Located about 150 miles north of New York City on the west bank of the Hudson River, Albany serves as the capital of New York state and a midway point between the Hudson Valley to the south and the Adirondack Mountains to the north. Locally, Albany is known as the Tri-City Area. The region includes the smaller metro areas of Troy and Schenectady, which are historically more industrial.

Albany can be a transient region, with the working population shifting every time a new governor takes office. Yet throughout years of administrative changes, Albany has maintained a lively downtown that serves as both a commercial and cultural center. The region doesn't have the crowds or costs of a major metro area, and Albany has an old-world appeal to it. There are rows of colorfully painted, turn-of-the-century brownstones, the historic state capitol building, and the iconic Empire State Plaza.

With New York state's Finger Lakes wine region to the west and Massachusetts' Berkshire Mountains to the east, the region is a springboard for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Albany along with that the Capital District in general is heavily dependent on government, health care, and education with a growing private high-tech sector. The government (local, state, and federal) represents about one-quarter of employment in the area. 

There are several other major employers in the area that attract people to work and live in Albany. The GE Research Center is the second-largest employer after the State of New York. Also high on the list of top employers are Albany Medical Center, Northeast Health, and Verizon. You can search for many top commercial properties for sale in Albany if you are considering building your new business opportunities within the area. 

As the state capital, Albany is home to a variety of institutions that offer both two-year and four-year degree programs as well as specialized programs. Since most of these colleges and universities are located just on the edge of the city, many residents living in Albany are students.

The Capital District as a whole takes so much pride in its education system that many locals choose to support the college sports teams over the state’s many professional sports teams. Home to seven colleges directly in the city and 28 colleges within the surrounding area, there are plenty of institutions to choose from in regard to higher education. Plus, as a new resident, enjoy the perk of attending a highly-rated university with in-state tuition status.

Top higher education institutions in Albany, New York include: 

University at Albany: A four-year public university that offers 118 undergraduate majors and minors and 138 graduate programs. 

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Services: A four-year private non-profit college dedicated to pharmacy studies. 

The College of Saint Rose: A four-year private non-profit college that was ranked as a top teaching school. 

Maria College: A two-year private Catholic college. 

Bryant & Stratton College: A two-year for-profit college in Albany.

Albany Tulip Festival is one of the most popular annual events in Albany, NY that typically draws tens of thousands of people to Washington Park each year. The 2023 Albany Tulip Festival which celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage will take place over Mother's Day weekend on May 13 - 14 and feature all your favorite traditions, events, and activities.

There are more than 350 breweries located in upstate New York, 20 of which are located in Albany which is proud of having a strong brewing history that spans nearly 400 years, starting with the earliest Dutch settlers and continuing into the 21st century. As the years go on, more and more breweries and microbreweries are opening up all over the city as the New York beer industry takes the world by storm. 

From Remsen Street in Cohoes to the City of Albany’s Warehouse District, to the Helderberg Hilltowns, the local craft beverage scene is booming. Albany County is home to Nine Pin Cider, New York’s first farm cidery, and Royal Meadery, New York’s first licensed farm meadery. Sip, savor and swirl craft beverages in friendly taprooms tucked on historic main streets and scenic tasting rooms with stunning rural views. 

Offering tours and tastings to visitors, many breweries even serve food among their wide selection of brews.

Whether you enjoy hiking, trying the newest restaurant, or kayaking at a nearby lake, there is something for everyone in Albany.

Visit Albany Pine Bush Preserve and enjoy some nature trails or spend some time at the New York State Museum learning about our state’s history. Visit the famous landmark Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site, a Georgian-style home of American Revolutionary War Major-General Philip Schuyler, for its affluent architecture and learn its history. Crossgates Mall is your premier shopping destination, in addition to offering bowling, a comedy club, multiple restaurants, and an escape room. The local Albany commercial real estate agents will help you find the right place for your business. 

In the mood for a concert? The Egg, The Times Union Center, and the Palace Theater are all in downtown Albany and host numerous popular acts every month. That’s in addition to the countless bars that host live music throughout the week.

Children will have fun on the rides at Huck Finn’s Playland or ice skating in the winter at the Empire State Plaza. Attend a Siena basketball game for an activity the whole family will enjoy.