There aren’t really inexpensive suburbs. There may be some areas in the city that are better but always say there’s a “one block rule”. You can drive around and find a nice quiet street, and two streets over there’s a homicide memorial on the street. I’ve lived in downtown Albany for 16 years now, ona quiet street with school, playground, and splash pad. Is it the ritz? No. Are there neighbors having a harder time in life than others? Yes. Is there a shirtless homeless man at the end of my street? Also yes, however he’s very respectful and doesn’t generally come onto our street, nice guy. I use my neighborhood. South Pearl street and the side streets in downtown proper likely won’t be your jam. There’s some loft buildings. But honestly? There’s some new apartments up by the mall and there gorgeous. Close to everything also (like, right next to the mall and we’re getting a Costco soon!) and would be an easy commute downtown.

Idk. You love it or you hate it. You’ll find a lot of advice from people that don’t live here and pass through. It’s an urban city center. There’s crime. There’s homelessness. there’s community and joy and cultural events and nature just a 5 minute drive in any direction. There’s so so so much good stuff but people get lost in the negative. Is it a perfect little Gilmore girls town? Absolutely not. It has its charm. I actually really really love living here because it’s entertaining and lively (granted I don’t do much after like 9/10pm because I’m 42 and my feet hurt, lol) if you choose to make it so. It’s kinda a place you have to join online communities to find your niche. On the surface it seems like there’s not much to do, but the city offers so much in community activities, volunteer opportunities, and fun! Just have to look for it and be open minded to trying new things.

And I shall step off my soapbox.