleges and universities in Albany, locals can expect a sizable college-aged demographic, which can be a downside for some residents. You’ll likely face traffic congestion and fewer parking options during the school year, especially on game days. Additionally, if you live close to a college, you may find noise to be an issue. While this college-town atmosphere isn’t for everyone, there’s no doubt it also brings additional value to the city—from the trendy eateries and cafes surrounding Albany’s universities to college sports teams and events for all to enjoy.
Con: Unreliable Public Transportation
Having access to a car is your best bet when living in Albany. Most residents use their own cars to commute throughout the city, which isn’t ideal if you’re used to relying on public transit to get around. Public transportation in Albany is mainly concentrated in neighborhoods near local schools, like Downtown Albany. If you live in these areas, you’ll have access to more efficient transit options, including the Capital City Trolley. Bus Rapid Transit also provides the city with a variety of routes to college campuses and other Albany hot spots. Plus, you can commute outside of the city to other areas in the Capital Region easily with the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station. And if you love biking, DCPHP Cycle‘s bike routes are a fun way to get around Albany itself!
Con: Lack of Major League Sports in Albany
One thing Albany lacks is a large presence of professional sports teams. Several teams have relocated to other cities or been downgraded from professional status. However, there are still a few local and regional sports teams in Albany to cheer for, including:
- Tri-City ValleyCats (FL) at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium
- Albany Firebirds (AF1) at MVP Arena
- New York Atlas (PLL) at Casey Stadium
- RPI Engineers (NCAA D-III) ice hockey at the Houston Field House
- UAlbany Great Danes (NCAA D-I) in sports like football, lacrosse, basketball & more
Should You Move to Albany?
You should move to Albany if you’re seeking relatively affordable living in New York, great higher education opportunities, abundant outdoor recreation, and a more laid-back pace of life than other nearby metros. Before making your decision, consider your lifestyle, ideal climate, and transportation needs, as Albany experiences snowy winters and lacks extensive public transit options.
Albany may be the right fit for you if…
- You own a car and prefer driving over using public transportation.
- You want access to high-quality colleges and a variety of great job opportunities in industries like tech, healthcare, and government.
- You’re looking for affordable housing in New York with easy access to other popular Northeast attractions.
- You love spending time outdoors year-round.
You may want to consider moving to another city if…
- You want to avoid heavy snow and cold winters.
- You prioritize low property tax rates.
- You don’t want to live in a college town.
- You’d like a variety of major league sports teams associated with the city you call home.
Albany Compared to Nearby Cities
Wondering if Albany is better than NYC, Buffalo, or Syracuse? Check out the chart below to compare these top New York cities and figure out which is right for you.
| Factor | Albany, NY | New York City, NY | Buffalo, NY | Syracuse, NY |
| Average Monthly Rent | $1,788 | $5,703 | $1,207 | $1,604 |
| Average Home Price | $617,610 | $2,838,182 | $585,151 | $621,095 |
| Average Commute Time | 19 minutes | 41 minutes | 21 minutes | 18 minutes |
| Walk Score | 65/100 | 88/100 | 67/100 | 57/100 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.3% | 4.2% | 4.5% | 5.4% |
| Major Industries | Technology, healthcare, government | Finance, technology, retail | Manufacturing, healthcare, education | Healthcare, education, energy |
Statistics from Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), Best Places, Walk Score, & AreaVibes
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Albany
Is it expensive to live in Albany, NY?
While Albany has a slightly higher cost of living than some U.S. cities, it’s considered an affordable place to live in New York. When compared to cities like NYC, Albany residents save more on everyday expenses like housing, healthcare, transportation, utilities, and groceries.
Is Albany safe?
Though Albany’s crime rates are 73% higher than the national average, the city remains safer than 3% of U.S. cities. Plus, crime tends to be concentrated in certain areas, which means there are plenty of safe neighborhoods in Albany that are a great fit for families and young professionals seeking tight-knit communities with particularly low crime rates.
How much snow does Albany get?
Albany gets around 52 inches of snowfall per year as part of the area’s winter weather, which is much higher than the U.S. average of 28 inches. The Capital Region is actually known for heavy snowfall, which allows residents to take part in winter activities like skiing, sledding, and more!
What is the distance from Albany to New York City?
Albany is approximately 150 miles from New York City—or a roughly two to three-hour drive by car. Many Albany residents travel to NYC for iconic attractions like the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Broadway shows.
Is Albany a good place to live?
Albany is a fantastic place to live for anyone seeking jobs in tech or government, top higher education options, and easy access to outdoor recreation—especially if you want to avoid the higher costs of larger nearby metros, like NYC.
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