Albany, NY
If you're looking for a great place to live or visit, be sure to check out Albany, New York! With a rich history, beautiful parks, and a thriving tech sector, there's something for everyone in the New York Capital Region. Whether you're looking for historic homes, antique shops, music concerts, art galleries, outdoor adventures, or just fun places to spend some time, Albany offers numerous attractions. RedShift Recruiting is proud to be part of the Albany community, providing staffing services for the people and businesses that call Albany home. If you're looking for a great place to live or planning a trip, check out some of the things that make Albany a fantastic place to live, work, and visit!
A (Very) Brief History of Albany
Located in an area originally inhabited by the Mohican Tribe, and with the Mohawk Tribe located nearby in the Mohawk Valley, Albany was settled by Europeans over 400 years ago after Henry Hudson claimed the land for the United Netherlands in 1609. The Dutch settlers built Fort Nassau in 1614, which was later rebuilt as Fort Orange before being captured by the English and renamed after the Duke of Albany in 1664. The capital of New York State and one of the oldest European settlements in the country, Albany is rich in history and was a major transportation and trading hub through much of the 19th century due to the Erie Canal and the growing railroad industry. Today, Albany continues to be a major center of economic activity in upstate New York, with a focus in recent years on “Tech Valley” initiatives to invest in the growth of the tech sector, including nanotechnology.
Tech Valley
Tech Valley refers to 19 counties in Eastern New York State making up the Capital District and Hudson Valley. Stretching from Westchester County just north of New York City up to the Canadian border, it includes the Capital Region, Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, the Adirondacks, and the North Country. Tech Valley is home to major corporations, high-tech research and development organizations, and a growing start-up community. The Tech Valley initiative began in the late 1990s as a way to promote the Capital Region as a hub for tech-related economic activity and has been successful in attracting new businesses and investment to the area. The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce led the way in branding the area and encouraging investment and growth in the tech sector, with a focus on nanotechnology, biotech, and life sciences. From SUNY Poly CNSE in Albany and GlobalFoundries' computer chip manufacturing plant in Malta, to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Rensselaer Technology Park in Troy, the Capital Region is a growing center for tech research, development, and manufacturing.
Things to Do in Albany, NY
There are many things to do in Albany, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a good time. For history lovers, Albany offers many museums and historical sites, including the New York State Museum, the Albany Institute of History and Art, and the Shaker Heritage Society. Those looking to experience the natural beauty of the upstate area can explore one of the many local parks, such as Washington Park, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, or the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail. As well as being the capital city, Albany is also home to several colleges whose students have fueled a lively downtown environment, and for those just looking to have a good time, Albany offers a wide variety of bars and restaurants, live music venues, and other entertainment options. No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something exciting in Albany!
Attractions
Albany Pine Bush Preserve
Capital Repertory Theatre
Corning Tower
Crossgates Mall
The Egg
Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza
Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail
Rail Trail, 722 S Pearl St, Albany, NY 12202
The Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail is a paved rail trail that travels 9.8 miles from South Pearl Street in the south section of Albany to Voorheesville near South Main St. A beautiful trail for biking, walking, running, and rollerblading, as well as cross-country skiing in the winter, it is also wheelchair accessible. The former route of the D&H Railway, the scenic journey offers stunning views of the area, passing by creeks and through woods where birdwatchers and animal lovers can keep an eye out for local wildlife. There are several access points to the trail, including parking lots in Albany, Delmar, the Slingerlands, and Voorheesville. It also passes within walking distance of Bethlehem Veterans Memorial Park, workout stations, and the town of Delmar, where visitors can take a break and stop into a local shop or restaurant.
Huck Finn's Playland
The MVP Arena
The Palace Theatre
Washington Park
Museums and Historical Sites
Albany County Historical Association-Ten Broeck Mansion
Albany Institute of History & Art
American Italian Heritage Museum & Cultural Center
Discover Albany Visitors Center
25 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207
The Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center includes the Albany Heritage Exhibit, including the history of USS Albany ships. Guests can also visit the gift shop, get information about Albany's many attractions and local events, and schedule a walking tour or lecture.
