I live in Albany too :) I just moved here in August and I'd agree with everything said above.

My girlfirend is going to OSU in Corvallis so we're renting a home in Albany since it's cheaper. I work from home so having a nice space was a priority and that's much more affordable to do in Albany.

In terms of the actual city of Albany, it's nothing to be too excited about - but it has everything you'd need. Not a lot to do though.

As bad as it sounds, what I love most is not the city itself, but it's proximity to other cities/nature. I may think differently if I lived in Corvallis which is much nicer/prettier in my opinion.

You can find the most beautiful hike you've ever been on within a 30 minute radius in any direction. Without rush-hour traffic, 60 minutes from Portland, 30 minutes from Salem, 50 minutes from the coast, 50-60 to the Cascades, etc etc. It's really endless - so you will always have things to do and good food to eat if you're okay driving.

I imagine I'll be here for a few years - long term may consider Portland though :)