Been meaning to ask this. You can expect to pay around $2,389 for rent here. Average temperature is around 59--F, so the weather is moderate. Household incomes average around $135,927 in Albany. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
15 upvotes
10 Replies
Terry J.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if walkability matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
36 upvotes
Melanie Lopez
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want safety, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
32 upvotes
Riley Davis
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Boston about 13 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are established, gas is improving.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Aaron Clark
I've lived in North for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Boston, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Not very walkable outside downtown
- Bugs and humidity in summer
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Ralph S.
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Uptown area are challenging. Kids love it here.
12 upvotes
Naomi Clark
this is the way
10 upvotes
Kai S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a HR manager, 53, moved here 14 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Highland and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited shopping options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The weather situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Highland: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
8 upvotes
Luca Richardson
lol so true
7 upvotes
Jameson Clark
I work in education here and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The job market for my field is challenging. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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