Moving to Albany? New York’s capital city is one of the most affordable places to live in the state, and it’s even considered one of the best places to live in New York! If you’re thinking about settling down in this city, check out these five safe, affordable neighborhoods in Albany!
Is Albany a Safe Place to Live in 2027?
Albany is generally considered to be a safe place to live. The city is safer than 3% of the cities in New York and 5% safer than the cities across the United States. Keep in mind that there are some areas of Albany that may have more crime than others, but with a bit of research, you can find the safest neighborhoods in Albany, NY, including Buckingham Lake-Crestwood and North Albany-Shaker Park.
Buckingham Lake-Crestwood
- Home Price: $404,200 median purchase price; $1,637 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Albany neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Looking for a low-key, quiet neighborhood in Albany? Buckingham Lake-Crestwood is the one for you! With a variety of housing styles—including Colonial, American Foursquare, and Ranch-style homes—this neighborhood has a cozy vibe. Another thing that makes peaceful Buckingham Lake-Crestwood a great place to live in Albany is the accessible and picturesque walking paths residents can use for fun or easy access to local amenities. To top it off, this safe Albany neighborhood also offers families with kids plenty of great schools in Albany to attend, including Eagle Point Elementary School and Mater Christi School!
Things to Do in Buckingham Lake-Crestwood
Walk or jog along the gravel path surrounding Buckingham Pond or stroll through the park’s wooded areas in Buckingham Lake Park. Take your family out to play on the playground and enjoy a light picnic on the grass at Sunset Park. Drive over to Capital Hills at Albany for an 18-hole golf scramble with friends. Begin your morning with an Apple Cider Donut Latte, Bill’s Brew, or S’mores Latte at The Sip Society. Try a Monster Style burger, Buffalo Chicken quesadilla, or Chunky Chicago pizza from Spinner’s Pizza & Pub. Place a delivery order for Stagionata Pizza, Meat Lover’s Pizza, or The Works Supreme Pizza from Cusato’s. Share a plate of New Orleans BBQ Butter Shrimp with the table before devouring a Grilled Jamaican Jerk Chicken sandwich at Restaurant 605. Or treat yourself to a slice of Apple Blueberry Pie, Cherry Pie, or Wildberry Pie from The Pie Lady.
Q: How safe is Albany?
A: While it’s common for larger cities to see more crime, Albany is still a safe city in New York State. Some of the safest neighborhoods in Albany include Helderberg and Pine Hills, which offer outdoor recreation, great schools, and more.
Center Square
- Home Price: $333,844 median purchase price; $1,623 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of Albany neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Located near Downtown Albany, Center Square is an eclectic neighborhood with a mix of historic elegance and youthful culture, making it a great neighborhood for singles and young professionals. This Albany neighborhood is home to some of the most notable and stunning architecture in the city, featuring homes ranging from charming wood-frame cottages to enormous brownstone mansions. Aside from historical homes, the area also features lively nightlife, unique shops, and a diverse group of residents who create a welcoming community—complete with meetings and events throughout the year.
Things to Do in Center Square
Soak up the sun and explore historic statues, monuments, and park features at Washington Park. Visit the Washington Park Farmers Market in July, August, and September. Head over to Empire State Plaza to get a tour of the New York State Capitol. Attend the latest performance at one-of-a-kind, artistically-designed venue, The Egg. Learn about Albany’s history and culture by viewing art at Albany Institute of History & Art. Start the day with a Caprese Omelet, Buttermilk Pancakes, or Raspberry Brie French Toast at Iron Gate Café. Slurp a bowl of Tonkotsu Ramen, Tum Yum Seafood Noodle Soup, or Miso Soup at TapAsia. Fill your belly with Hunan Chicken, Stir-Fried Steak, and Hoisin Glazed Pork Belly Bao at Rain Albany. Or try the Mule of the Month or The Barcelona Gin Goblet with Gochujang Cauliflower Wings at Savoy Taproom.
Q: Is Albany safer than Buffalo?
A: Buffalo is about 2% safer than Albany. Both cities are still considered to be safer than 5% of the U.S.
Helderberg
- Home Price: $370,084 median purchase price; $1,751 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 58% of Albany neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Helderberg is a quaint area filled with historical Colonial and Victorian homes, many of which were built before 1939, giving this neighborhood a down-to-earth feel. This is a great Albany neighborhood for those working in government due to the high concentration of employees living in the area. Families in particular will benefit from this tight-knit community—there are plenty of outdoor and indoor activities in the surrounding areas! Not to mention, with the Helderberg Neighborhood Association hosting annual events, like the community picnic and Movies Under the Stars, nearby schools like New Scotland Elementary School and The Albany Academies, and access to St. Peter’s Hospital, this a great neighborhood for raising kids in Albany.
