Albany, NY

First settled by Dutch colonists in 1624, Albany is the fourth oldest city in the United States and the capital of the state of New York. The city is home to roughly 94,000 residents.

Situated on the Hudson River, Albany is one of New York State's premiere port cities. The port includes docks on both the Albany and the Rensselaer sides of the river, and is among the country's busiest port in terms of annual tonnage.

The city is also surrounded by an impressive array of natural attractions, including the Pine Brush, one of the most impressive examples of an inland pine barrens ecosystem in the world. This area is home to many endangered species, most famous among them the Karner Blue butterfly. Additionally, four lakes reside within Albany's city limits, and the greater Albany area is bordered by three mountain ranges: the Green Mountains, the Adirondack Mountains, and the Catskill Mountains.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

State and local government have been the bedrock of economic stability in Albany over the years, employing roughly a quarter of the city's workforce. Other leading employers include the accommodation and food services industries, as well as the legal, healthcare, and educational fields. Technological research is a rapidly growing field in Albany, with numerous national and international technology corporations gaining a foothold in the area.

With numerous manufacturing plants, Albany is a major producer of paper products, felt, steel products, athletic equipment, machine tools, aspirin, brake linings, cement and electrical equipment.

Some of the major employers include State of New York, Albany Medical Center, SUNY Albany, Trans World Entertainment and St. Peters Hospital.

Albany has an unemployment rate of 12.7 percent.

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

All of the population in the city of Albany is urban. Neighborhoods and districts of Albany accommodate around 45,000 houses, out of which more than 40,000 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, around 40 percent are owner-occupied while renters occupy the remaining 60 percent. The median home price in Albany is much lower than the statewide median.

The walkability of Albany is excellent. Most places such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, schools and drug stores are located close to the center of the city.

Albany is renowned for its rich architectural history, with its buildings and residences displaying a range of styles spanning over three centuries. As part of the Empire State, it has its share of impressive skyscrapers, including the Erastus Corning Tower, which is part of Empire State Plaza and the tallest structure in New York State outside of New York City. It offers an observation deck that visitors may enjoy free of charge.

Albany's residential neighborhoods include:

• Arbor Hill: One of the first neighborhoods in Albany, the neighborhood's rich past is illustrated in the spires of Saint Joseph's Church, historic structures, and Ten Broeck Mansion. A diverse neighborhood enjoys parks, and a location adjacent to downtown and commercial offerings of Henry Johnson Boulevard.
• Beverwyck: The Beverwyck area is primarily residential, with a variety of small businesses operating on the periphery of its boundaries. The neighborhood is comprised of both new and long-standing homeowners and renters and students of the College of St. Rose and the State University at Albany. Featuring quiet interior streets just steps away from the bustle of Central and Western Avenues, the neighborhood is also home to Albany Youth Soccer and the well utilized Beverwyck Park. Schools, homes and a few brick paved street reflect the history of the city.
• Buckingham Lake: Residents enjoy the hiking path, ducks and geese at its centerpiece pond, as well as easy walking distance to local amenities on New Scotland and Western Avenues. The tree-lined streets are filled primarily with single-family homes.
• Campus: Named for its proximity to the SUNY Albany campus, this quiet neighborhood features predominantly single-family homes and easy access to the many local services on Western Avenue.
• Center Square: Located in the heart of Albany directly adjacent to downtown, the neighborhood features a diverse mix of residents, Lark Street unique shops and galleries, and restored historic homes.
• Delaware Avenue: A vibrant and eclectic community, Delaware Avenue features a movie theater, restaurants and bistros and many local services. Normanskill Farm and the Hackett Bike trail are two prized amenities for neighborhood residents.
• Dunes: Tucked away in the westernmost part of the City, the neighborhood has a distinctly suburban feel. Minutes away are a major shopping center and many large commercial stores.
• Hudson/Park: Convenience, cultural diversity and neighborly interaction stand out in this neighborhood located between Washington Park , Lincoln Park and the Empire State Plaza.
• Mansion: With the Empire State Plaza as a backdrop, the neighborhood features historic Victorian row houses, some of the City's most popular, distinctive restaurants, a diverse artistic community and a quick walk to all that downtown offers.
• New Albany/New Scotland/Whitehall: Tree-lined streets, sidewalks, a tight knit community, and local services such as a hospital, specialty and retail shops and the Capital Hills Golf Course are a few of many attractions to this neighborhood.
• Normanskill: Deriving its name from Norman's Creek, Normanskill is an isolated residential community right off of the New Scotland Avenue area.
• North Albany/Shaker Park: A tight knit community with an Irish past, the neighborhood enjoys a golf course, Sacred Heart Park, and Hackett Park. Housing styles are typically a mixture of single family and duplexes.
• Park South: Tucked between the growing University Heights and Washington Park, Park South features a mix of housing styles. Park South's proximity to New Scotland Avenue and downtown, makes it easy to get anywhere quickly.
• Pastures: This distinct neighborhood features mixed-use living where tennis courts, shops and courtyards are interspersed among historic homes. The neighborhood is adjacent to downtown Albany and the waterfront.
• Pine Hills: Pine Hills is a large, diverse, historic, and vibrant neighborhood with a mix of families, homeowners, and college students. Pine Hills is bordered by Washington Ave to the North; Lake Ave to the East; Woodlawn & Cortland to the South; and Manning Boulevard to the West.
• South End: The South End is present in historic preserved brick row houses and Schuyler and Cherry Mansion, as well as newly reconstructed South Pearl Street and other new construction.
• Upper Washington: A quiet residential neighborhood with tree lined streets and well maintained properties, the neighborhood offers much to families and those looking for a peaceful place to live close to recreation and commercial amenities.
• West Hill: This neighborhood is marked by historic architecture, the largest nature preserve in the city, ice skating rinks and parks.

