Albany 79 Exceptional
Albany Livability #54 ranked city in California#1,844 ranked city in the USARanks better than 93% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Albany

PROS
  • 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.

CONS
  • 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.

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What's it like Living in Albany?

Albany is a medium-sized city located in the state of California. The city has a population of 20,145 people. Albany has a population density of 11,254 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Individuals of White (48%) and Asian (31%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Albany. An important consideration when living in Albany is the longer-than-average commute times. If you seek a short work commute, this area may not be the best choice for you. The one-way commute time here typically takes 33 minutes, far surpassing the national average of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Albany, California could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like commute, education, employment, 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 77 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 91st percentile of all cities across America. This is a terrific score, as Albany ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Albany also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. 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: crime (B+). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Albany. The following was graded with a less than perfect score: cost of living (F).

The Albany unemployment rate of 2.04% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Albany, the average school test scores reached an impressive 76%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Albany an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Albany is real estate affordability. The median home price for Albany homes is $907,700, which is 121.8% higher than the California average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Albany, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 8.8, which is 37.5% higher than the California average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Albany

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Albany?

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Compare Albany, CA Livability

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      Albany transportation information

      Statistic Albany California National
      Average one way commute33min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work36.0%73.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.0%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit25.8%5.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle6.0%1.1%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.1%2.7%2.8%
      Working from home17.3%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Albany, CA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).