When we saw Albany, New York, on the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s list for the best places to live in the U.S., we were FAR from surprised.
Siena College is just a short drive away from downtown Albany ($12 on Uber!), which, if you didn’t know, is currently booming with the resurgence of new businesses, structural development and lots of young people starting careers here.
So, we came up with a mini list of our own that explains why we’re not surprised to see Albany ranked among some of the best cities in the country. Albany rules—we've got the receipts:
It’s a capital city. It might be stating the obvious, but being a state capital is no joke. For Albany, it means being a part of a thriving political scene with plenty of jobs in state government, the judicial system and technology. New infrastructure like the Albany Capital Center improves economic development and hosts more visitors for conferences, sports games and more. In 2020, the Albany Times Union Center will host the first- and second-round games of the NCAA basketball tournament. Pretty sweet. (FYI: the Siena Saints Division I basketball team plays all of its home games at the Albany Times Union Center!)
There’s quality of life. In fact, that’s the reason Albany made the list in the first place. U.S. News ranks quality of life based on stats like health and well-being, average commuting time, median home price, salary and more. Albany continues to stand out in those categories, and for good reason. The median annual salary is $56,090 and the average commute time is a mere 22.8 minutes—which makes getting from the suburbs to the city feel like a breeze.
You won’t be bored. Albany is known for its culture—from the arts community and food scene on Lark Street to musical venues on Pearl Street and in the Corning Riverfront Park. Throughout the year, local students and residents attend events from the annual Tulip Festival to PearlPalooza and Holiday Lights in the Park. There’s entertainment for the college-aged student through to young professionals and families—keeping people in the area and creating new traditions along the way.
So, if the city of Albany piques your interest, you might want to consider a college in close proximity. How does one with an alumni base that has started businesses and launched careers right here in the Capital Region sound? Click below to learn more about our connections to one of the best cities in the country.