FOR VISITORS

• New York State Museum: Offering millions of specimens and artifacts, the museum's exhibits focus on natural history, particularly as it relates to the state of New York.
• Henry Hudson Planetarium: Housed at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, the planetarium offers visitors the opportunity to view astronomy demonstrations, while also teaching them about such subjects as astrology, history, and art. Designated an official "NASA Space Place," the planetarium offers a range of interactive and educational programs.
• Albany Riverfront Park: Offering easy access to the Hudson River, the park includes a large amphitheater.
• Washington Park: An extensive public space located in the center of the city, Washington Park has a lake, a playhouse, and a wide variety of trees and flowers. In summer, the Park Playhouse outdoor theater offers regular performances.
• The Alfred E. Smith State Office Building is a 34-story skyscraper built in the Art Deco style; at 388 feet, it is the second tallest building in Albany.
• Quackenbush House, the oldest building in Albany, was built in 1736 on the southern border of the city. Another historic building from nearly the same time period, the Schuyler Mansion, is located nearer to the downtown area. It was originally built for General Philip Schuyler of the Continental Army.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Albany Institute of History and Art: One of the oldest museums in the United States, the museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts and artworks relating to the history of the region. The museum is also famous for its extensive collection of paintings by Hudson River School artists.
• University Art Museum: Centrally located on the University at Albany campus, the museum showcases iconic twentieth-century architecture, while featuring several rotating exhibits of modern art each year.

EVENTS

• Albany Tulip Festival: Since 1949, the festival has filled the city of Albany with hundreds of thousands of tulips each year. Held each May, the festival offers food, music, and the annual crowning of the Tulip Queen.
• Alive at Five: Half major concert, half block party, the event takes place every Thursday during the summer, providing live music, dancing, food, and refreshments for city residents and visitors.
• African-American Family Day Festival: This festival promotes peace, love, and community through traditional art, music, ethnic food, and family events.

EDUCATION

Albany is home to several leading institutions of higher education, among them:

• University at Albany
• College of Saint Rose
• Albany College of Pharmacy
• Albany Law School
• Albany Medical College
• Excelsior College
• Maria College of Albany
• Sage College of Albany

SPORTS TEAMS

Albany has a number of sports teams at the collegiate level thanks to the University at Albany, which plays Division I in all its sports, and the College of Saint Rose, which plays Division I and Division II sports. The city is also host to a number of minor league teams; however, it does not boast any professional sports teams.

LOCAL MEDIA

Publications serving Albany include:

• Albany Times Union
• Daily Gazette
• Troy Record
• Metroland
• The Business Review

Albany's local television and radio stations include:

• WRGB-CBS
• WTEN-ABC
• WNYT-NBC
• WXXA-FOX
• WMHT-PBS
• WSWN-CW
• WNYA-My Network TV
• WYPX-ION
• WGY Talk Radio and News
• WROW Talk Radio and News
• WGDJ Talk Radio and Sports
• AMMW Local Talk Radio
• WOFX Fox Sports Radio
• WTMM ESPN Radio
• WFLY-92 Pop Music
• WYJB-95.5 Adult Contemporary
• WRVE-99.5 Adult Rock
• WKLI-100.9 Soft Music
• WXBK-FM-103 Rock
• WPYX-106 Classic Rock
• WGNA-107.7 Country
• WAMC-FM Northeast Public Radio and BBC World Service
• WMHT-FM Northeast Public Radio and Classical Music