Historic Cherry Hill
Irish American Heritage Museum
21 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207
While you're at the Discover Albany Visitors Center, stop by the Irish American Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to the history and culture of Irish immigrants.
New York State Capitol Building
New York State Museum
Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site
Shaker Heritage Society
25 Meeting House Rd, Albany, NY 12211
The Shaker Heritage Society is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone interested in the religious sect known as the Shakers. The Society offers tours of the Watervliet Shaker National Historic District, which was the first Shaker settlement and the burial site of several influential Shakers, including founder Ann Lee. The Society also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.
Stephen and Harriet Myers Residence
USS Slater DE766
Architecture
Albany City Hall
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Empire State Plaza
New York State Capitol
New York State Court of Appeals
New York State Education Building
Peter D. Kiernan Plaza
SUNY System Administration Building or SUNY Plaza
Washington Park Lakehouse
Parks
If you are looking for walking or hiking trails, playgrounds, sports fields, or a place to have a picnic or just enjoy the outdoors, beautiful Albany offers a wealth of options!
Arbor Hill Park (Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12210)
Beverwyck Park (640 Washington Ave, Albany, NY 12203)
Black Lives Matter Park (formerly Livingston Park) (228 Eagle St, Albany, NY 12202)
Buckingham Lake Park (39 Berkshire Blvd, Albany, NY 12203)
Colby Park (19 Colby St, Albany, NY 12206)
Corning Riverfront Park (Quay St, Albany, NY 12207)
Elizabeth St. Park (80 Alexander St, Albany, NY 12202)
Frank Waterson Park (Colvin Ave, Albany, NY 12206)
Franklin St. Park (80 Herkimer St, Albany, NY 12202)
Hackett Park (N 1st St, Albany, NY 12204)
Hummel St. Park (Hummel Terrace, Albany, NY 12202)
Krank Park (Cherry Hill- 65 1st Ave Albany, NY)
Lark Park (Lark St, Albany, NY 12210)
Lincoln Park (228 Eagle St, Albany, NY 12202)
Mater Christi Park and Pool (1134 New Scotland Rd, Albany, NY 12208)
Mount Hope Park (Mt Hope Dr, Albany, NY 12202)
Mullens Park (61 N 1st St, Albany, NY 12204)
N. Swan St. Park (52 2nd St, Albany, NY 12210)
Oak St. Park (Oak St & 2nd St, Albany, NY 12206)
Orange St. Park (321 Orange St, Albany, NY 12210)
Philips St. Park (Philip St, Albany, NY 12202)
Pitch Pine Park (300A Washington Ave Ext, Albany, NY 12203)
Ridgefield Park (316 Partridge St, Albany, NY 12208)
Rosemont Playground (90 Rosemont St, Albany, NY 12203)
Shaker Park (26-20 Rosemary Dr, Albany, NY 12211)
Sheridan Park (Rd St, Albany, NY 12210)
Six Mile Waterworks Park (135 Fuller Rd, Albany, NY 12205)
Sunset Park- (Sunset Ave and Cortland St, Albany, NY 12203)
Swinburne Park (810 Clinton Ave, Albany, NY 12206)
Washington Park (35 Willett St, Albany, NY 12210)
Whitehall Park (132 Whitehall Rd, Albany, NY 12209)
Wilkie Playground (Colonie St, Albany, NY 12210)
Woodlawn Park (Woodlawn Ave, Albany, NY 12208)
Festivals
Albany Riverfront Jazz Festival (September/End of Summer- Jennings Landing / Corning Preserve Boat Launch)- Full-day concert with food and beverage vendors concluding with fireworks in the evening.
Alive at 5 (Jennings Landing / Corning Preserve Boat Launch)- Free summer concert series on Thursdays from June through August.
Art on Lark (Summer/Fall- Lark St)- Street fair on historic Lark Street showcasing the work of local artists and small businesses. Includes food, vendors, and live music.
