Curious what people think. Military spouse here. With a population of 56,773, Albany is a smaller city. You can expect to pay around $1,311 for rent here. The city has invested a lot in new development. What neighborhoods would you suggest? The weather takes some getting used to. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
17 upvotes
14 Replies
Quinn A.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 7 years. Moved from Atlanta for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - 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. West schools are tough. 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Emilia Gutierrez
lol so true
37 upvotes
Claire Roberts
The food scene here is challenging. Tons of great seafood places. it's been a really good experience overall.
37 upvotes
Brooklyn A.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The cultural scene is pretty good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Thomas Perez
seconding this
34 upvotes
Jack W.
I'm a data analyst and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. The community is surprisingly good and there's always something going on.
31 upvotes
Kinsley Morgan
I've lived in Highland for about 7 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Lots of new development happening
- The cost of living scene is improving
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Theodore Rivera
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
22 upvotes
Daniel James
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are competitive. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Sofia Scott
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely challenging and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Fairview) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from San Francisco, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
19 upvotes
Linda P.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 12 years. Moved from Seattle for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are solid. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
19 upvotes
Sophie Bennett
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Fairview area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
17 upvotes
Alice Chavez
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
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