For those who are interested in moving to New York and want a city that offers so much to see and do but on a slightly smaller scale than the Big Apple, Albany might be an excellent choice to consider. It’s the capital city of New York, and it’s a city well-known for being full of opportunity, and for being home to a thriving arts and culture scene, many diverse neighborhoods, and so much to see and do. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in New York’s capital city, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at Albany's History
Albany initially received its name based on the Duke of York’s Scottish title, “Duke of Albany,” as long ago as 1664 when the English first took control of the area. Despite being named after an Englishman, Albany was primarily Dutch in language and custom until the American Revolution. Albany remains so to this day and is proud of its reputation as a diverse city full of innovation and opportunity. After the Americans won the revolution and New York was made a state, Albany was named its capital in 1797. The city grew, both because it was the capital and an important center of trade, and with the arrival of the railroad in the 1800s. Since that time, Albany has grown fairly steadily, and today remains an important center of industry and culture in New York. It is a diverse city, full of much to see and do, and truly, it would be a great place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Albany
Read more fun facts about Albany here.
Albany’s LGBTQ Community
Albany is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
Pride Center of the Capital Region
The mission of the Pride Center of the Capital Region is to promote the well-being of the LGBTQ community in the greater Albany area – a mission which it has been accomplishing since the 1970s. This community-based group has been supporting, celebrating, and advocating for the LGBTQ community in the greater Albany area for many years, and is dedicated to providing information, opportunities, programs, and resources. It is truly an essential part of Albany’s LGBTQ community.
What's the Weather Like in Albany?
Those who live in Albany can expect to experience all four distinct seasons each year. High temperatures in July typically reach to around 83ºF each year, while lows in January can drop to around 15ºF. Spring and fall are typically mild and pleasant, with spring promising beautiful blooming flowers and fall bringing the bright colors of changing leaves. Albany receives 40 inches of rain, on average, per year and about 50 inches of snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in Albany
The Capital Pride Parade and Festival is a can’t miss event in Albany each year. It is the city’s largest annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and certainly one of the most fun. It offers parades, parties, family-friendly activities, networking opportunities, and more, all to celebrate the LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city. Be sure to put it on your calendar – you won’t want to miss your chance to join in the fun!
The Best Neighborhoods in Albany
If you’re thinking of making a move to Albany, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Albany is sprinkled throughout the city, so truly, anywhere in the city would make a wonderful place to call home.
One area that tends to have a lot of LGBTQ-owned businesses and vibrant nightlife is the area surrounding Lark Street. This very walkable area is very walkable and full of many galleries, shops, restaurants, coffee houses, and bars. The Park South, Hudson Park, Center Square, and Arbor Hill neighborhoods are all close to Lark Street, and all are friendly, diverse, and welcoming.
There are a wide variety of home styles available in different price ranges. The median list price of homes currently for sale in the Albany area is around $230,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Egg is a very unique, visually stunning, performing arts venue in Albany. Named for its shape, the building was designed by famed architects Harrison & Abramovitz as part of the Empire State Plaza project. Today, the venue hosts a wide variety of performances each year for visitors to enjoy. Whether you enjoy concerts, drama, Broadway musicals, stand-up comedy, or a little of each, you’re sure to find it here.
Albany Institute of History and Art
The Albany Institute of History and Art is a museum "dedicated to collecting, preserving, interpreting and promoting interest in the history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley region". The museum does an excellent job of accomplishing this mission, with a fascinating and extensive selection of pieces for visitors to enjoy. It’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon learning, feeling inspired, and having fun.
Parks and Recreation
This beautiful 81-acre green space in the heart of the city was designed by famed park planner Frederick Law Olmstead over a century ago. It is a beautiful space, full of hiking trails, spaces to picnic and play and plenty of room to soak in all that nature has to offer on a beautiful Albany day.
For those who love outdoor fun, Thompson Lake is a great spot to put on your list. This beautiful area not only offers a lake for water fun, but also sandy beaches, hiking trails, picnicking spots, playgrounds, and more.
Albany Nightlife
OH Bar, located on Albany’s lively Lark Street is a low-key LGBTQ pub offering karaoke, trivia, pool tables, and a beautiful outdoor garden patio. It’s a great space to spend an evening having fun with old friends or making new ones.
Albany’s Waterworks Pub calls itself “Albany’s Original Gay Bar” – and it’s certainly one of its most popular. Whether you like great music, strong drinks, friendly crowds, or all of the above, you can find it here.
Contact an Albany Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Albany, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Albany, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact an Albany gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