Black Arts and Cultural Festival (August- Empire State Plaza)- Celebrating African American art, history, and culture, this free festival features art, music, dance performances, and plenty of activities for families.
Capital Pride Parade and Festival (June- Washington Park)- PRIDE celebration in Washington Park including music, performances, vendors, and a parade on State Street, Lark Street, and Madison Avenue.
Dad Fest (June- Washington Park)- Father's Day celebration including food and vendors.
Freihofer's Run for Women (May/June- Downtown Albany)- Annual 5-kilometer running competition for women drawing thousands of participants.
Lark Fest (Fall- Lark Street)- The largest one-day street festival in upstate New York, this music and arts festival includes music, vendors, artisans, food trucks, and more.
Latin Fest (August- Washington Park)- Cultural event and festival showcasing Hispanic culture, including food and craft vendors, music, and performing artists.
Lupine Fest (May/Spring- Albany Pine Bush Preserve)- Celebrating the beautiful Lupine flowers that bloom in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve, this festival promotes community awareness and support for the preserve and includes vendors, crafts, games, music, and more.
NYS Writers Institute's Albany Book Festival (September- University at Albany- Annual event for book lovers, including panel discussions, book signings with local and bestselling authors and poets, workshops, vendors, etc.
NYS Writers Institute's Albany Film Festival (Spring- University at Albany)- Annual event including film screenings, workshops, panel discussions with filmmakers, authors, and critics, and more.
Pearlpalooza (September/Fall- North Pearl St)- Free music festival held on North Pearl Street in downtown Albany.
Price Chopper Fourth of July Celebration (July- Empire State Plaza)- Independence Day celebration including music and a fireworks display.
The Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts (April/Spring)- Gala supporting the Arts, includes a Signature Chef-curated dinner, premium wines, performances, art exhibitions, and a silent auction.
Tulip Festival (May- Washington Park)- Celebrating Albany's Dutch heritage and official flower, the Tulip Festival has been an annual Albany event since 1949 and includes a variety of activities such as the Carillon Concert outside Albany City Hall, street scrubbing, the Tulip Queen coronation, and the Royal Tulip Ball, as well as live music and vendors.
Sports
Albany is home to many passionate sports fans as well as the following teams:
Albany All Stars Roller Derby
Albany Devils Hockey
Albany Dutchmen (Collegiate Baseball League)
Albany FireWolves (Lacrosse)
Albany Knickerbockers Rugby Club
Albany Patroons (Basketball)
College of Saint Rose Golden Knights
Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club
James Connolly Albany Rebels Gaelic Football Club
Siena Saints
The Albany Empire (Football)
Tri-City ValleyCats (Baseball)
UAlbany Athletics (Great Danes)
Local Breweries
If you love craft beer, you've come to the right place. Albany is home to a rising craft beer scene, with several local breweries to choose from. Whether you're looking for a hoppy IPA or a malty stout, you'll find something to your taste at one of Albany's breweries. With great food, atmosphere, and, of course, signature beer, these breweries are not to be missed!
For the true adventurer and connoisseur, embark on the Capital Craft Beverage Trail tour. Find your trail map on their website, grab your Capital Craft Beverage Trail Passport at a participating producer, and start collecting stamps. Not only will you experience some of the best drinks Albany has to offer, but you'll also be able to redeem your stamps for prizes! Below are just a few of the places you'll want to stop:
The Albany Distilling Company Bar and Bottle Shop- 75 Livingston Ave, Albany, NY 12207
Albany Pump Station (C.H. Evans Brewing Co)- 19 Quackenbush Square, Albany, NY 12207
Druthers Brewing Company- 1053 Broadway, Albany, NY 12204
Fidens Brewing Company- 10 Walker Way, Colonie, NY 12205
Fort Orange Brewing- 450 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12204
Nine Pin Cider Works- 929 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
Neighborhoods
Albany's neighborhoods are as diverse as its people. From historic streets and a lively downtown area to residential neighborhoods, Albany has something for everyone.
