Capital Region
Albany, New York
City in Albany County
New York's capital city at the head of the Hudson
Albany is the capital of New York State and the seat of Albany County, set on the Hudson's west bank. State government, hospitals, universities and a historic downtown around the Empire State Plaza anchor the city.
History & Local Character
Albany is one of the oldest continuously chartered cities in the country, settled by the Dutch as Fort Orange in the 1620s. It became the state capital in 1797, and its 19th-century rowhouse neighborhoods and government buildings record that history.
Housing & Real Estate
The city offers rowhouses in Center Square and the Pine Hills, apartments downtown and single-family houses in its outer wards, with prices well below downstate markets.
Restaurants & Shopping
Lark Street, Madison Avenue, Delaware Avenue and North Pearl Street hold a wide range of restaurants, from Italian and Vietnamese to Ethiopian and American, with a strong bar and music scene.
Schools & Education
Albany City School District serves the city, with the University at Albany, SUNY Polytechnic, Albany Law School, Albany Medical College and the College of Saint Rose nearby.
Parks & Recreation
Washington Park, Lincoln Park, the Corning Riverfront Preserve and the Pine Bush Preserve provide green space, trails and river access.
Transportation & Accessibility
I-90, I-87, I-787 and the New York State Thruway meet in Albany, with Amtrak at Rensselaer and Albany International Airport in Colonie.
Local Businesses
Restaurants, bars, law firms, lobbying offices, healthcare practices and independent shops serve the capital workforce and city neighborhoods.
Nearby Attractions
- New York State Capitol
- Empire State Plaza
- Washington Park
- Albany Institute of History & Art
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Stable government and healthcare employment
- Walkable historic neighborhoods
- Affordable housing for a capital city
Considerations
- High poverty in parts of the city
- Winter weather and street parking
- Downtown empties after the workday
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albany the capital of New York?
Yes. Albany has been New York's capital since 1797.
Is Albany a city or a county?
Albany is a city and the seat of Albany County; the county also includes Colonie, Guilderland and other towns.