Moving to Albany, NY

Albany At-A-Glance

Thinking of making a move to Albany? You’re not alone! Just over 100,000 people call the capital of New York their home. 

Nestled within the Capital District on the west bank of the Hudson River, Albany is considered one of the best and most affordable places to live in New York. The city mixes its rich history with a modern, urban vibe, making it attractive to people at all stages of life. Add that it’s full of charm, has a strong sense of community and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun year-round, it’s no wonder so many folks like calling Albany their home.

Albany May Be Small, but It’s Big at Heart

Although it’s often referred to as “Smallbany,” especially when being compared to the more populous New York City, Albany has a big personality. (It’s also home to the largest Walmart Supercenter in the U.S.—take that, everyone else!) From the historic capitol building to the stunning and iconic Empire State Plaza, the city certainly feels grander than the nickname implies.

Albanians have access to an array of art galleries, fine dining, breweries and lots and lots of live music. While most large concerts take place at the Times Union Center, the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, a National Historic Landmark, has hosted world-renowned artists for over 100 years. If you’re looking for a drink and a more intimate vibe, check out the Parish Public House or the Massry Center for the Arts. For performing arts, you can’t go wrong with the Palace Theater or the aptly named Egg.

Of course, living in Albany also means being centrally located when you’re ready for a weekend getaway. Trains will take you to New York City, Toronto, Montreal and Niagara Falls. If you’d rather drive, you won’t be far from Saratoga Springs, the Catskills or the Adirondack Mountains. 

The Capital Region Boasts a Healthy Job Market

The Albany-Schenectady-Troy region of New York showed greater growth in its job market in 2023 than it did in the two years prior, a strong signal that the area is recovering from the pandemic. A healthy job market also led to the area adopting a $15 per hour minimum wage before it even became required in the region. Its unemployment rate was just 3.2 percent in November 2023.

So where will you find your new job? State and local governments continue to employ the heavier chunk of the area’s workforce, with the region’s colleges, universities and extensive healthcare system also supporting the economy. In fact, it was in private education and health that the most jobs were added in 2023. Other opportunities can be found in the service industry, law firms, manufacturing and tech.

Major private-sector employers include Albany Med Health System, St. Peter’s Health Partners, Anthem Blue Cross and several grocery chains. You’ll find a few other Fortune 500 companies in the Capital Region as well, including UPS, Target, GE and Amazon.

A Lesser Expensive City in an Expensive State

Although the cost of living in Albany is higher on a national scale, this little city is more affordable on many fronts than other cities in New York. And it’s significantly more affordable than living in New York City, where the cost of living is over 50 percent higher! Unfortunately, the expected household incomes are also lower in Albany, with the most recent Census data recording a median household income of just $54,736.

Thankfully, Albany’s healthcare, transportation and utilities are still more affordable than state averages, and its housing really shines: the cost of housing in Albany is 42 percent lower than the state average. Even though sale prices have seen a slight uptick in the last 12 months, as of the end of 2023, the median home sale price was still only $250,000 (compared to the chunky median $800,000 price tags in NYC).

One- and two-bedroom apartments in Albany have seen slight increases month-over-month. As of the start of 2024, the average rent for a one-bedroom was $1,457, with the average for a two-bedroom at $1,732.

Diverse Neighborhoods Full of Community Spirit

The capital of New York is known for stunning architecture, a rich and important history and its diverse population. Whether you’re looking for the nightlife or prefer greenery and quiet, you’ll find a neighborhood that suits your style. Check out these highly recommended neighborhoods for those moving to Albany:

PINE HILLS

This affordable neighborhood is home to several colleges and universities, giving it a youthful vibe. It also has great parks, restaurants and plenty of community events making it a favorite of families as well as students.

HELDERBERG

A few miles from Downtown and full of amenities, Helderberg is considered one of the best (and more expensive) places to live in Albany. With beautiful homes, good schools and a strong sense of community, you’ll find families and young professionals thriving here.

NORTH ALBANY

This up-and-coming industrial neighborhood is favored by young professionals who appreciate the artistic center and its trendy spots to eat and grab a drink. Families and retirees also like the good schools, historic architecture and views of the river.

CENTER SQUARE

Known for its cobblestone streets, 1800s row houses and a few cottages, Center Square is like a small village within the city. It features unique shops, nightlife and cultural attractions so there’s always something to do.

NEW SCOTLAND

This residential neighborhood provides a quite charm and high level of safety. It’s known for having an amazing school system, low rent prices and an involved community. There are also plenty of coffee shops, bars, boutiques and restaurants to enjoy.

Other neighborhoods to include in your Albany home search:

• Park South
• Washington Park
• Delmar
• Buckingham Lake
• Melrose

Cars and Busses Are the Best Way Around Albany

Most Albanians use a car to get around, but that doesn’t mean the city isn’t great for walking and biking. In fact, the city got decent scores for both, meaning you’ll be able to accomplish at least some of your to-dos on foot or by bike. You can even rent a bike from CDPHP Cycle, which has stations throughout the Capital Region.

As for public transit, there are no subways in Albany, but the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) bus system includes routes throughout the Tri-City Area—including several eco-friendly electric buses to help you keep your carbon footprint down!

Education Opportunities in Albany

If you’re looking to put the kiddos in a public school, you’ll most likely find them within the City School District of Albany. Made up of 16 schools, it serves about 9,000 K-12 students. There are several private school options within the city, and even more check out in the greater Albany County area. 

Degree seekers will want to check out the University at Albany (part of the SUNY system) if looking to stay in Albany. There are also options in nearby cities, including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Russell Sage College in Troy, NY, or Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs.

Be Prepared for Lots of Snow

For most of the year, Albany experiences weather that’s relatively mild. Its summers can be a bit sticky, with July highs averaging 83 degrees Fahrenheit, but it’s the winters you’ll want to watch out for. 

Over a third of the year experiences temperatures below freezing, with January’s average highs at just 14 degrees. Of course, if you love winter sports and outdoor fun, you’ll be thrilled to know that the city averages 52 inches of snow each year. That’s almost double the national average! With a solid shovel, warm jacket and waterproof boots, you’ll be ready for it.

10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Albany

New York City may steal the spotlight in this state, but Albany isn’t short on things to do and see. From its historical importance to foodie hot spots and plenty of fun for the kids, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Here’s a list of 10 must-dos in Albany:

1. Check out the iconic 28-foot-tall statue of Nipper the dog, the mascot for the Radio Corporation of America and the last statue of its kind to still be sitting in its original perch.
2. Visit the New York State Museum, the largest and oldest state museum in the country.
3. Enjoy a cider at Nine Pin Cider’s Tasting Room in the Warehouse District.
4. Step aboard the USS Slater, the last World War II destroyer escort still afloat in the U.S.
5. Take a drive out of the city to visit the gorgeous Lake George and Saratoga Springs.
6. Discover if the truth is really out there at the Pine Bush UFO Fair.
7. Snap a selfie and catch a show at the Egg, known for its unique ovoid shape.
8. Get your spook on! Several spots around Albany are rumored to be haunted, including the Ten Broeck Triangle and the toboggan run at Buckingham Lake Park.
9. Hike 20 miles of trails at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.
10. Take a walk along Art on the Rail Trail, a public art initiative with murals and installations.