Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Schools
High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Cost Of Living
Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.
Albany is a moderately-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 20,944 people. In Albany, there are 11,707 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (48%) and Asian (31%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Albany. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Albany entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 33 minutes.
Living in Albany can be a good experience for anyone relocating to the town. Having said that, in the state of California, there are many amazing places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, you can easily compare the best places to live in Albany and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Albany to California and the national average.
The livability score in Albany is 79 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 93rd percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Albany would be considered a very livable city! Albany also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Albany has higher than average rankings for the following: education (A+). Unfortunately for Albany, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: cost of living (F).
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Albany has a violent crime rate of 139 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Albany, the unemployment rate stands at 2.1%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Albany, the average school test scores are an impressive 76%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Albany real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Albany. Median real estate prices in Albany come in at $1,593,436, which is 117.8% higher than the California average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Albany, the home price to income ratio is 10.3, which is 33.8% higher than the California average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Albany | California | National |
| Average one way commute | 33min | 28min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 36.0% | 73.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.0% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 25.8% | 5.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 6.0% | 1.1% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 5.1% | 2.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 17.3% | 5.4% | 4.6% |
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