Moving to Albany NY in 2023? Complete Relocation Guide

This is a complete guide for Moving to Albany.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Albany

Are you mulling over moving to Albany, New York?

Nestled in the heart of Tech Valley and a college town, Albany, NY is now one of the best places to live in America.

Albany is a city of millennials and it's constantly attracting people from across America and beyond for various reasons.

If you’re considering moving to Albany and wondering if the city is right for you, this guide contains all you need to know to make the right decision.

Let’s find out if moving to Albany is right for you.

facts of Albany

Quick facts to know before moving to Albany

  • The median age in Albany is 30.9 years
  • Albany’s average one-way commute time takes 18.6 minutes
  • About 14.3% of Albany residents take mass transit
  • The median age in Albany is 30.9 years
  • Albany averages 182 sunny days per year
  • Albany gets 134 days of precipitation every year
  • Around 52.1% of Albany’s residents are renters

Is Albany New York a good place to live?

Albany New York is a good place to live. Albany, located in upstate New York, is regarded as one of the best places to live in the state and has a vibrant urban downtown. The city of Albany, which is one of the oldest in North America and has a population of slightly over 100,000 people, is known for its rich history.

Is Albany NY expensive to live?

Albany isn’t an expensive place to live in. Living expenses in Albany, New York, are 30% less than the state average and 9% more than those nationwide. Housing costs in Albany, New York are 11% higher than the national average, but utility costs are 1% lower.

Is it worth living in upstate New York?

The state's capital won the top spot in the annual U.S. News list of the best places to live in New York, which takes into account a number of elements such as good value, desirability, employment market, and quality of life. And this thriving metropolis, which is situated roughly 150 miles from New York City, absolutely checks all the requirements.

What is life in Albany like?

According to U.S. News, compared to the national average, Albany offers greater home value, a healthier job market, a lower unemployment rate, and a lower crime rate. Additionally, Albany is listed as the 56th greatest place to retire in the United States and as the 45th best place to live.

What is a good salary in Albany NY?

Anything above $49,000 qualifies as a decent wage in Albany, New York. This is so because the median income of Albany is $49,000, which means that anyone making more than that is making more money than half the population of Albany. $55,032 is the average yearly wage in Albany.

How much money do you need to live in Albany NY?

Without rent, the projected monthly expenses for a family of four are $3,266. Without rent, the projected monthly expenses for a single individual are $912. Compared to New York, Albany is 32.45% less expensive (without rent). The average rent in Albany is 67.39% less than the average rent in New York.

Why should you move to Albany NY?

Over 800,000 people reside in Albany, New York, a city with a vibrant downtown, a great location, and a booming job market. It is ranked #50 in terms of greatest locations to retire and #28 in terms of best places to live by US News! Anyone who chooses to name the capital of New York their home will find it to be a city full of history and opportunities.

What’s the population of Albany?

Albany’s population is 99,498 people. The capital city stretches across 22 square miles making it the 6th largest city in New York. Albany is nestled in Albany County, NY.

  • Albany has a population density of 4649 people per square mile
  • The median age in Albany is 30.9 years
  • 30.8 years is the median age for males and 31 years for females
  • Albany is currently growing at a rate of 0.14% annually

How fast can you commute in Albany?

Albany’s average one-way commute time takes 18.6 minutes. That’s lower than the U.S. average of 26.4 minutes. You’ll spend less than 30 minutes commuting to work if you move to Albany. Less time on the road means less stress and having more time for other things.

Here’s how people in Albany NY get to work:

  • About 62.5% of Albany residents drive their own car alone
  • Around 8.1% of Albany residents carpool with others
  • Up to 2.5% of Albany residents work from home
  • About 14.3% of Albany residents take mass transit

How is the weather like in Albany, NY?

Albany averages 182 sunny days per year. The United States average is 205 sunny days. If the weather is one of the key things you’d like to consider before moving to Albany, the following is a quick snapshot of the Motor City’s weather:

  • Albany’s summer high in July is around 83 degrees
  • Albany gets 40 inches of rain on average per year. The U.S. average is 38 inches
  • On average, Albany gets 52 inches of snow per year. U.S. average is 28 inches
  • Albany’s winter low in January is 15 degrees
  • Albany gets 134 days of precipitation every year
reason to move to Albany

Top 10 reasons to move to Albany NY

People are moving to Albany for many reasons. As the capital city of New York, Albany is constantly attracting people from all over the state and beyond.

Since you’re considering moving to Albany, the following are the key reasons people are moving to the city:

  • Albany is in the heart of Tech Valley
  • Albany is one big college town
  • Live music is everywhere in Albany
  • You can explore the great outdoors in Albany
  • There is always something to do in Albany
  • Albany’s job market is diverse
  • Enjoy all the amazing festivals and nightlife
  • Albany’s economy is healthy
  • The food options are endless
  • Albany has a great local sports scene
  • Tip: Often, you feel like calculating the moving cost before you connect with a moving company. To help you, we've got a free moving cost calculator.

    pros and cons of Albany

    Pros & cons of moving to Albany NY

    If you’d like to find out if moving to Albany is right for you or not, we’ve made a list of the pros and cons of living in the city.