Arbor Hill
Beverwyck
Buckingham Lake/Crestwood
Center Square
Delaware Avenue
Dunes
Eagle Hill
Helderberg
Hudson/Park
Manning Boulevard
Mansion
Melrose
Midtown
Mount Hope
New Scotland / Woodlawn
North Albany
Park South
Pastures
Pine Hills
Second Ave
Shaker Park
Sheridan Hollow
South End
Upper Madison/Upper Washington
Washington Park
Washington Square
West Hill
Education
Public
Albany City School District (includes 13 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and Albany High School)
Private
The Albany Academies
Albany Jewish Community Center
Blessed Sacrament (Roman Catholic)
Castle Island Bilingual Montessori
Maimonids Hebrew Day School (Jewish)
Maria College Campus School
Mater Christi (Roman Catholic)
St. Anne Institute (Special Education, All Girls School)
St. Matthew's Lutheran School
Private Elementary
Academy of the Holy Names (Roman Catholic, All Girls School)
The Albany Academies
Bet Shraga Hebrew Academy (Jewish)
Blessed Sacrament (Roman Catholic)
The Free School (Special Program Emphasis)
Kevin G. Langan School (Special Education)
La Salle School (Special Education, Roman Catholic, All Boys School)
Maimonides Hebrew Day School (Jewish)
Mater Christi School (Roman Catholic)
Neil Helman School/Northern Rivers Family Services (Special Education)
St. Anne Institute (Special Education, All Girls School)
St. Catherine's Center for Children R&E May School (Special Education)
Private High School
Academy of the Holy Names (Roman Catholic, All Girls School)
The Albany Academies
Bishop Maginn High School (Roman Catholic)
Kevin G Langan School (Special Education)
La Salle School (Special Education, Roman Catholic, All Boys School)
Maimonides Hebrew Day School (Jewish)
Neil Helman School/Northern Rivers Family Services (Special Education)
St. Anne Institute (Special Education, All Girls School)
Colleges & Universities
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Albany Law School
Albany Medical College
Bryant & Stratton College
Capital Region BOCES
Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy
Computer Visions
Excelsior College
Maria College
Mildred Elley
New Horizons
Orlo School of Hari Design and Cosmetology
Sage College of Albany
St. Peter's Hospital College of Nursing
State University of New York at Albany
The CDL School
The College of St. Rose
Trades & Technical Training
University at Albany
Hospitals
Albany Medical Center (43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208)
Albany Memorial Campus (600 Northern Blvd, Albany, NY 12204)
Albany Stratton VA Medical Center (113 Holland Ave, Albany, NY 12208)
Capital District Psychiatric Center (75 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208)
St. Peter's Hospital (315 S Manning Blvd, Albany, NY 12208)
Transportation
Airport
Albany International Airport (737 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211)
Boat
Port of Albany-Rensselaer (106 Smith Blvd, Albany, NY 12202)
New York State Barge Canal
Bus
Adirondack Trailways (34 Hamilton St, Albany, NY 12207)
Albany Bus Terminal (34 Hamilton St, Albany, NY 12207)
Albany Charter Bus Company (90 S Swan St suite 103-f, Albany, NY 12210)
Capital Bus Tours (217 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206)
Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA)- public transportation service for downtown Albany and the surrounding areas.
Greyhound Station (38 Hamilton St, Albany, NY 12207)
HG Bus (128 Central Ave #2901, Albany, NY 12206)
Major Highways
Albany is accessible by several major highways which make it easy to travel from the Capital Region to Canada, Western NY, New England, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania. Commuters and travelers alike will be well acquainted with these highways:
I-787- Connects Albany to the towns of Colonie, Menands, and Watervliet.
I-90- Crosses the state east to west from Ripley at the Pennsylvania state line to Canaan at the Massachusetts state line. Although much of the interstate is part of the New York State Thruway, a section passes through Albany which is not tolled.
The Northway (I-87)- Known to locals as the Northway or the Adirondack Northway, this interstate travels north of the New York State Thruway to Canada.
