Hey everyone, My partner and I are The median home value here is around $118,700, which is actually reasonable. Household incomes average around $45,201 in Albany. Rent is about $898/month for a decent place. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
8 upvotes
15 Replies
Nicholas Miller
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Lakewood area are solid. Kids love it here.
35 upvotes
Caleb P.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a HR manager who relocated here from Baltimore about 11 years ago. The main reasons were cost of living and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Nightlife is limited
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is challenging.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
35 upvotes
dc_christian
I'm a chef and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is better than expected and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Miles Gutierrez
lol so true
30 upvotes
Nolan Flores
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- The job market scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
27 upvotes
Claire Bailey
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
26 upvotes
Riley
I've lived in Midtown for about 5 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Chicago, I was surprised by job market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good schools in most areas
- The cultural scene scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Henry Walker
Came here for weather and stayed because the quality of life is solid. The school system is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
17 upvotes
Jameson Torres
Saving this thread
17 upvotes
Olivia C.
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
James Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 8 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
10 upvotes
Eleanor Cooper
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 11 years. Moved from Baltimore for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are pretty good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Winters are long and cold. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
Leo Taylor
facts
5 upvotes
Jordan Brown
Weather-wise, the summers are pretty good and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
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