    This can make it easier for you to figure out if moving to Albany is right for you or not.

    Pros of living in Albany Cons of living in Albany
    Low earthquake riskHigh property tax
    Low volcanic hazard riskToo close to an airport
    Low wildfire riskHigh poverty rate
    High Math proficiency at High schoolsLow Math proficiency at Elementary schools
    Low number of windy daysHigh risk of severe storms
    Government spending is highSubstance abuse rate on the higher side
    Fast internetLess comfortable humidity
    Race diversityLow Math proficiency at Middle schools
    Religion diversityLow house ownership rate
    More people with STEM degrees
    Low hurricane risk
    palce to live in albany

    Best places to live in if you move to Albany, NY

    Albany is home to several beautiful livable neighborhoods. Moving to Albany gives you the perfect chance to live in any of these neighborhoods.

    If you’re moving to Albany and wondering what neighborhood the best for you is, the following is a list of the ten best neighborhoods in Albany:

    • Sheridan Hollow
    • Westmere
    • Loudonville
    • Loudonville East
    • Newtonville
    • Roessleville East
    • Loudonville West
    • Buckingham Lake
    • New Scotland
    • McKownville
    cost of living in Albany

    What’s the cost of living in Albany, New York?

    Affordable living in a big city is one of the key perks of moving to Albany, New York. The cost of living in Albany is 94.6. The United States average is 100.

    Albany’s average cost of living is below the national average. The following are the key factors that make up the city’s cost of living:

    Living Expense Albany New York National Average
    Overall96.5121.5100
    Groceries100.9103.8100
    Health116.8120.7100
    Housing81.9127.9100
    Median Home Cost$238,800$373,000$291,700
    Utilities110115.9100
    Transportation87.6140.7100
    Miscellaneous155.7121.8100

    What’s the average home rental price in Albany?

    Albany’s rental market is known for its affordable homes. If you’re considering renting a home or an apartment after moving to Albany, look at the average rental prices below:

    • Albany’s average rent for a studio apartment is $804
    • Albany’s average rent for a 1-bedroom home or apartment is $896
    • Albany’s average rent for a 2-bedroom home or apartment is $1,091
    • Albany average rent for a 3-bedroom home or apartment is $1,349
    • The average rent for a 4-bedroom home or apartment is 1,500

    Albany’s housing market

    If you’re interested in buying a home after moving to Albany, we have the key information you need to know about the city’s housing market. This will make it easier for you to make up your mind about buying a home or not if you’re moving to Albany, New York:

    • Albany’s median home cost is $238,800
    • Over the last ten years, home values in Albany have risen by 26.5%
    • Currently, Albany’s home values have appreciated by 14.4%
    • Around 52.1% of Albany’s residents are renters
    • Up to 3.7% of homes and apartments in Albany are open to rent
    jobs in albany

    How is the job market in Albany, New York?

    How fast can you get a job if you need one in Albany, NY? The COVID-19 pandemic has affected several job markets across the United States and Albany wasn’t left out. Since you’re considering moving to Albany, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:

    • Albany’s unemployment rate is 7.1%. The U.S. average is 6.0%
    • Albany’s job growth has been positive so far
    • Over the past year, Albany’s jobs have grown by 0.5%
    • Albany’s future job growth is predicted to hit 24.77%

    The table below shows a simple breakdown of the city’s job market:

    Employment Information Albany, New York United States
    The income per Cap$27,632$31,177
    Household Income$43,790$57,652
    Unemployment Rate7.16
    Recent Job Growth-3.56-6.18%
    Future Job Growth24.77%33.51%

    Top Industries in Albany, NY

    Like several other large cities, Albany’s economy is powered by several industries. The best part is that whether you work in a small or large industry, you’ll most likely find a suitable spot for your job in Albany. The following is a list of the city’s largest industries since you’re considering moving to Albany, NY:

    • Construction and Mining
    • Manufacturing
    • Trade, Transportation and Utilities
    • Information
    • Financial activities
    • Professional and Business Services
    • Educational and Health Services
    • Leisure and Hospitality
    • Government

    Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in Albany, NY, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

    What are the top career options if you move to Albany, NY?

    You’ll find lots of jobs to choose from if you’re moving to Albany. Which ones should you opt for? You may be interested in some of the city’s highest-paying jobs. The following is the list of the highest-paying jobs in Albany.

    Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary
    1Psychiatrist$234,874$144,000
    2Internal Medicine Physician$227,251$129,000
    3Urologist$219,641$90,000
    4General Internist$212,198$122,000
    5Internist$199,306$109,000
    6Staff Physician$193,566$113,000
    7Vice President$188,585$104,000
    8Hematologist$179,513$89,000
    9Public Health Physician$176,307$84,000
    10Resident Physician in Radiology$174,597$84,000

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    What is a good salary if you move to Albany, NY?

    Moving to Albany NY could mean getting a new job. But how many bucks can you earn in the city? Will you be earning more money or less compared to where you are right now? Let’s find out:

    • Albany, NY average annual pay for average jobs is $68,671
    • Albany, NY average hourly pay is $33.02 per hour
    • Albany, NY average weekly pay is $1320 per week
    • Albany, NY average monthly payment is $5722 per month
    • New York’s minimum wage is $13.20 per hour

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    What is the crime rate in Albany?

    Is Albany a safe city for you and your loved ones? Like several other large cities in the United States, Albany has its fair share of crime problems. The following are key stats about the city’s crime rates since you’re considering moving to Albany, NY:

    • The violent crime rate in Albany is 42.6. The national average is 22.7
    • The property crime rate in Albany is 52.1. The national average is 35.4
    • Residents have a 1 in 110.8 chance of being the victim o f a violent crime
    • Residents have a 1 in 36.3 chance of being the victim of a property crime
    Statistic Count Raw Albany/ 100k People New York/ 100k People National/ 100k People
    Total Crimes Per 100K3,5193,653.51,774.52,346.0
    Violent Crime869902.2363.8387.8
    Murder1616.64.26.5
    Robbery161167.290.673.9
    Aggravated Assault631655.1240.7279.7
    Property Crime2,6502,751.31,410.71,958.2
    Burglary422438.1165.5314.2
    Larceny1,9452,019.41,143.61,398.0
    Car Theft283293.8101.7246.0
    New York taxes

    New York Taxes

    If you’re moving to Albany from out of state, you may have to get familiar with New York’s taxes.

    The following are the key components that make up the state’s taxes. This will give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to Albany, New York:

    • New York state income tax is 4% - 8.82%
    • New York sales tax is 4% - 8.875%
    • New York property tax is 1.69% average effective rate
    • New York gas tax is 8.05 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
    • The gas tax is 8.00 cents per gallon of regular diesel
    things to do in albany

    Best things to do if you move to Albany, NY

    There are lots of exciting things you can do in Albany. The city is home to several attractions, and you’ll find lots of amazing things to do in Albany.

    If you’re moving to Albany, we’ve made a list of the various things you can do and places to visit and explore. Look at the list:

    • Tour the New York state capitol
    • Stroll the Empire State Plaza
    • Take in the view from the corning tower observation deck
    • Learn about state history at the New York State Museum
    • See the Schuyler mansion
    • Visit the Albany institute of history and art
    • Ride’ on the underground railroad
    • Relax in Washington park
    • Hike the Albany pine bush preserve
    • Go for a bike ride
    • Admire the capital walls
    • Enjoy the local flavors

    Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in Albany, NY.

    schools and university in Albany

    Best Schools & Universities in Albany, NY

    Albany New York is home to several top-quality schools. If you’re moving to Albany, you’ll have easier access to several excellent schools from universities and colleges to elementary, middle, and high schools.

    The following is a list of the best schools in the city if you’re moving to Albany, NY:

    Top Elementary Schools in Albany

    • Kipp Tech Valley Charter School
      Charter, K-2, 5-8 | 604 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Shaker Road Elementary School
      Public, K-4 | 341 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Veeder Elementary School
      Public, K-4 | 432 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Saddlewood Elementary School
      Public, PK-4 | 396 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Montessori Magnet School
      Public, PK-5 & Ungraded | 317 students, Rating: 7/10

    Best Middle schools in Albany

    • Kipp Tech Valley Charter School
      Charter, K-2, 5-8 | 604 students, Rating: 7/10

    • William S Hackett Middle School
      Public, 6-8 | 690 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Sand Creek Middle School
      Public, 5-9 & Ungraded | 796 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Lisha Kill Middle School
      Public, 5-8 | 607 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Albany Community Charter School
      Charter, K-8 | 647 students, Rating: 7/10

    Best High schools in Albany

    • Colonie Central High School
      Public, 9-12 & Ungraded | 1,510 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Albany High School
      Public, 9-12 & Ungraded | 2,553 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls
      Charter, 9-12 | 354 students, Rating: 7/10

    • Green Tech High Charter School
      Charter, 9-12 | 338 students, Rating: 7/10

    Universities and colleges in Albany

    • Bryant & Stratton College

    • Russell Sage College- Albany

    • Union College

    • Siena College

    • The College of Saint Rose

    • Mildred Elley – Albany

    • College Of Nanoscale Science & Engineering

    • Bryant & Stratton College

    • Empire State College-State University of New York

    • University At Albany – SUNY

    • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

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