US Route 20- Passes through downtown Albany as Western Ave. Crosses the state east to west from Ripley at the Pennsylvania state line to Canaan at the Massachusetts state line.
Train Station
Amtrak Albany-Rensselaer Train Station (525 East St, Rensselaer, NY 12144)
Transportation Services
A+ MediTrans (23 Railroad Ave, Albany, NY 12205)
Advantage Transit Group Inc. (137 Lark St, Albany, NY 12210)
Albany Taxi (1 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12210)
Albany VIP Transportation (Dana Ave, Albany, NY 12208)
All Go Transportation (6 Automation Ln Unit 122, Albany, NY 12205)
Capital District Medical Transportation (203 Spruce St, Albany, NY 12210)
Express Transportation NY (327 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206)
New York Taxicab Service & Transportation (38 Hamilton St, Albany, NY 12207)
Premier Transportation (456 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12204)
Prestige Car Service LLC (31 Vatrano Rd, Albany, NY 12205)
Quick Taxi (131 Lark St, Albany, NY 12210)
Royale Transportation (137 Lark St)
Safe Care Mobility Services (Non-emergency medical transportation) (456 N Pearl St, Albany, NY 12204)
Suburban Transportation (22 Kraft Ave, Albany, NY 12205)
Yellow Taxi (133 Lark St, Albany, NY 12210)
ZS Transit Inc. (27 Pennsylvania Ave, Albany, NY 12206)
Local Radio Stations
Alternative:
WEXT - 97.7 FM
WEQX - 102.7 FM
WINU - 104.9 FM
WQSH - 103.5 FM: ALT 103.5
College:
WVCR - 88.3 FM: Siena College radio station
WRUC - 89.7 FM: Union College radio station
WCDB - 90.9 FM: SUNY Albany College radio station
WRPI - 91.5 FM: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's College radio station
Country:
W235AY - 94.9 FM: WGNA
WFFG - 100.3 FM: Froggy 100.3 FM
WKLI - 100.9 FM: The Cat
WGNA - 107.7 FM
News, Public & Talk Radio:
WAMC - 90.3 FM
WGY - 810 AM and 103.1 FM
Rock:
WRVE - 99.5 FM: The River
WKBE - 107.1 FM: The Point
WQBK - 103.9 FM
WPYX - 106.5 FM: PYX 106
Soft Rock:
WYJB - 95.5 FM: B95.5
WCTW - 98.5 FM
Spiritual:
WDCD - 96.7 FM
WMYY - 97.3 FM
WNGN - 97.5 FM
Sports:
WOFX - 980 AM: Fox Sports radio live from Albany
WPTR - 1240 AM: NBC Sports
WTMM - 104.5 FM: ESPN Radio Sports Talk
Top 40:
WFLY - 92.3 FM: Fly 92
WAJZ - 96.3 FM: JAMZ
WKKF - 102.3 FM: KISS FM
Local TV Stations
WRGB 6 (CBS, Channel 6)
Spectrum News 1 Capital Region (Channel 9)
WTEN News10 ABC
WNYT / WNYA (NBC, Channel 13 / MyNetworkTV Channel 51)
WMHT (PBS, Channel 17)
FOX 23 TV (WXXA-TV)
WCWN 45 (CW)
Demographics
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city of Albany’s demographics are as follows:
Population Estimates as of July 1, 2021: 98,617
Age:
Under 5 years: 5.2%
Under 18 years: 17.1%
65+ years: 13.2%
Race & Hispanic Origin:
White: 53.8%
Black or African American: 29%
Hispanic or Latino: 10.1%
Two or More Races: 7.1%
Asian: 6.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native: .2%
Education
High School Graduate or Higher (Percentage of People aged 25+): 88.7%
Bachelor’s degree or higher (Percentage of People aged 25+): 42.5%
Best Staffing Agency
redShift Recruiting Albany Office
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1930 U.S. 9
Castleton, NY 12033
(518) 621-1990
redShift Recruiting
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518-621-1990