Albany is a historic and scenic city located in the state of New York, and the state’s capital. The Hudson River runs thru Albany and serves domestic ships and barges at the port of Albany-Rensselaer on both sides of the River. The Hudson also attracts many tourists, both domestic and international, who come to admire its beauty and take part in a variety of water driven recreational activities and events.
Albany is considered the Tech valley for its high technology focus and that plays a pivotal role in the city’s economic growth. Albany has been cushioned from the economic recession by its steady economic bases, such as education, healthcare and technology, making it a great place to live and work for professionals and graduates seeking better paying jobs. The city boasts several fortune 500 companies, like American Express, Verizon, Merrill and General Electric, among others, employing a good number of local residents.
Albany is a haven for higher education, with top-rated public schools and many institutions of higher education, like (SUNY) State University of New York, Albany School of Law and Albany Medical Center. This makes Albany the perfect place to call home for college students and academics.
Albany guarantees residents an easy commute, being home to an international airport that is serviced by six major airlines. Several major highways and freeways allow residents to access a wide variety of work and entertainment centers. U.S. interstate 87 connects Albany to Canada by road.
The city of Albany has over sixty parks, including the historic Lincoln Park, the rustic Buckingham Lake Park and the Municipal Golf Park. These parks have bike trails and vast open spaces with trees for shade, making them ideal for the perfect family outings.
Albany’s architecture is second to none; it has marvelous buildings, both ultra modern and historic. A good example is the New York State Capitol building, which houses the New York Legislature. Downtown Albany showcases a lot of Dutch influences, with a high concentration of historic buildings and landmarks built during the turn of the century.
When in Albany, be sure not to miss the city’s most popular festivals, including the Tulip festival, which celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage and marks the beginning of spring as Tulips bloom all over Washington Park. The Albany Chefs’ Food and Wine festival is also one to look out for; it attracts more than 3500 people over three days. Both local and international chefs, restaurants and global wine makers gather in the city to showcase their culinary art. Other events include the African American Festival held in August, the Latin Festival, the Albany Jazz Festival held at the end of every summer, the Lark Music and Art Festival.
The city of Albany has a very vibrant culture due to its strategic location halfway between New York and Montreal and so receives a fascinating mix of cultures. All the more reason to live, work and play in Albany. If you are looking for a home in Albany, contact NewHomeSource. Their real estate experts will help you find the house of your dreams for you and your family.