Things to Do in Helderberg
Express your creativity with an open studio membership or take art classes for adults at the Albany Art Room. Witness the talent of nationally-recognized artists of Modern and Contemporary art and design when you visit Opalka Gallery. Have a one-on-one basketball shootout or quick game of tennis at Lincoln Park. Walk the trail with your pups and family while breathing in the fresh air at Normanskill Farm Hiking Trail. Slurp Raw Oysters or order a bowl of Tomato Basil Soup and a Kimchi Turkey Reuben at Albany Ale & Oyster. Enjoy a classic Meatball Parmesan sandwich, Baked Ziti, or Eggplant Rollettes at Ragonese Italian Imports. Sample Beer-Battered Spicy Cheese Curds or a Moose Rack burger from Tipsy Moose Tap & Tavern. Treat yourself to Cookie Monster ice cream, Bolio’s Banana Barge, or Passion Fruit Sorbet from Emack & Bolio’s Ice Cream.
Q: Is Albany a good place to live?
A: Albany is a great place to live! The capital city of New York offers access to high quality education, diverse employment opportunities, and plenty of things to do. Plus, the cost of living in Albany makes it one of the most affordable places to live in New York.
North Albany-Shaker Park
- Home Price: $229,764 median purchase price; $1,311 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 63% of Albany neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
In the 1900s, Irish immigrants from Limerick settled in what’s now known as North Albany-Shaker Park—though it’s often referred to as “Limerick” by locals. While it started out as an industrial neighborhood, this safe neighborhood in Albany has grown to include libraries, public schools—like Arbor Hill Elementary School and North Albany Middle School—and more! An affordable area, this neighborhood offers a variety of small historical single-family homes and new medium-sized homes. But perhaps the biggest draw to North Albany-Shaker Park—especially for families and those working in the healthcare field—is the close proximity to Samaritan Hospital – Albany Memorial Campus!
Things to Do in North Albany-Shaker Park
Become a member and practice your swing on the highly-rated private golf course at Wolferts Roost Country Club. Pack up the family into the car, bring snacks, and find a perfect viewing spot to see the North Albany Limerick Parade. Take a bike ride or power-walk across the beautiful Albany scenery on the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail. Surprise your little ones with tickets to fun rides like the Tilt a Whirl and Rock-Spin-Roll at Huck Finn’s Playland. Relax and unwind after a long day with a pint of beer and a Prime Rib French Dip at Ship’s Pub. Discover delicious Thai food in Albany when you chow down on the Pad Thai Noodle, Spicy Basil Fried Rice, or Tso’s Tofu Box at Bangkok Cuisine Menands. Try the David’s Sling, The Goliath, or Gideon’s 300 at Good Religion. Or order the Roasted Chicken Spinach Wrap, Roast Beef Melt, or the Harvest Panini at City Line Cafe & Deli.
Q: What are the most affordable Albany neighborhoods?
A: One of the most budget-friendly neighborhoods in Albany is North Albany-Shaker Park. Residents have access to a vibrant nightlife, delicious restaurants, and a tight-knit community that feels like home. This area is perfect for singles and young professionals looking for a place to settle down into.
Pine Hills
- Home Price: $357,923 median purchase price; $1,646 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 33% of Albany neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Students, singles, young professionals, families
If you’re looking for an affordable Albany neighborhood with a youthful energy, Pine Hills might just be the one for you! Not only does it have amenities like local parks and movie theaters, but it’s also near University at Albany’s downtown campus, making Pine Hills one of the best Albany neighborhoods for college students. Plus, with schools like Pine Hills Elementary School, LaSalle School, and Albany High School, Pine Hills is a great spot for families and educators to settle down. And with affordable brick apartments and Colonial Revival homes in the area, residents can find all kinds of housing options that fit the budget!
Things to Do in Pine Hills
Stop by and snag a vintage vinyl record from Last Vestige Music Shop. Grab a friend and get tickets to see a play at the Steamer No. 10 Theatre—or classic movies in their Pine Hills Film Series at the Madison Theatre. Bring your kids to the splash pad at Ridgefield Park. Go fishing or on a quick stroll with a buddy at Tivoli Lake, a short ten-minute drive away. Get a taste of Latin American food in Albany with Empanadas or Arepas con Queso from Moliendo Café. Share a Chicken Fiesta, Hawaiian, or Brooklyn Cob pizza with your family at Paesan’s Pizza and Restaurant. Try out the BBQ Chicken Salad, Falafel Over Rice, or Chix Bowl at Chix Crepe & Waffle. Or fill up on the Churrasco, Tilapia, or The Grande Feast at Mr Pio Pio.
Q: Is Albany more affordable than Syracuse?
A: Living in Syracuse is slightly more affordable than living in Albany. The cost of living in Albany is 9% higher than the U.S. average, while Syracuse’s cost of living in is 3% higher than the national average.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
