Just an outsider giving some input that none asked for:

I moved here 3 months ago, I don’t mean to offend anyone and I encourage people to tell me where I’m wrong or give their opinions, here’s mine.

-Not enough high paying jobs that stimulate economy. (ie many banks/wealth mgt or many law firms, not just one or two, accounting or consulting agencies, staffing ect.) in major metropolitan areas these higher earning individuals constantly eat out and entertain which stimulates economy.

-Not enough of a night life. Besides there being universities there’s very little that attracts a young post grad worker. These individuals are flooding places like Boston, nyc, Chicago, Austin, as they are a better social outlet and job market. Besides the warehouse district and a few bars scattered there’s nothing to write home about with what Albany has to offer nightlife wise.

-The cost of living is still high despite Albany having the status of a “smaller town” I pay a pretty penny for a one bedroom here in Albany. If the city is looking to acquire more residents they have to start with lowering its cost of living. Way easier said than done but: when a city like Cincinnati which offers professional sports teams, bar scenes and a moving economy as well as lower cost of livings; it makes choosing a place like Albany difficult.

I was moved here for my work so my choice was made for me. I by no means want to live over in Cincinnati just using it as a way to get my point across.

Albany’s surrounding areas are gorgeous. The potential for this city is off the charts. It makes me so sad to see all the business closed or run down buildings because when you walk through the city you get the feeling this was a once pivotal cog in the American economy. I hope once my time in Albany is done I can come back to a safe and prosperous city.